Trend Watch – Knitwear

 

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Knitwear is very much a staple in the UK, while retailers blame poor weather for the lack of sales up and down the country, little cropped cardi’s and knitted tops are collectively keeping the nation warm.

 

So far popular looks include cropped styles with curved hems, crochet waistcoats, shrugs and skinny cardi’s with three-quarter length sleeves. Moving into the latter half of the year knitwear will borrow from trends such as: arts and crafts, boho trailblazer and the elegant, luxurious mood. Thanks to the very latest manufacturing techniques and geometric designs yarns can now be shown-off in a fresh and contemporary way.

 

 

 

Knitwear Trends for Autumn/Winter 2005-06:

 

{mosimage}Elegance: Expect to see lots of wrap-over styles featuring belt ties or one-button/brooch fastenings. Pretty open weave patterns combined with plain knit sections. Details include: ruffles, shawl collars, ribbing, geometric patterns, ribbon ties, pleated necklines, batwing and three-quarter length sleeves.

 

 

 

{mosimage}Global Traveller: Continuing the popular Spring/Summer boho vibe knitwear for this autumn season takes inspiration from the likes of – Tibet, India, China, Mexico, Eastern Europe and Russia. Look out for knits incorporating colourful embroideries, fringing, pom-poms, beading and borders. 

 

 

 

{mosimage}Rustic: Borrowing from folklore and uniform inspired pieces the rustic trend piles on the layers in neutral earthy tones. There are chunky Aran knits, Alpine designs, hand-finished looks, vintage buttons and appliqués. Shapes include shawls, cropped cardigans, capelets, knitted coats, sweater dresses and slouchy jumpers.

 

 

 

Accessories: Long, skinny scarves remain popular, along with knitted trooper hats, gloves, legwarmers and knee-high socks.

 

 

Knitwear designers to watch:

 

{mosimage}Clare Tough

 

Clare Tough caught the fashion packs attention with her MA graduate catwalk show last year. The knitwear collection was bought up by Browns, London and was described by Vogue as “the future of British fashion”. So what’s all the fuss about? Well, Clare has a very unique slant on knitwear she combines contrasting colours and textures – including machine, hand-knitting and crochet, to create pieces that are modern and sexy. Along with her own line Tough has been commissioned by her course sponsors – Todd & Duncan to create a design that will show off their latest range of yarns.

 

www.claretough.co.uk

 

 

Laura Long {mosimage}

 

Another Central Saint Martin’s graduate, Laura Long launched her first collection at Tranoi, Paris last year. She has since developed a strong Japanese following as well as London stockists – ‘The Cross’ and ‘Iris’. Laura combines her love of art and traditional crafts with a vintage home-spun feel. Her Autumn/Winter 05/06 collection is inspired by Degas’ ballet paintings – delicate base colours highlighted with blue and coral hues. Hand embellished with vintage beads, buttons and embroidery, the collection manages to balance both traditional crafts with modern techniques.

 

 

{mosimage}She’s So

 

Italian label ‘She’s So’ is defined by its elegant and artistic knitwear. Created by Gemma Zanzani the collection uses luxury fibres and yarns to create sculptural and contemporary separates with a Japanese slant. For Autumn/Winter 2005/06 the collection consists of curved hem cardigans, tops and trousers in shades of aubergine, gray, black and white. Using merino wool and mohair with leather trim the focus is on geometric patterns and feminine shapes.

 

www.shesso.com

 

 

Anuk Harvey {mosimage}

 

Anuk Harvey launched her own label in 2003. She has since shown at exhibitions such as – Profile and London Fashion Week which has gained her several stockists in the UK and abroad. Fitted to the body Anuk’s pieces have a timeless quality with details that borrow from architecture and fine art. Hailed as the new knitwear queen, the Anuk Harvey label is indeed knitwear but not as you know it. Slinky and fine gauge – its modern knitwear inspired from a fresh angle.

 

www.anukharvey.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Knitwear proved to be very strong with this years’ Central Saint Martin’s MA graduates. Names to watch out for include Louise Goldin, who created a chain mail look with the combination of knits, chain-stitches and plaits. Joanna Sclater with her collection of unexpected curvy circular shapes fashioned into sleeves and design details. Plus Xavier Brisoux with a knitwear take on garments that offer adaptability.

 

 

Central Saint Martin’s grads from left to right: Xavier Brisoux, Joanna Sclater and Louise Goldin.

 

 

By JoJo Iles