Katharine Hamnett

Born in Gravesend, Kent in the United Kingdom in 1948, Katharine Hamnett attended St. Martin's School of Art, London, graduating in 1970. She then worked as a freelance for British, French, Italian and Hong Kong fashion and clothing firms. In the late 1970's Katharine Hamnett is known to have popularised Habotai silk as a basic fashion staple.

In 1979, Katharine Hamnett planned on setting up her own business, which she did that same year. Many of her clothes are based on the workwear of different countries which she adapted to fashionable clothing. She is credited with the new phrase "power dressing" which emerged in the 1980's.

Katharine Hamnett was also a supporter of the Peace movement in the 1980's. In 1984 Hamnett produced an oversize T-shirt with anti-war slogans printed on it. She is known to have worn one of them for a visit to 10 Downing Street to meet then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. A year after that, Katherine Hamnett also participated in the "Big Five" fashion show in Tokyo.

Amongst other things, fashion designer Katharine Hamnett encourages the use of organic cotton. 

Katherine Hamnett makes clothes that are very functional, easy to look at and timeless. She is a designer for modern living, and introduced the "crumpled" look, although she also makes suits and dresses for both sexes.

Hamnett also designs mens and womenswear collections, has a highly successful jeanswear line, footwear and even watches. Katharine Hamnett still has control of her own company and nothing concerning her clothes lines ever escapes her attention.

Practicality and youth have always been trademarks for Hamnett over the years.

Find fashion by Katharine Hamnett @ the following eshops: