Scandinavia x Peru

There is something simply magical about the feel of a beautifully made woolen piece during the dark and harsh cold snaps of winter. Although summer may be fast approaching, I must admit that I am always excited to preview the range of autumnal pieces that are showcased at this time year. The fashion calendar may be a relentless one, yet I always feel it important to look through the designs and inspirations when they first come out for that first taste, then a short while after for one's mind to fully appreciate each collection deservingly. Of course, each collection is then reviewed just before the start of the relevant season to remind one of what the range in designs were.

As such I was very excited when I first saw the latest Fall '09 collection by Arne & Carlos. Since then, my attraction towards and appreciation of the pieces has done nothing but grow. Drawing on their extensively researched knowledge of traditional Scandinavian knitting techniques, the Norwegian and Swedish design duo of Arne Nerjordet and Carlos Zachrison, work to create pieces that are historically based in their design aesthetic, yet modern in their approach.

For the collection, Arne & Carlos offered their trademark of visually rich and well tailored knitwear. Their pieces were inspired by traditional Scandinavian design, however the finished results, rather romanitcally, were actually made by artisans in Peru. Each piece travels an amazing journey from its inception to the wearer. From the duos design base in a disused railway station North of Oslo, the designs are taken to Peru, where pieces are both hand and machine made. Each piece is then lovingly finished by hand before being shipped to retailers.

I suppose the very journey that each garment undertakes and that sense of one's clothing having a story to tell is always fascinating. And indeed, knowing the effort and skill that goes into each piece is both reassuring and helps to garner a deep appreciation for one's purchase.

Currently playing: Navras - Juno Reactor

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