Willow Wood Hospice’s charity shop in Glossop is paying tribute to the iconic fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood with a stunning window display celebrating her incredible legacy.
Vivienne made her mark in the 1970s, bringing punk and new wave fashion into the mainstream with her bold and eccentric designs. The hospice 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 Willow Wood’s talented staff and volunteers, the display was unveiled Saturday 29 March and will remain in place until at least Tuesday 8 April, 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’s 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.
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 Glossop shop display, in photographic form, and is the prize in an exciting 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 19 April.
Even after her move to London, Vivienne never forgot her Peak District roots. Indeed, a striking mural of the designer, created by local artist Deggy, is proudly displayed in Glossop town centre.
So it’s fitting that the boutique-style Glossop shop remembers a local icon who will always be synonymous with fashion.
Caroline Lillis, the Glossop shop manager, 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.”
If you’re in Glossop, make sure to stop by and take a look!
Fashion show alert!
On the subject of style, Willow Wood Hospice is running a fashion show on Friday 9 May at The Lock in Stalybridge. Expect a fabulous night of style, sparkle, and bargains!
For more details and tickets, visit willowwood.org.uk/events/fashion-show.
