Photo by Kate Stanworth

stylonylon interviews knitwear designer Amy Hall

London knitwear designer Amy Hall launched in 2010 after completing a knitwear summer course at Central Saint Martins and teaching knitting at Liberty London. With a background in photography and having worked at Magnum Photos, Amy turned her love of knitting and crochet into a highly successful independent knitwear label. Stocked in Dover Street’s Wolf & Badger and loved by the likes of Susie Bubble and Paloma Faith, Amy continues to challenge our perception of knitwear in her Dalston studio where all her pieces are handmade from natural fibres by herself and her small team. I’m a huge fan and have photographed Amy’s Yakone pencil skirt, mohair Chu sweater (also above) and Siku sweater for outfit posts as well as snapping her AW13 collection at LFW. Here, Amy tells us a bit about herself, her cats and her style. 

Follow Amy on Twitter @amyhallknitwear and Facebook

What was your original concept for your brand? 
Shopping for fashion can be a bit like buying ready meals – more often than not, you don’t know what’s going into what you’re buying. To say there’s room for improvement is putting it politely. I started my brand because at that time there was a huge lack of decent, well-made knitwear in natural fibres that would stand the test of time. My aim was to create collections that would challenge preconceptions of handmade knitwear and show people it can be stylish and sexy.

Now that LFW is done and dusted, what’s next?
Now that LFW is over I’m sourcing yarns for SS14. Over the next few weeks I’ll be cramming in as many inspiring exhibitions and trips as possible, so that I can begin the design process all over again.

Working in the world of fashion, what style tips have you picked up along the way?
The best style tip I have picked up is to invest in a good sticky roller to remove pet hair. I live with two cats who seem to have a particular penchant for whichever thing is my favourite, or the most expensive. They then leave hair all over it.

What key pieces of clothing and accessories can’t you live without?
I have a ‘Willow’ cardigan from my AW11 collection that I live in, so much so I’ve reworked the shape for AW13 (Ed’s note – see below), same goes for my Westwood pirate boots, my grandmother’s opal ring and a gorgeous cashmere scarf from new brand Orwell & Austen. I wouldn’t be without any of them!

What will you be wearing this spring /summer? Any trends that you’re planning on working into your wardrobe?
I’m still into neon and brights (even better if you’ve got a tan!), but I’ve always been a fan of monochrome. I recently bought a black & white leather skirt from Whistles so that’ll be getting a lot of wear over the coming months.

What was the last item of clothing you bought and what’s next on your shopping list?
I was given an amazing pair of Nike Air Max ID’s for Christmas, but I think the last thing I bought was a pair of Alexander Wang fringed sandals (Ed’s note – out of stock but see sale pair below!). I have a bit of a thing for shoes…! But next on my list is a helmet-style hat from Darkroom.

Photo by Kate Stanworth

1. Amy Hall AW13 Justine cardigan (available April) 2. Shah hat from Darkroom 3. Alexander Wang sandals (88% off in grey at The Outnet) 4. Orwell and Austen cashmere scarf 5. Vivienne Westwood pirate boots