#STRIKETRENDWATCH - KNITWEAR
Image Courtesy: Strike Boca Raton
It’s your Head of Fashion here, back with another #STRIKETRENDWATCH; our monthly trend column designed to keep you up to date on what we predict will be making its way into the hearts and closets of your fav fashion girlies. This month we bring to you knitwear.
It’s March, and here in sunny South Florida, we are experiencing spring in full effect. Before you kiss knitwear goodbye till next fall, let me introduce you to knitwear 2.0. Emerging from conventional definitions, today’s knitwear has taken on a new form. So get your cards out and ready, because knitwear just got a lot hotter.
1. Isa Boulder @isaboulder
Based in Bali, Indonesia, Isa Boulder is a bespoke knitwear label by women, for women that produce cutting edge “hardcore handmades.” Their recent SS21 collection features earth-toned knits and traditional argyle cutouts that redefine sexy. The brand also prides itself on ethical production and local artisanal partnerships, adding yet another reason why they’re exactly who you want in your closet this spring.
2. Hope Macaulay @hope.macaulay
If you’re not living under a rock, chances are you’ve come across Hope Macaulay. The Ireland-based designer offers handmade-to-order, colossal knits made from 100% biodegradable Jumbo merino wool. With a color palette complete of plushy pastels and a guarantee to get you compliments, Hope Macaulay is the perfect sustainable option to add to your spring wardrobe.
3. Rui Zhou @ruiofficial.me
Shanghai designer Rui Zhou takes the idea of “second skin” fashion to a new level. Fascinated by the body and imperfection, Zhou aims to emphasize the poetic relationship between “skin and garment.” Her combination of delicate materials and eccentric shapes makes Rui Zhou a knitwear label unlike any other.
4. Blumarine @blumarine
Blumarine let us channel our inner y2k princess (or hotel chain heiress) this season. Their FW21 collection features crocheted-wool vests and candy-colored butterfly knits that we are pretty sure were designed straight out of our dreams. Whether you’re going on a GNO or having a night in with the besties, everyone will be saying, “that’s hot.”
5. Bailey Prado @baileyprado
La/London-based designer, Bailey Prado, creates handmade crochet designs based on the raw and authentic youth culture in London. Combining formal attire and camp-esc details, Prado’s designs are playful and versatile. Inspired by generations of women in her family, Prado also aims to uplift and empower women of color through her work.
6. Katya Zelentsova @ekatzelentsova
Self-titled “Knitwear Couture” designer, Katya Zelentsova, takes knitwear to the next dimension as she creates life and body through the yarn. Her designs feature unparalleled patterns, enlarged proportions, and 3D florals as a reflection of her experiences growing up in Russia.
With new life given to the traditional meaning of knitwear, we can only expect to see it in your spring and summer wardrobes. So, ditch the mindset that knitting is a hobby for the elderly because knitting is now a hobby for hotties (knitting circle applications NOW OPEN.) Till then, I’ll be back next month with another #STRIKETRENDWATCH.
Strike Out,
Writer: Sage West
Graphic: Sammya Mufarrej
Florida Atlantic University