Buenos Aires Shopping and Fashion, Knitwear

As Buenos Aires nights start to cool down, and we inch ever so slowly towards winter, new collections full of cozy sweaters and long sleeves are appearing at all of the city’s major brand stores. When I think of a cold winter day, I dream of being wrapped up in comfy knitwear. Unfortunately, knits traditionally bear a stigma as dull and matronly potato sacks. If this is your idea of knitwear, think again.

Some of BA’s most exclusive independent designers dedicate themselves entirely to couture knitwear, incorporating materials such as wool, satin, silk, cotton and linen, to create highly artistic yet wearable garments for these upcoming cold winter months.

Perhaps the original innovator in high-end knits, Caro Sosa dedicates her creativity to honing a collection inspired by the eclectic essence of the Argentine woman. When she speaks about this country, you can hear how much her love for Argentina has influenced her designs of smooth dresses, long skirts, delicate wraps, and so much more. In her collections, she focuses on creating a spirit of romanticism, femininity, and the quest for the national identity. Many of her dresses are knitted by hand, and the rest are created by machines that function using zero electricity. This provides the garments with their refined look and soft texture, and incorporates an element of environmental consciousness to her work. Every Caro Sosa collection is marked by a mix of bright colors with balanced neutrals, and the quality is unsurpassed. Ever thought of wearing a knit as a party dress? Didn’t think so. But at Caro Sosa, that’s exactly what you’ll find.

Ever since I came across Paula Ledesma at the now-closed boutique Maria Marta Facchinelli, I was hooked on the combination of comfort and artistry that is the hallmark of her elegant collection of dresses, pullovers, hats, wraps, and vests. The designer heralds from a successful family business in the wool industry, and works intensely with several varieties of yarn. Her goals are to innovate, experiment, and emphasize the female form through the construction of well-fitting knitwear. Due to her part-time position as a professor at the UBA in Morphology, she cites nature and animals as primary inspirations for her work. The pieces designed specially for her ad campaigns are handmade by Paula herself, and the rest are made by special, nontraditional machines constructed specifically to work with delicate materials. Although by nature simple, her garments also include detailed touches such as twists and knots of diverse colors along backs or necklines. When her new boutique opens within the next few months on Scalabrini Ortiz, no doubt I will be one of the first customers. In the meantime, find Paula Ledesma at her showroom in Villa Crespo, prior appointment required.

If there is one word that sums up the new Manuela Fernandez winter collection, it’s folk. Picture 60s style hippie wear, featuring traditional colors such as burgundy, deep brown, and hints of white. The stitch at Manuela is a loose crochet, adding even more hippie flair to the garments. You’ll find cascading vests, the classic poncho, loose tops, flowy skirts, and belted coats. In addition to the customary fabrics such as wool, silk, and suede, this knitwear line utilizes floral leather appliqués and exclusive mohair pieces perfect for a cool winter day. When you go out in your new outfit by Manuela Fernandez you’ll take a journey into the past. So retro.

As winter slowly descends upon the city, the time to bundle up is now. Get ready to change your perception of traditional knitwear and prepare yourself for unique, inventive, and expressive garments that keep you warm while maintaining that high-style look that makes us all feel beautiful. The cold is coming-embrace it.

Xoxo
Your BAShopGirl

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