Trousers, suit trousers

These trousers form part of a three piece Katharine Hamnett suit bought by Kim Philpotts in the mid to late 1980s. Philpotts has donated a number of items of clothing to the museum, and her collection provides an interesting insight into one woman's wardrobe during the 1980s and 1990s.

Philpotts grew up in Stratford Upon Avon in the 1960s, and studied Set and Costume Design in Birmingham before moving to London in 1982. Her clothing is representative of fashionable designer and high street clothing during this period, and she is very knowledgeable about fashion and London at this time.

Katharine Hamnett is a British designer who studied fashion at Central Saint Martins College in London, launching her own label in 1979. This suit was bought from Hamnett's store in Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill. It was one of Philpotts favourites, as it was very wearable and could be worn in a variety of combinations.

Hamnett is now best known for her ethical business philosophy and her oversized t-shirts bearing political statements, which were popular during the 1980s.