Katharine Hamnett, 1980s Padded Cotton Flight Jacket

Katharine Hamnett achieved stardom as a fashion designer in the early-1970s, after graduating Central Saint Martins. Her early work featured a wide array of military references, usage of surplus material and pioneering ethical production. Her work, now not as well known, heavily influenced both British popular culture and politics, especially in the 1980s, through the strength of her work. She was also the first designer to win the British Fashion Council’s ‘Designer of the Year’ award in 1984.

Here we see an exquisite example of her work, showcasing her great use of reference taking vintage British RAF jackets and re-proportioning them slightly all over. This Jacket is constructed of a padded white 100% cotton seen to show signs of wear and create a ‘vintage’ look over time. The shape sees a raglan sleeve cropped body and a boxy fit. Moving on to the eye-catching pocket design, which has a 3D construction and velcro closure, inspired by vintage military garments Katharine came across. A belted waist allows for the user to manipulate the garment as they wish and finally a zip/storm flap closure comes asymmetrically across the chest.

Size M. Made in the UK.