Katharine Hamnett ends Tesco collaboration

Fashion icon and ethical campaigner Katharine Hamnett has disclosed she will not renew her contract with Tesco, when it expires in November 2008.

Hamnett’s range Choose Love, which was the first designer organic collection the supermarket giant stocked, did not see wide enough distribution and attention, according to the controversial designer.

Tesco, the UK’s largest retailers, failed to deliver shop-in-shops and an extended kidswear range according to Draper’s Record. Minimal distribution to 40 stores and no merchandising has prompted Hamnett to seek other deals. The designer stated: “I was initially really excited about the tie-up because I thought we could increase demand for ethical products. Tesco could have been he Marks & Spencer of organic cotton. But I’ve come to the conclusion that it simply wants to appear ethical, rather than make a full commitment to the range,” as was quoted in Draper’s.

Tesco’s website is keen to state it’s commitment to its customers, one of the retailers core values. It further states Tesco has put community and sustainability issues at the heart of its community plans and remain determined that everyone in their supply chain benefits from the relationship with Tesco.