Audrey Hepburn in 1955. Taken from the exhibition Knitware – Chanel to Westwood at the Fashion and Textile Museum. Photograph: Norman Parkinson
Vogue shoot, February 1951. Photograph: Norman Parkinson/Vogue
The above title is taken from the recent article by Invisible Woman on the Guardian’s website.
And it’s talking about high fashion’s poor relation - knitting.
A new exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London covers knitwear through a decade of knitwear in fashion and presents over 150 pieces from Chanel to 1930’s swimwear to Vivienne Westwood. Whilst knitting has an important place in history especially throughout the World Wars, it still remains the poorer cousin when compared to high fashion. So much love and passion is put into every stitch that Grandma’s knitted reindeer jumper has a much dearer place in your heart than the H&M jumper you bought for a few quid.
So why the disparity between high fashion and knitwear?
The Invisible Woman writes a lovely, nostalgic piece to explain.
What is your opinion on knitting and fashion? Does it still have a place in high fashion? Or is it best relegated to the shelf along with sock darning and jam making?
We’d love to hear what you think.
Happy knitting!