Leutton Postle, Knitting a Labour of Love
Renowned for its colourful designs and eccentric patterns, luxury knitwear label Leutton Postle boasts distinctive collections in a characteristic aesthetic. Founded in 2011 as a “labour of love” between long-time friends and academic peers Sam Leutton and Jenny Postle, the brand has since garnered a celebrated position in the realm of contemporary fashion design.
Sam and Jenny met in 2005 while working toward their BA at Central Saint Martins. Similar tastes and like interests in knitwear brought them together, resulting in a collaborative union between the two young designers. “We always liked a lot of the same things and that just grew as we progressed through college,” Jenny explained during an interview with ROOMS. “That being said, we do also have very clear differences in taste.” However, even with apparent individual preferences, the two were undeniably cut from the same cloth. Thus, following the success of Jenny’s MA/ AW11 line – a collection of avant-garde garments adorned with thoughtfully mismatched patchwork – and upon Sam’s return from Shanghai, where she spent time exploring knitwear innovation, the pair set to begin their first joint undertaking: their SS12 Collection.
Featuring intricate, polychromatic patterns, a playful plethora of textures, and asymmetrical silhouettes, the SS12 Collection made its debut at London Fashion Week in September of 2011. While, once on the runway, the collection appeared effortlessly seamless and polished, preparation for the show was anything but. While Sam notes that, “in a very disorganised manner we manically knitted [the] collection” and Jenny recollects the process as “total mayhem,” their debut proved to be a huge success, with big names like Vogue and Grazia taking notice.
Although the label’s exciting debut put Leutton Postle on the map, the up-and-coming duo remained humble and determined. “Showing in London was the biggest extravagance really, and we also did Paris Fashion Week and worked with PR, but we didn’t do anything dramatically different or off the wall to get attention – just knitted!”
And knit they did.
In the three years since its premiere, Leutton Postle has presented five additional collections, each incorporating a unique twist on the label’s characteristic approach: a focus on pattern, texture, and colour. In fact, to Sam, the presence of vivid, saturated colour is just as important to the design process as it is to the finished garments. “While I just love colour, I think I work with colour more that I actually wear it. If you’re looking at colours all day, it’s certain to have a positive effect on you.” Undoubtedly, this colour-centric outlook explains the inexhaustible prevalence of bright hues and vivid tones characteristic of the Leutton Postle label.
In addition to this emphasis on aesthetics, there remains an inherent commitment to quality and extensive attention to detail in their designs. While the label has undoubtedly seen massive success on the glitzy catwalk, Jenny and Sam also pride their garments on their everyday, ready-to-wear possibilities. “We love to cater to all sorts of men and women with different styles. Knitwear is so versatile so people can tweak it to match their own styles.” That is why, in addition to its seasonal collections, Leutton Postle has recently opted to collaborate with accessible brands outside of the fashion realm – the most recent being Kopparberg, a celebrated cider company.
Given Leutton Postle’s quirky aesthetic and Kopparberg’s Scandanavian roots, the two brands teamed up to create a festive, cosy knit jumper. “Kopparberg wanted to collaborate with a knitwear label for their cosy Spiced Apple Cider. It seemed like the perfect fit. The jumper is typically Leutton Postle in that it is patterned and very colourful but with a little twist, as we took inspiration from Kopparberg’s heritage, the town itself, and traditional Swedish knitwear patterns.” Like all of Leutton Postle’s designs, this knit conveys an innovative, re-imagined approach to fashion. Jenny notes that, “it was really fun to work on the deconstruction of the Swedish knit, as it's such a recognisable textile pattern in its original form.”
So, what’s next for the designing duo? In addition to collaborations and, of course, new collections, both Sam and Jenny have been experimenting with fashion film – a feat that Jenny calls “a huge step for us that has really shaped our last 2 years.” Still, not all of Leutton Postle’s planned projects are as fashion-forward or even as obvious. When asked what is next on the agenda, it became clear that the pair is eager and excited to try on different hats. “I’d like to make my own alcohol,” Sam proclaimed. “I have a really good idea, but it’s a secret for now.”
Clearly, Leutton Postle has a thing or two up their sleeves.
NIXON opens shop in London
In the late 1990s, Nixon emerged in California, specialising in customised watches, accessories, and audio. After proving successful in America, Nixon opened locations all over the world. Boasting stores in over 70 countries and, seeking prominence in Europe, the company has since set up shop in two key locations: in Paris’ le Marais district, and, more recently, on Newburgh Street in London.
Near Carnaby Street’s trademark independent fashion houses and flagship stores, Newburgh Street provides the perfect setting for Nixon’s newest retail location. While, with the addition of a new storefront, the shop boasts an impressive external façade that blends seamlessly into the stylish shops and boutiques of Carnaby Street, it is what is inside the shop that stands out. With its workshop-inspired customization bar opening on November 1, it’s only a matter of time until customers are able to pick and choose bits and pieces to create their own unique watches. With its coveted products, innovative customisation bar, and its newest trendy location, Nixon’s new home in London will, as noted by Nixon co-founder Chad DiNenna, enable the brand “to be an active participant in contributing to the field of world-class design through our perspective, our brand and products”.
Be sure to make time to check out Nixon’s newest location at 6 Newburgh Street in London, open now!
From Bed Linens to Statement Pieces: The Fashion of DUVET DAYS
While you may have thought the cartoon-covered pillowcases and dinosaur sheets of your youth were merely a thing of the past, fashion label Duvet Days has brought them back in a big way.
When reminiscing about your childhood bedroom, embarrassing posters and strewn-about toys inevitably come to mind. But what about your old bed sheets?
Whether covered in busy, colorful patterns or decorated with contemporaneously popular cartoon characters, your old bedspread undoubtedly made a bold statement about your prepubescent interests. And, to London-based fashion label Duvet Days, they still can.
Specialising in upcycled, unisex clothing, Duvet Days repurposes old blankets and pillowcases into casual garments. Ranging from trousers to cropped tops, each retro-inspired creation features simple lines and basic silhouettes to complement the boisterous patterns and nostalgic decorations. To founder Emma Graham-While, this balance is key, as she emphasises that “it’s important to let the print talk”. In addition to its appealing aesthetics, each piece is 100% upcycled and, thus, entirely eco-friendly.
Whether worn as daily getups or lazy loungewear, Duvet Days’ wistful blast-from-the-past collection is sure to jog your memory.
Save the date! SWATCH presents days of my youth
By Tatyana Wolfman
On November 11th, Swatch invites you to the exclusive London premiere of Days of My Youth. A new film that explores the passion of skier’s for their sport. It is sure to tantalize the nerves of even the most extreme adrenaline junkies. The movie features four of the Swatch Proteam athletes and an all-star free skier lineup.
Swatch embraces the artistic side of Swatch Proteam member Richard Permin’s radical sport and inspirational way of life, through a creative collaboration to design his first signature Swatch model – PERMIN. Available this fall, the Swatch Sports Special is set to launch in sync with the athlete’s starring role in Days of My Youth.
Get your tickets for the premiere on Tuesday 11 Nov here!