Vivienne Westwood fashion empire hit by Brexit vote

Remainer Dame Vivienne Westwood, the influential fashion designer, has seen higher costs hit her clothing empire since the Brexit vote, it emerged on Thursday.

Details about her eponymous brand were included in freshly filed accounts, which show pre-tax profits fell to £1.9 million last year, from £2.3 million in 2015.

The report, published more than a year after Westwoodsigned an open letter opposing Brexit ahead of the referendum, said: “Cost of sales increased by 19.89% due in part to a weak GBP following Brexit.” A number of retailers have warned of higher import costs for materials.

The firm has been “focussing on alleviating this pressure by reviewing pricing”.

The label helped set the style of the 1970s punk era and is behind a number of popular tartan jackets.

Fans include Prime Minister Theresa May.

Despite 2016 being a “challenging” year, Vivienne Westwood boosted turnover by 11% to £37.5 million. It wants to expand further in China and the US.

The firm was not available to comment.