Katie Jones Spring 2016

Katie Jones is a true revolutionary, proving that recycled and reclaimed materials can be just as beautiful, if not more. By marrying ethical consumerism with vibrant colors and motifs her visually striking approach is distinct from any of her contemporaries. For Spring 2016 she's knitted up another storm of color and texture, proving that her material of choice isn't just for Fall. Vibrant crop tops, crocheted mini skirts and drawstring bucket bags are just some of the items she's lovingly crafted which seem perfect for a day at the seaside. The collection looks it's best and brightest in front of a festive cactus, hot pink backdrop and studio lighting channeling Marina and the Diamond's latest album, Froots. In fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if some inspiration was taken from the British songstress. The whole collection is a mashup of British iconography, best described as a mashup of pop stars and British celebrities from two different eras, the present-day and swinging 1960s. In a single phrase: Twiggy meets Froots. 

In case the reference wasn't obvious, the intense artificial lighting and vibrant colors is reminiscent of Marina and the Diamond's latest album cover, and the bold eyeliner was championed by the mod model Twiggy. Their sum is greater than their equal parts and when combined, has created something just as iconic, playful and innovative. Leather patches, crochet, plastic and yarn are used as a highly unusual canvas, upon which, Jones has created a landscape of festive clothing. Every season she reinvents the humble denim jacket, emblazoned with her own range of iconography in the form of stars, hearts and flowers. If you were lucky enough to attend this year's Port Elliot Festival, you might have even attended her workshop and incorporated some of these leather offcuts in a Katie Jones inspired DIY. This season is no exception, although baggy jumpers and the most amazing pair of custom jeans were also in the mix. Basically, those jeans are everything I want and more from a pair of pants.

If you've read my reviews of her work before, you'll know I'm a big fan of her work and modus operandi. Sidebar: If you're particularly interested in ethical design, I recommend keeping up with Katie Jones on twitter or instagram, or by checking out the hashtag, #WASTENOT. While some designers struggle to make it a part of their business model, or only achieve some form of tokenism in their approach, Katie Jones ensures it's an integral part of her identity as a designer. The techniques she employs only promotes this knack for reclaimed and recycled materials, but it's so interesting that a young and relatively new designers has taken on this approach with such fantastical results. She's also really grown her brand laterally this season, putting greater emphasis on accessories, such as the pom pom earrings, hair ribbons and custom crochet sandals, a collaboration with Juju footwear. It's only a matter of time before she's able to make her work a commercial success, and I for one cannot wait.

Katie Jones Fall 2015

I've known about Katie Jones wonderful knitted creations for quite some time now but never felt compelled to discuss her work on this blog, until now. The combination of a glittery rubber boots, a fantasy world and colour is itself enough to attract me towards a collection but the casting of Rina Sawayama (instagram) was the icing on the cake. In addition to being a model she's also a singer/ songwriter, nail technician and graduate of the prestigious Cambridge University. Basically I have a huge crush on her at the moment which only intensifies my love for this collection. Her playful poses complimented the sentiment of this photo shoot as well as the textural elements such as the large scarves and pom pom earrings. What I find most interesting about this collection is the number of different techniques integral to a single piece as well as the colour combinations and overall use of patterns. Stylist Emma Slade Edmonson did a spectacular job and I don't think these photos would not be what they are without her influence. While I've previously stated JuJu Footwear has become the go to shoe for smaller independent designers something as simple as changing the laces on the boots really had a big impact. 

What I found particularly interesting about Katie Jones' knitted creations were the cuts and shapes of her pieces. By equal measure she was able to create darling cropped, knitted vests and long draping cardigans and coats. Her scarves weren't a typical, boring, straightforward design either and allowed her to explore a variety of different techniques and add texture to her outfits. Other designers who knit and create such as Caroline Kaufman have been busy making statement scarves but it's only recently that they've become important accessories during fashion week. In part this has been due to bitterly cold conditions in New York but I'd like to think that things are undergoing a slow transformation. That people are appreciating the addition of texture and colour to their outfits. Had I not chosen to study science or if I had the free time now I'd like to experiment with knitting machines and introduce different materials into their design. This urge to reinvent myself or try mixed media has also been inspired by Nashville artist Zoe Schlacter's instagram account and the numerous swatches she's posted there. 

This particular collection, aptly named 'Let them Eat Cake' reinforced this idea of taking joy in frivolous and pretty things, particularly the white frilled edges of many of the coats and scarves. Of course these are bound to get dirty after many adventures and outings all of which reminds us of Marie Antoinette's decadent and sheltered lifestyle romanticised through her namesake feature films. Again this reinforces the idea that these clothes are special pieces and should be treated as such but for something as cute and colourful as a big statement jacket and given how much work went into its design and execution I think they deserve to be seen. I just like the idea of serving up knowledge and telling other people about the clothes I wear on my back through word of mouth in addition to online content. Because you can't hear the sound of me getting all gushy and emotional about a coat as you would if you knew me in real life but the truth is clothing does affect me on an emotional level. 

Images via Katie Jones website