KNWLS

Charlotte Knowles’ namesake label merges elements of deconstructivism, minimalism, and utilitarianism in its unabashedly feminine ready-to-wear. Working with her partner Alexandre Arsenault, the London-based designer founded the label shortly after graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2017. What began as an intimate two-person project has since expanded into an internationally acclaimed label with a series of collaborations under its belt. Best known for its experimental designs that accentuate the body’s silhouette in unexpected ways, Charlotte Knowles intends to rebrand as KNWLS for FW21 to reflect the brand’s growing studio practice. Corsets and tank tops subvert conventional codes of dress when styled with semi-sheer negligees. Hyper-stretchy flares and form-fitting dresses sport all-over patterns at once sensitive and severe. Leather handbags with sharp angles and interesting textures point to the brand’s interest in exploring new expressions of its design aesthetic. Playing with the ways the body can be both concealed and revealed, Charlotte Knowles effectively traverses the boundaries between tradition and the avant-garde.