Fashion designer Katharine Hamnett, known for her outspoken activism, has taken to social media to stage a protest against being awarded a Commander of the British Empire (CBE).
In a video clip, Hamnett, who once expressed a desire to become a Duchess, declares her disgust at being British due to the country’s perceived role in the Gaza genocide.
Wearing a black T-shirt with the words ‘Disgusted to be British,’ she dramatically discards her CBE insignia into a bin.
Symbolic Gesture Against Sunak and Starmer:
In a symbolic gesture, Hamnett discards her CBE ribbon and cross into a black bin while expressing her discontent with political figures Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer.
The 76-year-old designer urges her admirers to visit a website to identify their MPs and communicate their discontent, linking it to support for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Hamnett concludes her protest by encouraging followers to visit a website to purchase a T-shirt related to the cause.
Legacy of Activism:
Katharine Hamnett’s history of activism dates back to 1984 when she met Margaret Thatcher wearing an anti-nuclear slogan T-shirt.
Her recent protest aligns with her consistent efforts to use fashion as a platform for political and social commentary.
Hamnett’s protest is a bold and theatrical expression of her political views.
By discarding her CBE, she symbolically rejects an honor from the British Empire due to her disagreement with the government’s actions.
The use of social media amplifies her message, reaching a broader audience and encouraging others to take action.
Whether or not this protest will lead to broader conversations about the issues she raises remains to be seen.
Fashion