i've been through lots of different phases of dressing - the black phase, the floral phase, the layering phase, the wearing clothes cut up and inside out phase (that's what uni was for!), but i've always loved a very simple, organic, slightly whimsical type of knitwear. i admire pieces that are deceptively plain, but for example, they may have a hidden lining that makes you get butterflies, or have used a certain technique that is not obvious but makes the garment sit much more beautifully on the body. the yarn is usually quite rustic and the colours earthy. i probably gravitate to this aesthetic as it represents lots of other things that i appreciate - the country, down to earth personalities, feeling comfortable and cosy, attention to detail, an appreciation of subtle beauty, craftsmanship and a gesture to longevity. i think the japanese are the masters at this type of design and i'm thinking more and more that i must get over there soon.
here are a few of my favourite pieces scanned from the book knitwear in fashion by sandy black:
and there is a plethora of japanese knitwear out there on the net, but i particularly like this line of knitwear from evam eva:
