Veteran designer and TV presenter Jeff Banks was appointed as a director of the Vivienne Westwood company before Christmas, days before the iconic designer’s death. The 79-year-old designer and former presenter of The Clothes Show will join the company alongside Westwood’s husband, Andreas Kronthaler.

Many fashion fans grew up idolising Westwood for her radical, punk views, which are expected to remain a key part of the brand despite her passing with Kronthaler continuing to helm the design. Kronthaler started working on the brand’s collections in 1991 and married Vivienne Westwood in 1992.

Jeff Banks, who was a close friend of Westwood, took to Instagram following the designer’s death. He said: “It is with great sadness I recognise the passing of my dear friend Vivienne. My heart goes out to her family and husband Andreas.

“This is a moment in history. Someone who forced fashion forward in a crucible of heat combined with an unswerving dedication to fairness, justice and the salvation of our planet.

“A true originator who will forever stand head and shoulders above her contemporaries and take her place forever in the highest echelons of her craft. Rest in peace Vivienne. You did us all a great and everlasting service.”