Pam Hogg, the acid yellow-haired designer who became a defining force in Britain’s countercultural fashion scene beginning in the early 1980s, has died. Known for her bold imagination, sharp wit and unshakeable spirit, Hogg remained a magnetic figure in art, fashion and music for decades.
Her family shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday, writing, “The Hogg Family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Pamela. We are grateful for the knowledge that her final hours were peaceful and surrounded by the loving care of cherished friends and family.”
The announcement did not reveal a cause of death. It thanked the staff of St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney for the care they provided, adding, “Pamela’s creative spirit and body of work touched the lives of many people of all ages, and she leaves a magnificent legacy that will continue to inspire, bring joy and challenge us to live beyond the confines of convention. Pamela will continue to live in our hearts and minds.”
Tributes quickly appeared across social media. Art gallerist Maureen Paley said Hogg “will be remembered forever and missed by so many.” Designer Zandra Rhodes described her as “an eccentric, dominant London character” and praised her reinvention of Lycra catsuits and disco fashion. She added, “The fashion world won’t quite be as vivid or rebellious now Pam is no longer with us. She will be greatly missed.”
Designer Bella Freud also remembered her, saying, “Pam was a multi-talented, creative being – she was a top DJ, singer and performer, but her great love was fashion and the amazingly beautiful creations she sent down the catwalk.” Freud recalled Hogg’s meticulous sewing skills and her iconic latex catsuits, noting, “Her golden head of chick-yellow hair and her sunglasses at night will be dreadfully missed.”
Born in Paisley near Glasgow, Hogg began shaping her style from childhood, reworking hand-me-downs into new pieces. She studied Fine Art and Printed Textiles at the Glasgow School of Art, followed by a master’s degree from the Royal College of Art.
When she moved to London in the late 1970s, she embraced the New Romantic movement, finding community in the legendary Blitz club alongside creatives such as Stevie Stewart, Stephen Jones and Leigh Bowery. Her 1981 debut collection, Psychedelic Jungle, captured the energy of the New Wave scene with razor-sharp silhouettes and an acidic palette.
She sold her work at Kensington Market’s famed Hyper Hyper stall, building a cult following that spanned generations. Hogg’s designs became favourites of artists including Debbie Harry, Siouxsie Sioux, Kylie Minogue, Kate Moss, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Lily Allen and Björk. Her iconic catsuits appeared in music videos, world tours and countless fashion editorials.
Speaking to The Guardian in 2018, she said, “Every woman who’s ever tried on one of my catsuits has said, ‘Oh my God, I can’t wear that’. I always tell them to just try it on. When they do, they instantly feel empowered.” Hogg leaves behind a legacy of fearlessness, creativity and unwavering individuality that transformed British fashion and inspired countless artists around the world.
