Trousers

Katharine Hamnett designed these aubergine coloured trousers, bought from her South Molton Street store by Kim Philpotts in the 1980s. Hamnett, a British designer, studied fashion at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design in London, launching her own label in 1979. Hamnett is now best known for her ethical business philosophy, her oversized t-shirts bearing political statements, and her experimentation with denim.

Philpotts grew up in Stratford Upon Avon in the 1960s, and studied Set and Costume Design in Birmingham before moving to London in 1982. An early love of fashion developed once she moved to London, which was a fun place to be following the austerity of the 1970s. Being involved in theatre, Philpotts liked the theatrical quality of 1980s fashion, commenting that clothing became all about performance. She was particularly interested in female designers such as Wendy Dagworthy, Vivienne Westwood, Katharine Hamnett, Betty Jackson and Ally Capellino.

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. These trousers are an unusual colour for Philpotts to have chosen, but she liked the mix of practical and quirky in Hamnett's designs.