LONDON — Yoox Net-a-porter has partnered with The King’s Foundation on a capsule collection inspired by blustery Scotland.
Designed by six fashion graduates participating in the foundation’s The Modern Artisan residency, the collection draws on the program’s emphasis on traditional craftsmanship and sustainability.
“This year’s artisans have inspired us with their innovative capsule collection, merging responsible design, artisanal skills and high-quality materials to meet our customers’ expectations for luxury fashion,” said Vikki Kavanagh, managing director of Net-a-porter and Mr Porter.
Courtesy of Net-a-porter
Inspired by Queen Victoria’s watercolors of the Scottish Highlands, the 13-piece collection encompasses chunky knits, slinky slipdresses and sartorial loungewear.
Made in the foundation’s headquarters, the historic Dumfries House in Ayrshire, the budding artisans flexed their craftsmanship using traditional hand smocking and sewing, silky deadstock fabrics, British wool and dyes made from native heathers.
“Over the last five years, we have been so proud to see how all of our Modern Artisan graduates have gone on to use what they learnt on the course to launch flourishing careers and businesses in the fashion and textile industry,” said Jacqueline Farrell, The King’s Foundation’s educational director.
Wool from Dumfries House’s own flock was used to knit the collection’s oversize scarf.
Courtesy of Net-a-porter
“Everything we do here at The King’s Foundation is inspired by His Majesty King Charles III’s vision of harmony, promoting traditional skills and providing holistic, collaborative training for the fashion and textiles professionals of tomorrow,” she added.
It’s the partnership’s third installment, and this year’s collection paid particular attention to sustainable practices. Fleece used to knit an oversize cable knit sweater came from Dumfries House’s own flocks, processed and knit by two U.K.-based companies.
The capsule’s traceable supply chain comes as part of Net-a-porter partnership with think tank Fashion Roundtable to develop The Great British Wool Revival, an open-source mapping tool for designers on how to ethically work with British wool.