30 October 2024
In Conversation With Pickles Knitwear
JAMILA WOODLEY
Pickles Knitwear, an innovative East London brand, has garnered recognition for its seamless blend of contemporary design and commitment to sustainability. The brand made its mark in the fashion world with a debut collection that reimagines vintage sportswear through a modern lens. Sleaze spoke with Ella Savill, Founder and Creative Director of Pickles Knitwear, to explore the creative and ethical journey that defines the brand. As they gear up to launch their upcoming pop up event, we dive into the inspirations, challenges, and evolution of Pickles Knitwear. With a strong focus on quality, craftsmanship, and timeless, versatile pieces, Pickles Knitwear continues to redefine fashion with a conscious approach.
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1. Pickles Knitwear has built a reputation for blending contemporary design with sustainable practices. What inspired you to focus on knitwear specifically as a medium for expressing your brand's identity?
Knitwear gives me a lot of freedom to express my creative vision. Working with natural fibres also allows me to promote a slower, more thoughtful production process. I love the tactile nature of knit fabrics; it offers a unique connection to the craftsmanship behind each piece. This aligns perfectly with our focus on quality and long-lasting fashion. By focusing on knitwear, you can showcase contemporary design while remaining committed to ethical production methods, creating pieces that are as stylish and relevant as they are sustainable. It’s this blend of innovation, comfort, and responsibility that defines Pickles Knitwear’s identity.
2. Can you share more about the creative journey behind your new collection and how it reflects the evolution of Pickles Knitwear?
The creative journey behind our new collection began by researching how vintage athletic silhouettes have influenced fashion over the years. I was particularly intrigued by how people wear these garments and add their own style to each piece. We looked into sportswear from the 20th century and explored ways to modernise recurring themes. The goal was to create pieces that feel both dynamic and wearable in everyday life. Next, we moved on to sampling and development, refining our research into creating finished garments. We chose all the yarns and knit techniques to achieve the perfect fit, and it’s in this stage that the designs really came to life. This collection marks an exciting evolution for Pickles Knitwear, aiming to design elevated basics that can be worn by everyone, every day.
3. Your collection draws inspiration from vintage sportswear while incorporating modern twists. What was the process of balancing these contrasting Elements?
The process isn’t so much about balancing these two elements as it is about letting them complement each other. We love the contrast of the masculinity in themes like vintage tennis shorts, football jerseys, and track jackets, which we reimagine in a softer, more feminine way.
4. Creating versatile and timeless pieces is a key aspect of your brand's mission. How do you approach designing garments that can transcend seasons while still offering something fresh and innovative?
Designing garments that are both versatile and timeless starts with focusing on clean, adaptable silhouettes and high-quality materials. We aim for pieces that can be styled in different ways and layered across seasons, ensuring they remain relevant year-round. When approaching each design, we prioritise simplicity with subtle, intentional details — such as unique textures, refined colour palettes, or sewn-on trims. These elements give the garments a fresh feel without being tied to fleeting trends. We also consider functionality in every piece, ensuring it’s not only stylish but also practical, durable, and easy to wear. This approach allows us to create collections that feel innovative yet have lasting appeal, making them wardrobe staples that transcend seasons.
5. As the founder and creative director, what challenges have you faced in establishing Pickles Knitwear, and what have been your proudest moments so Far?
As the founder and creative director of Pickles Knitwear, one of the biggest challenges has been finding the right work-life balance. Working for yourself can be difficult as it’s hard to switch off from thinking about work. But that being said, having the freedom and autonomy of being my own boss is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. Establishing a brand that stands out in the fashion industry requires constant innovation and hard work, but it also demands strategic thinking and navigating the complexities of production, sourcing, and scaling sustainably. It has been a learning curve to keep quality high and costs manageable while ensuring every piece reflects both our design vision and values. However, the proudest moments come when we see the impact of our efforts. Launching our first collection and receiving positive feedback from customers who truly connect with the brand’s ethos was a huge milestone. Seeing our designs worn by people who appreciate both the style and thought behind them is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, growing a loyal community that supports the brand and resonates with our mission of timeless, versatile fashion has been another highlight.
If you want to get your hands on the new collection, classics or limited edition pieces then head to the @picklesknitwear Instagram to find out details on their upcoming pop up event.