Bodice, T-shirt

Katharine Hamnett rose to prominence in the 1980s with her oversized t-shirts bearing political statements, and this example was bought by Kim Philpotts in 1989. Philpotts has donated a number of items to the museum, and her collection provides a reflection of fashionable designer clothing during the 1980s and 1990s.

Philpotts grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon in the 1960s, studied Set & Costume Design in Birmingham, and then moved to London in 1982. Here an early love of fashion developed further, with a particular focus on British fashion and female designers. Philpotts was very fond of Hamnett's designs, and had wanted to buy a 'RELAX' t-shirt but they were always sold out. She finally bought this example, after considering buying an 'I LOVE GORBY' t-shirt but deciding she did not really like the slogan.

Hamnett is a British fashion designer who launched her own label in 1979, and is known for ther ethical business philosophy. In the 1980s her t-shirts with large block letter slogans became hugely popular, and were adopted by pop bands including Wham!, who displayed her 'CHOOSE LIFE' slogan in the video for their single 'Wake Me Up Before You Go Go'. In 1984 Hamnett met with then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, wearing one of her own t-shirts with the slogan '58% DON'T WANT PERSHING', a reference to public opposition against the basing of Pershing missiles in the UK.