British lambswool. What could be more sustainable? Extracting hardy fibres to make yarns for knitting is an ancient ritual that humans have been undertaking for centuries. For the past five years, we’ve sourced all our British lambswool from highly respected spinners in Yorkshire, with a lineage dating back to 1850. The decision to buy local isn’t just a welcome boost to the industry, it also helps to keep our carbon footprint down – making it a conscious decision too. Fully recyclable, compostable and biodegradable, its disposal (should you feel the need) has no detrimental impact on the environment.
In addition to the ethical and provenance side of things, there’s a uniqueness to garments made from British lambswool; they’re exceptionally warm, super soft and remarkably sturdy. What gives the wool that particularly special fleecy hand-feel, is the fact that its spun from the lamb’s very first clip. Their calibre and composition are unique, thanks to its in-built capacity to hold its shape and resist pressure. This means that even after frequent wearing, knitted pieces made from premium British lambswool will always bounce back and never look tired or overworn.
Lightweight and impressively comfortable next to the skin, this hypo-allergenic and fully breathable thermal layer works in total harmony with your body. Unlike synthetic products, it’s self-regulating and ten times more absorbent than man-made fibres. Keeps you cool when the temperature rises and warms you up when there’s a chill in the air. Naturally technical.
As we’re working with British experts to create the yarn, it makes sense to continue the domestic bliss by commissioning a specialist U.K. factory to knit, link and gently wash the lambswool modules for the collection. For Autumn Winter 20, we’ve got the jumper and cardigan quadrant covered. For women, there’s the carefully cropped and rounded Yao, with an elongated ribbed cuff and ribbed trim at the side seam. The substantial Nieto is back with its engineered side splits, front pockets and crew neck. Both styles are available in Black, Cobble and Piccalilli. The open-knit Kaneko gives a more feminine twist to the traditional round neck styling, with fluted cuffs and welt – available in Black and Cobble.
For men, the Hemyl is a modernised take on the Guernsey knit. With rounded body and sleeves, this is an oversized, boxy jumper in Dark Navy or Violet, with all the Studio Nicholson hallmarks of volume and playfulness in the right places. The cardigan formula is covered by the Cotto Knit with its relaxed, laid-back fit, bluffed pockets and chunky ribs at the cuff and hem. Available in Black and Cobble. There’s no better time to invest in a wholly British product, because after all, every modular wardrobe needs a hardwearing wool foundation to keep you insulated during the cold, breezy months
--
Leanne Cloudsdale is the Studio Nicholson Editor-at-Large