FROM SLOPES TO THE STREETS
Alpine yet urban, ski sweaters go from the slopes to the streets for this Autumn/Winter season. The collections sees heritage codes reimagined for the modern wardrobe. Perfect timing, as snow started coming down, turning some parts of the U.K. into those picture perfect Christmas cards.
Me wearing a White Company take on the Fair Isle style.
The classic Fair Isle Pattern from Scotland, was common on the fashion week runways, with designers such as Frame and Emilia Wickstead, sticking to traditional frameworks via chunky Fair Isle-printed cardigans, while others, like Ulla Johnson took their own bohemian spin on it and Adam Lippies shaped them into modern silhouettes.
A/W 24 Catwalks featuring Officine Générale, Duran Lantink, Ulla Johnson & Emilia Wickstead.
The Fair Isle sweater, recognisable by its familiar geometric patterns in limited palettes, has long been a favourite of the royal family. The style first gained notoriety in the 1920s, when Edward VIII (the Duke of Windsor) wore it in public. Also one of Princess Diana's early paparazzi shots, was she spotted in a Fair Isle cardigan, while walking to her apartment. Catherine, Princess of Wales was spotted in English brand Holland & Cooper, appearing on a video wearing one of their now sold out knits.
Catherine, Princess of Wales in a Christmas video.
While the Fair Isle sweater was popularised in no small part due to the royals, it actually was a fishermen’s style rather than mountain glamor, the style's origins stem from; Fair Isle which is an actual island, fairly isolated north of Scotland in the Shetland archipelago. There, the design began in the early 19th Century as a pattern for fishermen's caps and sweaters.
Fisherman photograph by Shetland Museum.
Fair Isle has since been adopted as a general term for multicoloured knitwear, but there are still small numbers of garments produced on the island from patterns which have been handed down through generations. Whatever your take on it, modern or old-school - here is my guide on ski jumpers for this season but make sure to check out vintage sites to find those original, high-quality ones that you won’t see on anyone else this season’s streets or slopes.
This sweater is knitted with a variation of a Fair Isle pattern. Made from a cozy alpaca-blend, it's lightly brushed for added softness and has a comfortable, loose shape. Style yours alone or peeking out from under a blazer.
£780
This Fair Isle jumper is a cosy autumn layer. It’s made with alpaca for a soft and fluffy texture with chunky ribbed trims for added detail. The traditional Fair Isle pattern along the neck, hem and cuffs gives it a classic cold-weather feel.
£130
This sweater is made from cashmere knitted with a classic Fair Isle pattern in neutral shades. It has a chunky ribbed turtleneck and cuffs that'll keep you cozy all ski or winter season. Layer yours under one of the brand's jackets.
£995
Blending traditional craftsmanship and versatility, Fair Isle sweaters are a perennial favorite. This is made from alpaca-blend and has a slightly loose fit defined by ribbed trims. Layer it over a turtleneck for extra warmth.
£500
The relaxed-fitting cardigan features a traditional Scottish fair isle pattern. Crafted in chunky marino wool.
$199
This sweater offers indulgent softness, crafted from a blend wool, alpaca and cashmere. It's shaped to a relaxed silhouette with a ribbed high neck, then enlivened with a Fair Isle motif.
£675
LORO PIANA JUMPER
This jumper is rather an investment piece but oh so soft. Made with: 60% cashmere, 21% alpaca wool, 19% wool, in Italy. In a deep walnut colour - just fabulous.
£1,525
This jumper is knitted from a textured RWS wool blend and decorated with a monochrome Fair Isle pattern. It's shaped with a crew neck, ribbed trims and rounded sleeves.
£115
A bit pricey but very nice - plush cashmere cardigan that brings together charming motifs inspired by vintage Fair Isle knits. With custom gold buttons and contrast ribbing.
£2,120
Jacquard-knit for a slightly relaxed fit, this chunky roll neck jumper is crafted from a wool-and-alpaca blend and features a Fair Isle-inspired motif in neutral hues.
£449