Vivienne Westwood became one of Britain’s most influential fashion designers, pioneering punk and new wave styles. But long before her design fame, what formal education did Westwood pursue? Where did the future style icon go to college?
- Attended Glossop Grammar School growing up but failed to gain acceptance to university.
- Took a jewelry course at Walthamstow College of Art in London in the 1950s.
- Studied at Harrow School of Art from 1958-1959 but did not earn a degree.
- Left school in her twenties to work as a primary school teacher.
- Opened her first fashion shop in 1971 without any formal design qualifications.
- Rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s through pioneering punk fashions.
Despite no university degree, Vivienne Westwood ascended in fashion through raw talent and utterly original designs that defied convention.
Vivienne Westwood attained no formal higher education credentials before rising to acclaim in fashion. But her innately avant-garde sensibilities rocketed her to success.