As we careen towards a future that’s never felt less certain, hope lies in the things we already know best.

For SS23, KNWLS found comfort in the signatures that make up its foundational wardrobe. Miniskirts, bias-cut slips, pleated shirt-dresses and a worn in Tencel trench coat in acid-washed denim exude a warm familiarity; faded plaids and flickers of damask-print jersey return in aquatic blues and greens. The hardiness of corset shorts, bodices and cropped flight jackets is tempered by their materiality – seemingly worn-in leathers, biscuit-y shearlings and honey-hued suedes.

There’s a daintiness to fine waffle knit slip dresses and ultra-stretch miniskirts with flounced hems, and the laced-on cap sleeves of bleached umber floral tops flutter with the wearer’s step. Elsewhere, lacing zigzags across the open flanks of swishy flamenco flares and the open torsos of a svelte black jersey catsuit and halter neck bralettes, tying about the body into wispy bows.

For all of this season’s delicacy, the KNWLS woman remains bulletproof. An aviator a coat in a dry, denim-like wool conveys stern elegance, and the armor-like Claw jacket – the brand’s signature corseted leather piece – returns in a faded indigo treatment. The curvilinear Razr bag and plaque-bearing belts are speckled with studs, while tarnished metal rings pierce the piping of bags and leather miniskirts, and coiled earrings in both clear and gold resin – a continuation of KNWLS’ ongoing collaboration with Paris-based jeweler Marco Panconesi.

Slashed gowns in diaphanous black gauze and bleached floral jersey – glinting with Swarovski crystals – emanate 00s starlet elegance. Their sparkle is echoed in this season’s sunglasses created in collaboration with Andy Wolf, and a pair of crocheted trousers that jangle with ‘bleached’ sequins, echoing this season’s faded denim wash.

Grounding the silhouette is KNWLS’ most elevated shoe offering to date. Jagged square-soled ankle boots in tufted shearling and dusty peach suede are complemented by effortless round-toed sandals in tobacco and fondant pink, and taupe slingback mules. Gladiator heels with web-like straps are pierced with tarnished brass rings, their toughness counterbalanced by a cosy shearling boot created in collaboration with UGG – a chic elevation of a beloved wardrobe staple.

KNWLS is exploring new parameters of working through a look entirely made out of deadstock fabrics through Nona Source, a platform which repurposed unused fabrics from LVMH houses. The look aims to negate any learnt thoughts of how the process of creativity can reinverse, starting from the materials instead of the sketches.

Discover all the looks below.

CREDITS

Stylist Georgia Pendlebury – MA+ Creative
Make up Isamaya Ffrench using ISAMAYA – Streeters
Hair Eugene Souleiman – Streeters
Nails Sylvie Macmillian – MA+ Creative
Casting Anita Bitton – Establishment Finlay Mccaulay – Establishment

Music Show Akira Woodgrain
Movement Ryan Chapell
Words Mahoro Seward
Jewellery Marco Panconesi
Sunglasses Andy Wolf