No one wore rebellion like Vivienne Westwood, and her hair was no exception. From flame-bright spikes in the 70s to elegant waves and greys in her later years, every style was a manifesto — loud, proud and defiantly original.
While we admire her legacy in fashion, Wellington’s Te Papa is giving us another way to celebrate her unapologetic genius. A dazzling new exhibition (open until April 27) showcases her subversive jewellery, with over 550 pieces from over four decades on show alongside other Westwood outfits and images on display.
Much like her jewellery collection, legendary designs and personal ethos, her hair was an ever-evolving statement. Whether she was championing punk, corsetry or climate activism on the runway, her signature copper locks were as much a part of her identity as tartan, platforms and politics.
As we flick through Dame Viv's hair history, we tip our (pirate) hats to a woman who was constantly reinventing herself while staying true to her radical roots.
1958
A cute feathered fringe look for class photos at age 15.
1962
Wild crop on top & a princess braid at the back. I think every 21-year-old ratbag had this haircut or some variation of.
1971
Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood in their shop Let It Rock in London by David Parkinson
1974
God save the hair - I can feel the crisp bleached locks from here!
1977
Looking cool - short & spiky on the streets of London.
1987
A riding jacket and a top hat, how quintessentially British! "release the hounds"
1987
Prancing around in blonde ringlets & a crown, captured by Michael Roberts for Vogue
1990
A velvet applique leaf makes the perfect merkin
1992
'I wished to show off my outfit by twirling the skirt. It did not occur to me that, as the photographers were practically on their knees, the result would be more glamorous than I expected'- Vivienne Westwood receiving her OBE at Buckingham Palace from Queen Elizabeth ||
1992
Just obsessed with this look she wore to the Couture Exhibition at Kensington Palace.
1998
Looking like a queen in her brown satin toque hat at the 'Vivienne Westwood Tribute Exhibition'
2001
British Royalty, I totally see Queen Elizabeth 1 here.
2002
A glamorous bouffant for Vogue
2004
Accessorizing her sleek high-pony with a silver horn headband (yes horns), and statement earrings.
2005
The horns are still on rotation, plus we have some height! A voluminous up-do for an Agent Provocateur show.
2007
A messy pigtail style at the Golden Age of Couture... Mary Queen of Scots, is that you?
2011
A chic centre-part and glorious navy ballgown for The Mozart Matinee at The Salzburg Festival in Austria.
2013
Being punk while attending the Punk: Chaos to Couture Met Gala: she safety pinned a laminated photo of activist and Wikileaks whistleblower Bradley (now Chelsea) Manning to her gown.
"When I did punk all those years ago, [it was about the same thing]: Justice and [trying to] have a better world," she told Vogue's livestream at the time (which ended up cutting her off; rude). "I've got different methods nowadays."
2014
Embracing her natural greys with a fab buzz cut
2019
Taking her hair to new heights for Vivienne Westwood AW19/20 Campaign shot by Juergen Teller, with Andreas.
2019
A simple hair look, backstage at London Fashion Week.
2020
Natural grey locks loosely clipped back, looking better than ever 💋
2020
The classic half up/down with clips look, attending the Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood show at London Fashion Week.
2021
Another appearance of her beloved clips, speaking on the climate crisis at the BoF’s VOICES 2021 gathering.
2021
With her beloved bike, and grey hair in classic beehive, for a modelling turn in the lookbook for the Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood spring/summer 2021 collection.
