Katharine Hamnett CBE

Fashion designer and campaigner

Katharine Hamnett is a prolific fashion designer, acclaimed for the past four decades. In 1984 Katharine received the Designer of the year award from the British Fashion Council. This is the year she was photographed wearing a ‘58% DON’T WANT PERSHING’ slogan t-shirt to meet Margaret Thatcher, the most infamous, syndicated image of that year. After researching into the social and environmental impact of the clothing and textile industry in 1989, Katharine concentrated her efforts on raising awareness, campaigning for organic cotton and urging improved working conditions for the millions of garment workers worldwide. Hailed the ‘Queen of Green’ by British Vogue and recently winning No.1 Ethical Hero’ by New Consumer magazine, Katharine Hamnett has proved that ethical and political views can go hand in hand with luxury fashion. It was announced earlier this year that Katharine had been added to the Queen’s honours list for her services to the fashion industry.