A HOSPICE which cares for patients in Tameside is paying tribute to the iconic fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood with a stunning window display in one of its charity shops.
Vivienne made her mark in the 1970s, bringing punk and new wave fashion into the mainstream with her bold and eccentric designs.
Willow Wood Hospice’s shop in Glossop is honouring her creative spirit with a unique display that reflects her iconic style.
Millie, who has been volunteering in the shop for three years, came up with the idea.
“I’m a massive Vivienne Westwood fan and as we are close to her birthplace, I thought what better way for us to celebrate a true icon for what would have been her birthday,” she said.
Crafted by staff and volunteers, the display was unveiled last Saturday (March 29) and will remain in place until at least Tuesday, April 8, which would have been Vivienne’s 84th birthday.
A connection with Vivienne
Vivienne’s company Vivienne Westwood Limited donated a designer bag to Sara Scott-Rivers, Executive Assistant to Willow Wood Hospice CEO Tracy Minshull – who lives in Tintwistle, where Vivienne grew up.
Sara is a big fan of Vivienne and her brand, as well as her environmentally conscious ethos. Even after her move to London, Vivienne never forgot her Peak District roots.
Vivienne received hospice care in south London before she died in December 2022 at the age of 81 and as Sara works at a hospice, it felt like a meaningful connection.
Sara said: “I think Vivienne would approve of the bag helping to raise vital funds for a hospice.”
Describing the piece, Sara added: “It’s small and tartan with a thick heavy chain – very eye-catching. It’s in its dust bag with a little card. I hope it raises a decent amount for Willow Wood and it would be lovely if it finds a home with someone who loves all things Westwood.”
Win a Westwood masterpiece
That very bag is now part of the window display, in photographic form, and is the prize in a raffle.
Tickets can be bought in the shop at 12 High Street West, and at Pixie Bakes Cakery & Coffee Shop in Tintwistle, for £1 each. The raffle will be drawn on Saturday, April 19.
Caroline Lillis, manager of the Hospice’s Glossop shop, said: “We’re excited to celebrate Vivienne Westwood’s incredible legacy with this special window display. I’d like to thank the whole team for their hard work – it looks magnificent.
“As a trailblazing fashion icon with strong local connections, this is a wonderful opportunity to honour her creativity and impact. We hope the display inspires our community and highlights Vivienne’s lasting influence on fashion.”
On the subject of style, the Hospice’s Retail team is holding its next Fashion Show on Friday, May 9, at The Lock in Stalybridge. For more details and tickets, visit willowwood.org.uk/events/fashion-show