Katharine E. Hamnett at YMC

YMC2

MonsieurRobot
Politics and fashion aren’t easy bedfellows so it’s rare that the two cross paths, that is unless you’re Katherine Hamnett. Founding her eponymous label in 1979 Hamnett rose to fame under a Tory government in an era that would be typified by Margaret Thatcher’s unpopular policies and widespread social turmoil. In response to this, Hamnett harnessed the power of fashion in order to convey political messages – creating fashion with a social conscience. Perhaps her most famous design was the oversized slogan t-shirt – a true landmark in fashion design and one that is constantly ripped off, reappropriated and remade.

The first incarnation of these tees were worn by the biggest stars of the time, everyone from Wham! to Queen. But it was perhaps Katherine wearing her own slogan t-shirt to meet Thatcher that will remain the most iconic moment in her own history. Cult British brand YMC have collaborated with Hamnett for a capsule collection of both mens and womenswear to celebrate their 20 year anniversary and it’s a perfect match design wise. The slogan t-shirt returns emblazoned with YMC’s full moniker “You Must Create” which sounds exactly like one of Hamnett’s call to arms. Other slogans “Stop And Think” and “Save The Future” seem as vital now as they did over 30 years ago. Check the loobook out below, and think about buying a piece of fashion history.

Available to buy now at youmustcreate.com

YMC

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