The fashion world is mourning the loss of the extraordinary Vivienne Westwood, who died yesterday at the age of 81. A statement confirmed that she passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in London.

Many have taken to social media to express their sadness following the news of her death – from models who worked closely with her, including Bella Hadid and Christy Turlington-Burns, to fellow designers and creatives who were inspired by her life's work, such as Marc Jacobs, Victoria Beckham and Stella McCartney.

Below, we round-up some of the touching tributes from the fashion industry in the wake of the passing of an icon.

Bella Hadid wrote a tribute to the "Queen of punk", saying that she "will forever be grateful to have been in your orbit". The model regularly appeared on the Vivienne Westwood catwalk, and closed what would turn out to be one of the designer's final shows earlier this year.

"To the coolest, most fun, incredible, humble, creative, badass, intelligent, fucking EPIC human being that has walked this earth... my inspiration and idol in all things... rest in love and rest in peace," she wrote.

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Christy Turlington-Burns recalled a moment when Vivienne Westwood faxed her a handwritten letter asking her to take part in one of her shows in the '90s.

"I feel so lucky to have known her a little during an important phase of my career in fashion," she wrote. "Thank you, Vivienne, for staying so true to your principles and values and, most importantly, for leading the way with spunk and with humour..."

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Stella McCartney credited the designer for inspiring her own career, referring to her as a "genius".

"Vivienne invented historic fashion design moments that woke us all up and shook the industry to its core," McCartney wrote. "She led the way forward, never apologising for exposing unjust wrongs in the world and asking uncomfortable questions... Vivienne said it like she saw it."

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Marc Jacobs said that he was "heartbroken" by news of the designer's passing.

"You did it first. Always," he wrote. "Incredible style with brilliant and meaningful substance. I continue to learn from your words, and, all of your extraordinary creations."

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"I'm so sad to learn of the passing of legendary designer and activist Dame Vivienne Westwood," Victoria Beckham wrote on Instagram Stories. "My thoughts are with her family at this incredibly sad time."

Kim Cattrall paid tribute to "a true genius who never lost her northern grit". The actress also shared a story that demonstrated the designer's "generosity and kindness", which involved a last-minute dressing appointment at the Vivienne Westwood atelier.

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Designer Pam Hogg mourned "the loss of phenomenal individual".

She described Westwood as "a completely unique and fearless forerunner... the absolute best" and "a truly wonderful human".

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In a statement, the designer's husband and business partner, Andreas Kronthaler wrote: "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."

The artist paid tribute to her friend and fellow creative, wishing her a "safe journey".

"Vivienne not only inspired me but she challenged me," she wrote. "She criticised me and pushed me. She loved and cared about me. Dear Vivienne I will miss you deeply."

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The singer shared some images of her wearing Vivienne Westwood designs in the '90s, recalling that her time spent with the designer was "always a total wonder".

"Vivienne was an absolute icon," she wrote.

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Actress Elle Fanning said she had "never met a truer individual", recalling a time when she had tea with the designer in New York.

"You were unbelievably kind, hilarious, and oh so so incredibly thoughtful," she wrote. "Forever inspiring us through your activism and endless creativity. Daring to disrupt and daring to be yourself 100% of the time. The world is better because it knew you."

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Singer Halsey remembered her friend and idol, writing that "there is not enough time or space to appropriately describe the ways you impacted music, fashion, culture and the like".

She added: "I hope we will all continue to break boundaries and question institutions in your example and memory."

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