cycora® teamed up with KNARLI, a Los Angeles knitwear designer to participate in the cycora® Collection One design challenge. This challenge is centered around designing garments for circularity in order to have as little environmental impact at the garment's end-of-life. Designers were given cycora® fabrics and yarns as well as design criteria to be compatible with Ambercycle end-of-life solutions.
KNARLI Background:
I am a freelance knitwear designer, product developer, and consultant. I first started working with knit fabrics a decade ago when I was in high school. I got my BFA and AAS from FIT in New York and my MA from Nottingham Trent in England. After developing the KNARLI brand for a few years while studying and freelancing, I officially incorporated it as an LLC in 2020.
I absolutely love the challenge that comes with sustainability and I am determined to discover unorthodox solutions to break the status quo.
what drew you to apply to our design challenge?
I’ve had my eye on Ambercycle for a few years and was excited to hear about this opportunity to work with their new regenerated cycora™ yarn. The design challenge was perfectly in line with my goals as a brand, as I always develop products starting with raw materials with the goal of minimizing waste using unique knitting technology, such as Shima Seiki’s WholeGarment 3D-knitting machines. I’m excited for this chance for KNARLI to collaborate with Ambercyle since our company values and mission are in line with each other.
what message do you hope to get across through your design?
I want to break any aesthetic stereotypes that many people assume with eco-friendly labels. My vision for fashion’s future is that the norm will be for all labels to be constantly conscious of sustainable practices while carrying their own unique brand DNA. I hope that KNARLI will be able to set an example for other labels.
