A quality sweater made from wool or luxurious cashmere, is ideal for the cold months ahead. Here are 12 knitwear designers to keep your eyes on this season.
Alejandra Alonso Rojas
Alejandra Alonso Rojas designs unisex knitwear and has graced the pages of Vogue and WWD. She is a fourth-generation hand knitter that combines traditional practices with experimental techniques to create a truly unique line. As a CDFA member, she supports responsible manufacturing and sustainable production practices.
Les Copains
Les Copains has been making a name for himself in recent years, and even captures the spotlight in Vogue magazine last spring. The reason is simple, Les Copains’ attention to detail and sourcing some of the finest fabrics in the world make his luxurious knitwear stand out from the crowd.
Orley
Family-owned brand Orley started with five simple sweaters and has ever since 2012 has been making waves in the fashion industry. The company made their womenswear debut in 2015 to the delight of onlookers. Orley is known for their attention to detail, a youthful aesthetic, and its finest fabric sourcing.
pas de calais
Pas de calais got its name from the town in northern France and has graced the pages of every major magazine. With traditional dyeing techniques, the label creates their own textiles from luxurious silk, wool and cashmere. Their knitwear has a combination of vintage and contemporary undertones. With a keen attention to detail, consumers can expect the finest craftsmanship in ever sweater they offer.
Ronny Kobo
Ronny Kobo is a globetrotter who gets his inspiration from different cultures. His knitwear is both sophisticated and casual which makes it great for women on the go and world travelers.
Margaret O'Leary
Irish born and San Francisco based Margaret O'Leary has dressed some of the most famous women in the world including, Madonna, Marcia Cross, Jennifer Garner, Kaley Cuoco, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Halle Berry. It is her dedication to sustainability and fair trade that has landed her this elite clientele.
Leo & Sage
Leo & Sage might charge $378 for a single sweater, but you are getting quality craftsmanship and gorgeous materials. Their website states that Leo & Sage is a modern collection of highly curated knits and ready to wear with a strong emphasis on luxury fabrications and architectural silhouettes designed under the creative direction of Pauline Nakios.
Kate Spade New York
Since the passing of its founder, Kate Spade New York has switched their focus to a younger and more socially conscious demographic. The result of this move was the implementation of sustainable fabric sourcing for its knitwear collections.
Chia Lee
One of five designers to participate in the CFDA Fashion Future Graduate Showcase is Chia Lee. Lee’s tagline is “Not Just a Label.” Because of her love for traditions that are passed down from generation to generation, her knits have a coffee shop culture aesthetic with Perspex-beaded tops and dresses.
Hesperios
By only using Pima cotton and Alpaca wool, Hesperios is another knitwear company who is making a positive impact on the environment. The company only sources materials from a single family-owned factory in Lima, Peru. Its first hurdle has been attempting to replace the plastic used for shipping. While they have not found an alternative yet, they are committed to finding one.
Pilger Designs
Beth Pilger operates Pilger Designs which relaunched back in 2013. As a vintage-wear lover, she specializes in handmade knitwear that has old soul. All her collections are focused on sustainability as she aims to incorporate materials and patterns rooted in nature.
Acne Studios
Acne Studios has been a part of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) since 2008. The main goal of the foundation is to monitor and improve labor conditions in factories. Every year FWF prepares a ‘Brand Performance Check’ on each member where performance is evaluated and graded. As part of the evaluation, the FWF developed the Acne Studios Code of Conduct which all its suppliers must abide by.