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Austin Nolan
Knitwear
Inspired initially by the heel of a sock, these garments use the technique of short-rowing to create volume and shaping. Custom shaping by partial knitting allows the garments to be pre-molded to work for a body, rather than a body fitting into a garment.
Four-piece ensemble with knit socks. Oversized jacket over a half-Milano short. The legging is detached and separate from the short.
The contrasting blue vest is attached to the jacket and turns inside at the wearer’s right. The jacket collar is a half-Milano structure allowing the shape to roll and maintain the body.
Bralette is short-rowed to create shaping and volume in the chest, the cup is built into the stitches. Contrast mohair embroidery is hand-woven.
Mohair bralette and legging set are plated with mohair on the outside with wool/elastic yarns on the inside. Underwear set mimics and mocks traditional lingerie.
Model/close friend was part of the developing thesis process – from sketch to fruition. These garments were initially designed for her to fit her body.
Photographer: Stefy Lin
Model: Haixi Ren
Meet the Designer
I like to think of myself as a pragmatic person. Initially, I started in design because it was hard for me to find clothes for myself that I felt comfortable in, as a result, I made clothes out of necessity. After nearly six years of design school and two degrees, I felt as though I had mastered wovens. For me, knitwear was the next natural step since it’s all about learning a new skill set and really deals with creating your own textiles. Knitwear allows me to further explore ideas I had conceptualized that weren’t possible with wovens. I create for other trans/nonbinary folx in the queer community, I like to be personal in my work.
