Saab has chosen the following six people as worthy examples of modern day visionaries, all of whom embody the principles that Saab holds in high esteem. All six are independent thinkers who are unafraid to challenge convention and stand up for their beliefs. Their dedication has meant they are successfully changing long-held perceptions and making the world that little bit better. For more information on Saab’s vision, please click here »
This controversial grand dame of fashion was responsible for introducing punk and new wave into the mainstream in the 1970s. New Kings Road’s infamous Sex boutique, which she ran alongside Malcolm McLaren of the Sex Pistols, was to revolutionise preconceived ideas of design.
Punk, with its bondage gear, dog collars and safety pins was seen as a ‘pernicious influence’ on polite society, so it was little surprise that Westwood’s and her love of the outrageous had its opponents. Never one to worry about criticism, her subversive concepts found their way to the mainstream and she remains one of the most influential names in fashion to this day.
Westwood is also regarded as a political activist and is keenly involved with several causes including Liberty and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Happily courting controversy to broadcast her beliefs, she joined forces with Liberty to launch limited edition t-shirts in 2005, emblazoned with the slogan ‘I’m not a terrorist, please don’t arrest me.
Westwood’s undoubted talent has given her a platform from which she can campaign for human rights issues, which she continues to do with aplomb. She is a true individual.