A Journey to Luxury Knitwear: Unveiling the Influences Behind My Designs

Unveiling the Roots of Luxury Knitwear

Reflecting on my journey as a designer of ethical luxury knitwear, it feels almost predestined. My life has been a tapestry woven with influences that inevitably led me to my current role.

At work in my studio, exploring structure, texture, and craftsmanship

The seeds of this journey were sown long before my existence. Both sides of my family boasted innate artistic talents. From my father's intuitive knack for photography to my mother's flair for style and design, creativity coursed through our lineage.

Art and Aesthetics

The portrait of Jacqueline Roque by Picasso, part of my earliest childhood memories

My mother, a housewife in the 1950s, exuded artistry in her daily life. Her keen eye for modern design adorned our home with Picasso posters and enlarged photographs captured by my father. She imparted a profound sense of style, fashion, and an appreciation for quality materials. Through family trips to France, my father introduced me to the allure of Romanesque architecture, where I learned to relish the serenity and golden radiance of these ancient spaces.

I realized then that true beauty often resides in simplicity.

Flowering tree, photograph by my father, Koen Lenarts

Nature's Inspiration

My grandfather and father instilled in me the art of seeing beyond the surface. Their teachings fueled my curiosity and passion for exploration. As a child, I found solace in nature, spending hours studying flora and fauna up close, imagining a world where survival depended on the embrace of nature's bounty.

My mother as a young bride, wearing a wedding dress and hat of her own design.

Fashion and Craftsmanship

Under my mother's influence, I discovered the value of exquisite fabrics and the art of garment-making. She not only designed our attire but also taught me the rudiments of knitting, a skill that didn't resonate with me initially.

Her deliberate approach to clothing purchases—prioritizing quality over quantity—left a lasting impression. Our church visits, adorned with the splendor of the ceremonies and my mother's meticulously crafted hats, added a touch of elegance to these gatherings.

The Playful Touch of Creativity

My grandmother introduced an element of lightheartedness to our artistic pursuits. Together, we indulged in creating clothes for my Barbie doll, experimenting with assorted materials, crafting elaborate wedding dresses and evening gowns.

Unfortunately I lost my Barbie, but I would have loved this one

Craftsmanship's Embrace

Collection of yarns in my studio

Craftsmanship became my lifelong passion—an intimate connection between attention, concentration, and the joy of creating something by hand. Surrounded by women knitting, including my grandmother living above a wool shop, I experienced the alchemy of transforming a thread into a masterpiece—a sensation that resonates when I work on my knitting machine.

Gratitude for Influences

My designs today echo these myriad influences—a fusion of my mother's elegance and color sense, my grandmother's whimsy, the craftsmanship of seamstresses, and the reverence for nature passed down by my father and grandfather.

Explore Further

If you're curious to discover more about my designs and the inspirations behind them, I invite you to visit my lookbook through the link below. Let's embark on this creative journey together.