Your knitwear is about to get a revamp for a great budget with H&M‘s newest collaboration with Pringle of Scotland. The collection makes clever use of recycled polyester and organic cotton along with cosy alpaca wool and smooth viscose fibres — and is showcased by stylist and fashion editor Julia Sarr-Jamois.
When the design team at H&M was first presented with the idea of a knitwear collaboration, their minds fell immediately on Pringle of Scotland. With the brand’s signature argyle patterns and sporty knitwear pairings on the golf course, Pringle – founded in 1815 – is renowned as one of the oldest luxury knitwear brands in the world.
«We fell completely in love with the brand’s history, from their intimate and modest origins from Hawick, Scotland, to their technical innovation in knitwear», says Holli Parkinson, knitwear designer at H&M.
When the H&M team met with Pringle in their design office in London’s Vincent Square, presenting their initial trend idea to them, they went through the archives and one pattern stood out from the rest: the iconic argyle that has been part of the Pringle of Scotland’s DNA since the 1920s.
«Together with our in-house print team, we reworked different scales and colourways of the argyle. Inspired by streetwear styling and sport influences, we developed new designs around the classic pattern, and introduced an acid yellow colour as a highlight accent which brought the whole collection together», says Holli Parkinson.
The key pieces of the collection include a sweater which boasts a patchwork of tone and texture, splicing a retro-inspired diamond pattern with heavy ribbed wool, and a cropped, funnel-necked jumper with balloon sleeves. Traditional yarns are infused with attitudinal appeal in a series of generously oversized, raw-edged sweaters. Sweater dresses with ring-pull zip closures, cosy hoodies, second-skin leggings and slouchy hats and scarves are all printed with athletic logos for an athleisure take.
The in-house design team at H&M had constant contact with Pringle of Scotland throughout the process, and were able to share thoughts and ideas from sketches to samples.
«Pringle of Scotland has a long history of collaboration, and this latest partnership with H&M has been hugely inspiring. We are always looking for new ways to express the DNA of our heritage knitwear and we hope this latest playful, sporty take on our famous argyle and Fair Isle knitwear will delight our existing customers, as well as reach a worldwide audience via H&M», says Katy Wallace, Brand Director at Pringle of Scotland.
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LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of H&M
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht