I have chosen to Vivienne Westwood as a case study, not the brand but on the women behind the name. As a fashion conscious student, her iconic punk style has been a standout to me as the definition of a pioneer who made punk mainstream. Westwood, whose real name is Vivienne Swire, continues her legacy even in today's saturated fashion markets through her fashion shows with political protests sprinkled in for good measure. Using her power of influence to educate is what influenced my choice to choose her as a case study. 
In 1971 Westwood, along with her then partner Mclaren opened up her first boutique in Kings Road London and started to fill it with her eclectic selection of clothing designs, the shop much like Westwood herself, was in a constant state of flux with the shop name changing five times before finale stopping. It is stated and many including Westwood herself may agree that her original shop was a pinnacle necessity during the punk movement with much thanks to Mclaren who started being the manager of the legendary band the Sex Pistols, it was Westwood's designs that carved out their identity. As the punk movement past, Westwood's distinctive designs and iconic fabrics still stood out in the test of time with tartan print and thrills becoming a statement to her collections from the 1980s, Jaspar Conran, fellow British designer once said 'Westwood's effects on other designers is much like a laxative, Vivienne does and others follow.'
Coupled with her unconventional style, Westwood's impression is hard to ignore. She once iconically stole a suit supposed to be worn by Margret Thatcher and posed as her on the front a huge British magazine, sending Thatcher into a rage. This and other political messages sent through her catwalks on t-shirt prints and protest posters are only some of the ways Westwood has allowed herself to stand out from the crowd, but it is all forgiven considering the two OBE's she has been given, her influence is undeniable.
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