We can’t believe that it’s Vivienne Westwood’s 74th birthday! And if we were to tell her “You’re only as old as you feel” – she’d tell us it’s actually her 16th birthday again! Vivienne radiates that youthful optimism of a girl still at school, excitedly franting about a high-school prom or whether her first love will text her back.

Westwood is best known for putting Punk on the map and a statement in British fashion history yet she is turning 74 with an OBE and two ‘Designer of the Year’ awards under her belt!

We thought we’d put together a few fun facts about Vivienne and her work:

1. The most famous fall in fashion… perhaps, ever.

Vivienne Westwood’s towering nine-inch heels were responsible for Naomi Campbell’s spectacular catwalk tumble in 1993. The supermodel reunited with the iconic platforms (this time, upright) on the Jonathan Ross show 20 years later.

2. Quirky Model Line ups

Westwood is famous for her catwalk models – except she doesn’t maintain the stereotypical type that most designers do! It’s why we love her. Famous walkers include Pamela Anderson, Alexa Chung, Daisy Lowe, Alice Dellal and Jamie Winstone. Don’t forget her lovely granddaughter – Cora Corre.

3. Political Activism

British politics never looked so stylish. Westwood always maintains her signature ‘activism’ trends by promoting it whenever possible! Her activism sees no boundaries, including supporting Scottish independence, gender equality, saving the rainforest and climate revolution.

4. Creation of Punk

Vivienne shook up the fashion world with the legendary Kings Road boutique she opened with Sex Pistols’ Malcolm McLaren. The store name changed a whopping five times, including Let it Rock in 1971 and SEX in 1974.

5. Carrie Bradshaw’s Wedding Dress

Carrie Bradshaw’s chosen (and asked for!) wedding dress in Sex and the City: The Movie. Vivienne Westwood Gold Label came to the forefront during this period – especially when Miss Piggy wore a different version in the Muppet’s Most Wanted film.

6. Pharrell Williams Hat

Can you believe that Vivienne Westwood designed Pharrell Williams most iconic hat? Who knew! This super – sized headwear certainly topped the charts this season! We love!

OUR TOP WESTWOOD PICKS

Here at GQ, everyone knows we love her dearly, but we want to give you an insight into our favourite pieces from her new Spring/Summer collection. You know the drill by now – click on the item to be redirected to buy!