Designer Watch: Sandra Backlund

There are very few fashion designers who use the human body as a starting point for a garment. Sandra Backlund, a Swedish knitwear designer, has taken structure to a whole new level by mixing hard lines and smooth textures in knits. She takes geometric shapes and structure to a material that is “meant” to be used for less constructed clothes.

Now, let me just explain to whoever is reading and does not understand the concept of a knit: a knit is usually used for less tailored garments with fabrics that have stretch. Backlund started experimenting with three dimensional planes and was able to achieve great volume that works in great ways. Her designs are sculptured, and show Backlund’s amazing knitwear skills, as well as her extensively creative mind.

She took part in the Festival de Hyéres and has been featured in many magazines, including Vogue Nippon, Dazed and Confused, Another Magazine, Vogue Italia, Big Magazine, i-D, V Magazine, and others. Yet, I wonder… How come Miami’s fashionistas have missed this? I admit, first time I saw this, I was blown away by the volume and Backlund’s ability to experiment with wool and construct spectacular pieces from scratch. Did I mention all of this is handmade?

Here are some of my favorites from the current collection, Control – C, and previous ones. Enjoy.