Attire Accessories - Feb/Mar 2019 (Issue 74)

SCOOP PREVIEW 71 Who: Quinton & Chadwick +44 (0)7813 626 175 quintonchadwick.com What: Design duo Jess Quinton and Jane Chadwick came together with a mutual vision to launch their knitwear label using only British manufacturers some 15 years ago. Now, the quirky Quinton & Chadwick accessories are stocked in the best boutiques and concept stores around the world, with more than 150 stockists worldwide. According to the company, “Attention to detail in our design aesthetic is not enough; we also hunt out the highest-quality yarns in order to satisfy our own unique take on colour and texture.” Both designers have textile and fashion backgrounds. Jess worked for Italian fashion house Missoni after graduating from the RCA, while Jane ran her own ready-to-wear label. A major passion for the designers is to keep traditional knitting skills alive in the UK. They use specialist factories in Scotland and Nottingham, as well as a cooperative of hand-frame knitters in Devon. This hands-on approach to machine techniques and industrial processes has helped the label develop its clever handwriting, a modern edgy twist on heritage patterns. AW19 is inspired by colour and the play of scale and pattern, with each new collection moving with trends yet enhancing the brand’s strong, quirky graphic style. Who: Bill Skinner +44 (0)1959 526 250 billskinnerstudio.com What: The foundation of the Bill Skinner brand is firmly rooted in Bill’s appreciation of creativity, design, craftsmanship and quality. Bill explored his creativity at Sir John Cass College of Art, followed by a number of developmental stints at companies in London’s famous Hatton Garden area. His talents were soon recognised, earning him a reputation as a rising craftsman, as he became the go-to freelance designer for revered brands such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Asprey and Garrard. In the 1980s, Bill worked with Butler & Wilson and Vivienne Westwood, two invaluable experiences that forged his relationships with the fashion and costume jewellery industries. As his success grew to worldwide critical acclaim, he won a number of royal commissions and noteworthy projects spanning three decades. In January 2012, Bill launched his namesake brand with an eponymous collection of charismatic and distinct costume jewellery. This first season was met with international praise, reinforcing that the unconventional and interesting are often the most beautiful and admired. Who:  Jane Carr +44 (0)20 7387 4337 jane-carr.com What: Established in London in 2005, Jane Carr creates luxury printed and cashmere scarves in directional palettes, with founder and creative director Jane Carr having graduated from the prestigious Central Saint Martins Fashion MA. Since the company’s debut, emphasis has been placed on distinctive, vibrant design and the finest craftsmanship, with printed scarves made by hand in Como, Italy. The Jane Carr brand is inspired by global travel, contemporary art and popular culture, imbued with a subtle humour and playfulness. Alongside seasonal print collections, Jane Carr presents an edit of indulgent cashmere wraps. Each cashmere piece is hand-loomed by artisans in Kathmandu, Nepal. The company has become a coveted cult label, featured in the pages of the world’s most esteemed publications and seen on international fashion insiders and a devoted celebrity clientele. The brand has partnered with the likes of Estée Lauder and Hauser & Wirth on exclusive international collaborations, as well as charity initiatives such as Women for Women International and Look Good Feel Better.