English fashion designer Vivienne Westwood has died at the age of 81, her representatives have confirmed.

The pioneering designer made a name for herself on the fashion scene in the 1970s, with her androgynous designs, slogan T-shirts and irreverent attitude towards the establishment.

Dame Vivienne died on Friday “peacefully, and surrounded by her family in Clapham, south London,” her representatives said.

In a statement, her husband and creative partner Andreas Kronthaler said: “I will continue with Vivienne in my heart. We have been working until the end and she has given me plenty of things to get on with. Thank you darling.” (PA/dpa)