Nicole Leybourne from the Knitter. Image supplied.
Nicole Leybourne founded her handmade knitwear label The Knitter in 2015 with the desire to create cheerful knitwear that is perfectly imperfect. She creates each piece herself with super soft criollo bred wool and mohair sourced from the Peruvian Andes and the East coast of South Africa. Nicole recently found herself in the New York office of Vogue after an invitation from an international buyer at the start of the year to showcase her beautiful knits there.
We caught up with Nicole to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection/pieces?
My knits are happy, playful, bright, soft and squishy. There’s quite a lot of orange in the mix too.
What made you become a designer?
I don’t really think I am a designer. I just like to knit woolly things and make people happy wearing one of my knits. I just wanted to work for myself, doing something creative, and to not be restricted by anyone else rules or expectations. Goodness knows how it was knitting that allowed me to do this.
What inspires you?
Colourful wool.
Knitwear pieces by The Knitter.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
I guess I like to wear things that make me feel happy. Like glitter and pink and dresses and bell sleeves. I think my designs reflect the happy, playful way I dress.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
My rainbow pot that my plant sits in. In my wardrobe it would have to be my pink Chinese bag. It’s the perfect size and it is pink. Also, my tacky unicorn shoes.
What wardrobe item should every woman invest in?
Can I say a happy knitted jumper?
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
No rules. Just whatever feels right each day, wear that.
Knitwear pieces by The Knitter.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Meeting with Vogue in NY.
What can’t you live without?
My dog and love.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
A waist belt, because it means I couldn’t eat a burger for lunch.
Images supplied.