Vivienne Westwood created outfits that shocked the world and many of her creations are exhibited in museums around the globe today. In the 1970s this influential British designer became known as the creator of punk-fashion. She cultivated her image as a rebel on the international fashion scene, with much of her work inspired by historical designs. She mixed wild styles, materials and epochs, helping to establish the renaissance of the corset, and making tweed and platform heels popular on the catwalk.

The film accompanies this most unconventional of designers at work. Malcolm McLaren and fashion experts discuss her progression from the self-taught queen of punk to prêt-à-porter trendsetter.

Art Lives, from Arthaus, is a series of compelling documentaries on artists and art movements released for the first time on DVD in the English language.

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The first lady of alternative fashion  April 3 2009

Directed by Gillian Greenwood