LEADING INFLUENCES

Regressing to the early 1980’s and a continuation of the 70’s societal crisis, Katharine Hamnett London became eponymous for its eclectic and disruptive garment designs which pioneered as a tangible advocate for vigorous frustration.

Fabricated in 1979, by Central Saint Martin’s graduate, Katharine Hamnett, the now 75-yearold British Designer, was notorious for being the face of many front-page headlines due to her daring and provocative attitude towards protest fashion. She was labelled as a “bad girl with integrity” (About Katharine Hamnett. Biography, n.d), a title which demonstrates her passion for being controversial; for creating awareness surrounding the dangers encircling the future of the industry, but in a methodology which was sure to open eyes and spark conversation.

Her movement ironically united with a decade of youths distinguishable for their mutinous acts and stood as a voice to a disenfranchised generation (Woodward, 2017) on matters like homophobia, animal protection and nuclear power. Renowned pop culture talent like Mick Jagger, Madonna, and Boy George, all of whom share a dissenter outlook, were great fans of Hamnett’s defiant designs too.

Transparency was the kernel of Katherine Hamnett London since it relaunched in 2017. During her departure from mainstream industry, Hamnett educated herself of the true cost of fashion which encountered environmental degradation and human suffering. Her discoveries pushed her to reimagine the brand as well as her advocacies, to emphasise her commitment for change and to strategically empower through endless campaigning and contentious advertising.