CHUNKY KNITS A FASHION HIT
A Welsh designerr launches waste-freeree clothes – and Londonndon boutiques are already ready lining up to stockk them
ALEXANDRA Wall has already made a name for herself as one of fashion’s most talented nted and original new designers. Now the Cardiff-based designer is launching unching her own line of environmentally friendly and waste-freeaste-free clothing – just as the fashion world descends on the capital for London Fashion Week.
Alexandra has worked with brands such as KTZ Z and All Saints, and is now to release her own debut autumnwinter collection.
It includes huge, oversized jumpers, skirts and d chunky shorts knitted from jersey fabric, which can be worn by both men and women.
Alexandra’s ZERO collection, which will be launching unching on Tuesday, has already attracted attention from om The Permanent Pop-Up, a boutique in Soho, London, which will be stocking her clothes.
Her design approach stems from unusual, oftenn dark and original concepts inspired by her cultural interestserests and travels, with a tailored element to her work.
After graduating from the University of Creativee Arts, Alexandra qualified to showcase her work in the industry’s largest event for new talent – Graduate Fashionon Week 2015 – and was shortlisted in the top 20 for a Calvinvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger scheme based in Amsterdam. m.
After finishing her studies, the 24-year-old returned to Wales to set up her Xandra Jane clothing range.
“I’ve been working on three collections, with my debut collection set to launch next week,” she said.
“I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with inspiring Welsh creatives on my look book and I’ve been working towards an environmentally friendly fashion movement with like-minded designers in Cardiff.
“I have also secured a London-based stockist and redesigned my website in time for the launch, all while working towards my spring/summer collection.
“There’s been such a positive and incredible response to the collection so far. The slate colour story and jumper in particular are proving to be the most popular, but so much interest has been created around the shorts.
“When people originally saw my design plans, they couldn’t quite get their head around a chunky knit short and how it would work, but the final look is so strong and successful I couldn’t be happier.
“I think a lot of people are surprised about the weight of the garments, but once your shoulders are carrying a jumper it’s like wearing a blanket. It really has confirmed that gender fluidity is the direction for my brand.
“To have my debut collection stocked in Soho – on the doorstep of London Fashion Week – is unbelievable.
“I will forever be proud to base myself in Cardiff and highlight I’m a Welsh luxury designer, but building connections and getting your foot in the door with London is a great feeling.
“I hope it can direct eyes over the border to Wales for us to show what we have to offer as fashion creatives.”
Alexandra will be launching her new Xandra Jane ZERO collection on Tuesday at The Old Church in Newport between 7pm and 10pm.
Find out more at www.xandrajane.com