Flame-haired grande dame of British fashion has finally authorised an official biography, due to be published next year.

Covering her fascinating life and career – from teaching at a primary school to bringing punk fashion to the mainstream to designing for the royal family – the memoir will include Westwood’s story in her own words as well as contributions from her friends, family and collaborators.

Dame Viv has enlisted the help of biographer Ian Kelly, whose work includes the memoirs of Brummell and Giacomo Casanova, to pen the tome.

'I am keen to tell the truth about a huge-hearted, warm and witty individual, whose face and clothes are known the world over, but who is also recognisably the Derbyshire primary school teacher who met and fell in love with Malcolm McLaren and changed the world,' said Kelly.

72-year old Westwood added: 'I am excited that this will be my story, the story nobody ever did before.'

Covering a career spanning more than four decades, the notorious King’s Road ‘Sex’ boutique, high-profile political and environmental activism, and contributions from the likes of Naomi Campbell, Pamela Anderson, Bob Geldof and Prince Charles, we don’t doubt that for a second.

Vivienne Westwood’s biography will be published by Picador in October 2014.

Backstage at Vivienne Westwood spring/summer 2014