Fox&Squirrel: A dedication to Knitwear

With knitwear set to grace boulevards, avenues and streets Fox&Squirrel hunted down Alex Feechan, designer for the 'about-to-launch' knitwear brand Clan Douglas Cashmere Studio. We leave you with the interview. To accompany Alex's answers Jojo, Fox&Squirrel's in-house stylist, has selected images of her favourite Clan Douglas designs.

1)What is your profession?
Knitwear designer

2) Who are your clients?.
We sell direct through our online website www.cashmerestudio.com and also we sell through small independent retailers throughout the UK and Europe.

3) Scottish heritage features dominantly in your brand. In what ways do you try to incorporate it in your collection?
Scottish Heritage is incorporated into the collection by combining contemporary design elements with the traditional techniques and skills, which have been passed down throughout the years from person to person, sometimes family to family. Appreciating and understanding these skills are the foundations for creating beautiful products that push the boundaries of design within a traditional brief.

4)To Fox&Squirrel's delight knitwear has witnessed a revival this season. What elements define your new collection?
Clan Douglas Cashmere studio's A/W 2010 showcases a stunning collection of beautiful knitwear. The key elements to the collection are design, handle and desire to create a luxourious contemporary collection of Scottish made knitwear. Some pieces focus on texture for example the "Constant Lover" a large chunky cable in a contemporary batwing shape with the most wonderful handle. Other pieces demonstrate the wonderful hand crafted skills and how these can be combined with strong design elements to achieve stunning results. Pieces such as a "Dream Deferrred" or "a dream within a dream" or " a birthday poem"epitomise the A/W10 Cashmere studio collection.

5) Finally, Fox&Squirrel's stylist Jojo has singled out In Shadowlands as her favourite Clan Douglas A/W 2010 piece. What is the story behind this?

"In shadowlands" is part of the cashmere/silk group, which is more evening wear. Knitted in a beautiful tonal chevron structure, the fabric has a beautiful drape and handle. This is very special style and has been designed in such a way that it can be worn as a dress or a gorgeous cowl neck batwing top. A soplhisticated luxury piece that any woman would love to have in her ward robe.