Fashion designer Katharine Hamnett has drawn fierce criticism for binning her CBE over the UK’s “role in the genocide in Gaza”. Hamnett has been known to stage public demonstrations throughout her colourful career, most notably her 1984 protest during a meeting with Margaret Thatcher.
The privately educated designer from Gravesend in Kent met the then-PM whilst wearing a t-shirt carrying an anti-nuclear slogan.
In her latest protest, Hamnett was sporting a black t-shirt which said: “Disgusted to be British.”
Walking down the steps of her home in a video posted to her Instagram on Tuesday, she said: “I’m disgusted to be British for our role in genocide in Gaza.”
Turning to her right, she lifted the lid of a black bin and, clasping her red-ribboned CBE in her hand added: “This is my CBE. It belongs in the dustbin, with Sunak and Starmer.”
After the 76-year-old had dispensed with her honour, she turned back to the camera and said: “Go to this site”, referring to a website designed to help people find their MP.
“Tell them you’ll never vote for them again unless they support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
After her plea for peace in the Middle East, she pointed to another QR code and told viewers: “Go to this website and get the t-shirt.”
It’s unclear whether the proceeds from the t-shirts, on sale for £30 on the designer’s website, will be donated to charity.
The designer made no mention of the 130 hostages from Israel that Hamas were keeping hidden in the Gaza Strip.
This is not the first time Hamnett has expressed her disdain for her Britishness. In 2008, she said she was “ashamed to be British” as the then-PM Gordon Brown’s brother worked for EDF Energy, which generated much of its power from nuclear.
Social media users were split over the designer’s provocative video, with some applauding her for taking a position while others accused her of signalling her virtue.
One such user took to X to say: “Someone trying to virtue signal and get some PR. Why doesn’t she leave.”
Another chimed in: “Did she ask Hamas to release the hostages? I’m sure she knows where the door is, if someone could remind her to close it behind her.”
However, Instagram users seemed to take a far more sympathetic line. One said: “This is why I have ALWAYS loved you.”
Another said: “Always a lady with principles.”
Hamnett was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2011 New Year Honours, for services to the fashion industry.
Katharine Hamnett has been approached for comment.
