2011 Mohair-blend Striped Sweater with Frayed Details
Size S: Best for a Women's UK 8/US 6, a UK 10/US 8 or a slim UK 12/US 10.
Junya Watanabe mohair knit sweater from A/W 2011-2012. In brand new condition without tags. Made in Japan. RRP: €635 (£531)
The work of Junya Watanabe is characterized by the appropriation of subcultural forms to create striking and conceptually rich pieces. A/W 2011 was entirely devoted on deconstructions of the perfecto jacket, giving couture-esque silhouettes to the iconic design. This mohair knit -the Japanese designer's take on the 1970s Punk classic- demonstrates the collection's transformative approach. Bold black and off-white stripes give a visually arresting aspect to the contoured elongated silhouette, while exaggerated fraying on the hem and cuffs create an elegantly disheveled finish. Like all Junya Watanabe pieces, Its quality is exceptional and justifies the rather high retail price:
The luxurious mohair yarn is crisp and fluffy, with a smooth texture that feels pleasant against the skin. The addition of 17% nylon and 16% virgin wool gives a surprising resilience to the material, allowing it to maintain its shape well without pilling, which can be a typical problem with mohair-based knitwear of lower quality. The knit has a fully fashioned construction, with each individual piece being knit to its exact shape in a process similar to hand knitting. This process is much more expensive than typical cut-and-sew knitwear and undoubtedly superior in terms of longevity. The pieces are then seamlessly attached together by hand. Likewise, the frayed appearance of the hems is carefully executed to ensure that the structure of the knit is completely intact without any loose threads. This prevents further fraying from wear.
Featuring Watanabe's uncompromising craftsmanship, this piece speaks of a considered yet easy-going approach to casual styling. Its understated and timeless aesthetic make for a versatile staple that is easy to integrate in your wardrobe, while its extremely high quality ensures that it will be worn for decades.