Stuff Digital Edition

Samantha Murray Greenway

From retro style to fluffy finishes:

on the knitwear trends for winter.

Is it ever news to report that knitwear is on trend when winter comes around Probably not, but trust me, this season there really is a new direction, several in fact. For a while now, with more than a touch of hipster irony, savvy students have been plundering op-shops for retro s knits. Now they’re bang on trend. Bold, heavily decorative jumpers in vibrant colours are newly cool. They took on a collaged look at ouis

uitton, while trails of yarn hung from psychedelic mushroom sweaters at Alexander Mcʤueen.

My favourite are inspired by punk record covers and gig posters and come from Wah-Wah Australia, where designer aylene Milner, “reimagines awesome music designs as wearable art.” With many of her knits designed in collaboration with bands, artists and activists, the sweaters are emblazoned in cartoonfabulous style. Some raise funds for climate action, some raise political awareness and others simply reflect a sheer love of pop culture. She’s got her customer nailed: “Wah-Wah knits are like the grown-up,sustainablyproducede uivalentof buying a band T-shirt,” says Milner. “They’re a talking point and a way to connect with other people who might share similar interests. They’re also just really damn comfy ” Mostly made from Australian merino wool and created with minimal waste, they are both deeply cool and seriously beautiful wearable art, indeed.

Wah-Wah’s breakout style a mohair and silk handknit ombre check sweater in either an eyepoppingyellowthroughtotur uoiseorpinkthroughto orange segues neatly into the second knitwear trend: knits so fluffy you just want to stroke them.

The ultimate plush comforters come in blends of brushed mohair, angora, possum, wool, cashmere and in just about every style you can think of. oose knit, fluffy long sweater dresses at Ulla Johnson; lean fuzzy long line cardigans over matching mini dresses at Paco Rabanne; fluffy skirt-trousers at JW Anderson.

But buyer, beware: not all fluffy finishes will make you feel as good as they look. “Checking the composition tags is always helpful,” says designer len Prentice from New Zealand knitwear firm Standard Issue. “Choose natural fibres because they are warm but breathable. Synthetic fluffies don’t breathe and they nap easily so the fluff can just disappear or get matted. Natural fibres are longer lasting and much more comfortable to wear.” This might be especially important if you want to follow another major trend: knitted layers. ohji amamoto took it to the extreme with models swathed in tiers of yarn and knitwear. But you needn’t go all out; just a sweater tied about the waist another opportunity to pack on the texture, colour and style at ouis uitton drives home the knit-onknit look.

And don’t think that just because knitwear looks handcrafted, it’s solely meant for yomping about the great outdoors. At abriela earst a model in a long pink wool skirt and matching long chunky knit jumper walked with a matching pink fringed knitted shawl slung over her arm super city-chic. At Molly oddard a thick Fair Isle knit was put over a frothy tulle evening dress. Chunky knits work anytime. Peel back the layers this season and more often than not, you’ll find a knitted dress. I’ve never been a fan, owing to the fact that knit dresses tend to combine both clinginess and bagginess and, on me, rarely in the right places. But having taken a recent recce, I might re-think. es, there are still those slinky knits that highlight every bump and curve, and yes, they are in hot demand. According to Prentice, “There’s a newfound freedom with less focus for the younger generation on worrying about visible lines under the dress. It’s more about body positivity.” ooray for that, but for those who prefer something with more drape, there are heavier knits that work well in looser shapes. Standard Issue’s Wing dress is a classic sweater dress, loose and ridiculously comfortable. But perhaps my most exciting find is the brand’s fine Merino Tulle top. Probably the best fine layering garment for style and warmth, it comes in various colours and necklines.

No matter the knit you choose, follow Prentice’s advice: “Fold don’t hang; read the labels and invest in natural fibres that are breathable; be wary of carrying bags that might rub against your knitwear, and turn your rings inside as you put your arms through the sleeves to avoid catching. Finally, use a sweater stone to lightly brush over your knits and remove loose fibres. This will keep them looking fresh.”

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2022-05-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/282926684017651

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