I produce all my garments using a domestic knitting machine

Francesca Palumbo creates intricate and detailed knitwear that follows the natural form of the female body. She uses unique colour waves of yarn and explores textures and drapes which allows her to produce and design garments that are sustainable, personal, and challenge the idea of fast fashion. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, the designer talks about the aesthetic of her collection and inspiration behind it.

Fibre2Fashion: What attracted you towards fashion Industry and motivated you to start your own label?

Francesca Palumbo:

The fashion industry has always excited me and inspired me, as it’s an ever-changing and evolving industry that encourages and allows freedom of expression. For me having my own label was something I have always aspired to achieve, and I am proud to have accomplished this. I started my own label a year after I left university with the intention of creating a brand, which is ethical, sustainable and bespoke. With the industry swamped by fast fashion brands I was motivated to create a sustainable label, which explores slow fashion—creating only capsule collection or made-to-orders, all hand made in the UK.

F2F: What made you choose to design knitwear specifically and how would you define the aesthetic of your collection?

FP:

I chose to specialise in knitwear, as I love the freedom to create my own fabric and silhouette. I am in complete control of how the fabric looks, drapes and feels. I find that knitwear is the best way to express my ideas, work and emotion. The ability to use unique colour waves of yarn, explore different textures, stitches and garment construction allows me to make intricate detailed garments. My aesthetic is ever changing and evolving, so each collection explores different ideas and concepts. Though at the core of each collection is my knitwear style, which is inbreeded into each and every design.

F2F: Where do you get your creative nutrition? What fashion do you follow?

FP:

My creative nutrition comes from everywhere and any source I can sink my mind into. When starting a new collection or designing I look at nature, architecture, society and history to find inspiration. However, I don’t restrict myself with any boundaries or limitations of fashion and what I follow. Inspiration comes from all forms of style and fashion for me.

F2F: Who is your target audience and where is the clientele majorly from in terms of geography?

FP:

This question is a hard one to answer. Initially, when I started, I thought that I will make knitwear just for women. However, since starting my label I design garments for everyone, irrespective of gender, age or size. The idea behind my brand was to make clothes that allowed the wearer to feel empowered, confident and express her individuality. Most of my clients are based in the UK and Europe.

F2F: With so many sustainable brands coming into the picture, how do you ensure your label stands out?

FP:

We all need to work harder in the industry to be more sustainable and to reduce our global footprint. This was very important to me when starting my label, so I always try to do the best I can to be sustainable. For being sustainable, I use recycled and surplus yarns sourced locally from my area to produce garments and use full fashion techniques for zero waste. I produce all of my garments using a domestic knitting machine, which means I can make bespoke garments that are personal to the wearer.

F2F: Can you suggest some wardrobe essentials every woman should have in her wardrobe?

FP:

For me personally a pair of black Dr Martin boots is my wardrobe essential as you can pair them with a dress or jeans to give any outfit an edgy twist. They are always my go-to shoe when styling my garments, as I love the juxtaposition of the delicate with the heavy boot.

F2F: What are your forthcoming plans with your label and are you anytime planning to launch any other category as a fashion brand?

FP:

I have recently launched my Reverie collection, which explores being stuck in a daydream and escaping reality. I am currently working on some custom piece from this collection, and also have made-to-order pieces, which are available now at Sation.