Archive for the ‘SWEATERS’ Category
The Duke’s Fair Isle bail out
The Fair Isle design is named after a small Scottish Island- located near ‘Shetland’ island. Fair Isle sweaters are usually colorful, patterned, and were first made by farmers. In 1922, The Duke of Windsor heard a particular group of Fair Isle farmers were in financial trouble, so he wore one of their sweaters out and about. As planned, Fair Isle sweater sales boosted, and the Fair Isle design became a classic.
Adam Christopher’s post on Fair Isle and other seaside knits here
Chloe Sevigny’s take on Fair Isle here
Fact Credit: Dressing The Man, Alan Flusser, p. 286-287
Image Credit: Burberry sweater featured on prestige-mag.com
Good Cardigans & Bad Neighbors
Before Mr. Rogers showed us the kinder, gentler side of the cardigan, it served as the garment of choice for a man that is categorized as a bad neighbor at best.
James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan, was expelled from his British school for fighting. Later in life, Mr. Brudenell was known for causing much scandal in both his love life and military career. Brudenell was reprimanded for both bullying and dueling his military companions- and was denied an honor by Queen Victoria due to her knowledge of his sensational reputation.
The Earl of Cardigan prided himself in style, and was often seen wearing the sweater he popularized. The sweater soon became known as a “cardigan” after the Earl who so boldly donned it. It appears that the cardigan itself is more buttoned up than its namesake.
More about cardigans here; Fact Credit: Wikipedia
Image Credit: tresbienshop.net; “Gang Cardigan” by S.N.S. Herning
Twisted Mouth
image Credit: Margaret Howell via hypebeast.com
Argyle originates from the powerful Clan Campbell of Argyll, Scotland. The clan’s name is derived from the Gaelic word ‘caimbeul‘ meaning wry mouth, crooked mouth, or twisted mouth.
Fact Credit: Wikipedia
How A Cardigan Can Save Your Life
Photo Credit: apc.fr
Umbrella Murderer Francesco Giullino used an umbrella adapted by the KGB to shoot a poison projectile into his victims. Under the guise of an antique salesman, Francesco was in fact a Bulgarian secret agent. Giulliano’s plan was foiled one day by Bulgarian radio editor Vladimir Kostov. Vladimir had dressed for Paris cold in a thick wool cardigan the day of the attempted murder. Umbrella Murderer shot at Vladimir, but his sweater served as unexpected armor, prevented the poison from penetrating his skin too deeply, saving his life.
Fact Credit: timesonline.co.uk
Myth of the Fisherman’s Sweater
Photo Credit: roguesgallery.com
According to myth, fisherman wore unique cable knit sweaters so their bodies could be identified if they drowned. There is no evidence to support this myth, but Irish families may have had their own signature style of knitting sweaters.
Featured cable knit: Rogues Gallery Washed Black Cable Knit