Jumpsuit by Katharine Hamnett

Jumpsuit by Katharine Hamnett

Fashion design, Activist fashion, Tailoring, British fashion, Ethical fashion

Katharine Hamnett's jumpsuit from the fall/winter 1993–94 collection is a bold example of her innovative approach to fashion, combining irreverence with a deep commitment to social and environmental issues. This trompe l'oeil bodysuit playfully subverts traditional notions of tailoring and masculinity by printing the image of a men’s striped suit and tie onto a body-hugging Lycra fabric. The design challenges the seriousness and rigidity of classical menswear, using graphics that introduce a sense of whimsy and irony.

Hamnett has long been recognized as a pioneer in sustainable and ethical fashion. Her use of DIY aesthetics and iconoclastic design tactics not only pushed the boundaries of fashion design but also propelled the industry towards more responsible production methods. By integrating activism into her work, Hamnett has used fashion as a platform to address broader sociopolitical issues, advocating for sustainable practices and ethical labor conditions. This jumpsuit, though crafted from Lycra and metal, reflects her ongoing commitment to creating fashion that is not just visually impactful but also socially and environmentally conscious. Through her work, Hamnett continues to inspire the fashion industry to prioritize sustainability and ethics alongside creativity and design innovation.

Joanna Zhu

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1993-94

Katharine Hamnett London, The Dorothy Strelsin Foundation Inc.

© Katharine Hamnett, Purchase by The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Lycra, metal

Physical Object