DALLAS, Jan 4, 2006/ FW/ --- ‘Dame,’ the title given to women equivalent to knighthood that is awarded to men, is Vivienne Westwood’s latest title, added to her OBE that she received in 1992. Both titles were given for ‘Services to British Fashion’ according to the official ‘New Year’s Honours List’ released by 10 Downing Street.

Accepting her “damehood,” Vivienne Westwood said, “This is an honour. I think the honours system helps to bind together the fabric of British society. I have been very lucky to have a career in which I can develop my potential as a designer.”

Also well known about her political stance on anti-terrorist laws, Vivienne Westwood added, “My Liberty is my most fortunate possession. I hope this honour will give strength to my voice: there must be no detention without trial in great democracies like Britain and the U.S.”

Using the catwalk as her stage last October, the Queen of Punk entitled her show ‘Active Resistance to Propaganda’ as part of her initiative in upholding civil liberties.

Ozwald Boateng, famed for his bespoke tailoring was awarded an OBE and named as one of the ‘Officers of the Order of the British Empire’ for ‘Services to the Clothing Industry.’

"I am extremely honoured to have been awarded an OBE. It is a very meaningful acknowledgment of my work, particularly coming immediately after I celebrated my 20th Anniversary in the fashion industry last November," said Boateng on the acceptance of his award.

Ozwald Boateng who designs at least four collections a year, two for his eponymous menswear line and two for Givenchy Homme where is the Artistic Director is also going to be featured in a TV documentary by Sundance, ‘An American Dream’ as the Sundance Channel documents his trials and tribulations as he launches his Bespoke menswear line in the U.S.

Awarded twice a year, during New Year and in June, the Queen’s official birthday, ‘Honours’ are awarded to people for all types of service, including teachers, nurses, actors, scientists, diplomats and broadcasters. The largest number of awards goes to those providing services to their local communities - mainly volunteers.

The New Year Honours list runs a total of 915 names, and includes the singer Tom Jones, who rose from humble beginnings in the Welsh valleys to become an enduring, international star, belting out hits such as Delilah, It's Not Unusual, and The Green, Green Grass of Home. He is rewarded with a knighthood.