Brits Get A Makeover

The woman who took modern punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream has accepted an offer to give the annual Brit Awards a makeover.

Fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, who began selling her outlandish designs from a shop in London’s King’s Road in the early 1970s, is already brightening up the customary silver statuette each winner receives. In future the gong will have a more colourful look.

She became one of the best-known and original designers in the international fashion business, making her name by defining the look of the punk rebellion.

Apart from Dame Vivienne doing wardrobe for the statuettes, next year’s revamped Brits will move to London’s O2 Arena, having spent the last 11 years on the other side of the capital at Earls Court.

The other changes include dropping the “outstanding contribution” accolade, once the centrepiece of the evening, and giving more prominence to the best album prize.

Next year’s event will also see artists themselves taking part in choosing winners, alongside those figures from the industry who already cast votes.

The nominees for the 2011 Brit awards will be announced Jan. 13. The awards ceremony is Feb. 15.