Fair Isle knitting originated with Scottish fishermen, who needed warm, visible sweaters at sea. When the Prince of Wales wore these distinctive patterned knits in 1921, he transformed them from practical workwear into fashion statements. The traditional technique uses two colors per row in small, repeating patterns worked in the round.

Now a winter wardrobe staple, Fair Isle's enduring appeal has caught the eye of leading designers. Our collaborations feature fresh interpretations from KOCCA's Giuseppe Fanelli and knitwear expert Stefania Bosio, who blend traditional motifs with modern materials like soft alpaca and innovative patterns - perfect for both special occasions and everyday winter wear.

Giuseppe Fanelli, Milan 

Traditional Fair Isle's precise geometric patterns and dense construction find new expression in this contemporary piece. The structured two-color-per-row technique gives way to a watercolor-like blend of blush pink, sage green, while the typical dense wool transforms into a cloud-soft baby alpaca blend. This ethereal interpretation abandons rigid pattern rules for organic color placement, creating a softer, more fluid silhouette that speaks to modern sensibilities. The  Deanna Pink Fair Isle cardigan  is also available in  grey with pink tones .

In Giuseppe Fanelli's  "Winter's Visitor" collection , the Deanna cardigan embodies the gentle anticipation of new destinations. The abstract Fair Isle pattern, with its blending colors and hazy transitions, mirrors the blurred landscapes viewed through a traveler's window. Its cloud-like texture in baby alpaca serves both aesthetic and practical purposes - the soft, brushed finish creates a comforting embrace, while the oversized silhouette allows for easy movement, perfectly capturing the collection's theme of comfortable exploration. The traditional Nordic motifs are reimagined through a dreamy, contemporary lens, where rigid geometrics dissolve into something more fluid and emotive - much like memories collected along a journey.

Stefania Bosio, Italy

"When I collaborate with Fabrique, I feel solid support in expressing my emotions and the stories I'm immersed in these days," shares Hanna. Through her brand 'Hannayoo Works,' she transforms Fair Isle's traditional repeating patterns into a modern narrative about connection and community. The result is a collection that honors knitting heritage while introducing playful new elements – from the relaxed silhouettes to the tactile pom-pom details – each piece reminding us, as Yoo notes, that "we're not walking alone."​

Collin Mcnair, New York

In the  Islay Fair Isle Sweater,  Colin McNair reimagines sustainable knitwear through artisanal craftsmanship. This baby alpaca knit piece, created in collaboration with Fabrique, features 13 thoughtfully selected colors woven into harmonious layers. Each Islay sweater tells a story of transformation – carefully sourced post-consumer garments are deconstructed and reborn meticulously, resulting in an alpaca-wool blend that's both incredibly lightand wonderfully warm.

For the second piece, traditional band patterns take on new depth through reclaimed yarns in the  Collin Fair Isle cardigan . Smoky grey merino wool frames intricate sequences of modern color pallettes of burgundy, brown, and navy motifs. The spindle silhouette and deep ribbed pockets honor classic cardigan elements while horn buttons add a vintage character.

"I enjoy using these different colored panels, reconnecting them to create new multicolored sweaters," Collin explains. Each garment begins as carefully sorted post-consumer knitwear, which is deconstructed, processed, and respun into fresh yarns.

Delphine Baverel, Paris

Delphine Baverel translates the rugged grandeur of the Pyrenees Mountains into refined Fair Isle patterns. Each geometric band flows like mountain contours, where traditional motifs evolve into contemporary linear designs rendered in a sophisticated palette of grey, pink, and royal blue. The fitted silhouette and cropped length transform heritage knitwear into a distinctly metropolitan piece, while premium merino wool ensures natural temperature regulation and breathability.

For Baverel, each piece in her Fabrique collaboration honors a specific Pyrenees locale, known for its raw, authentic knitwear heritage. "The modern aesthetic embodies French style philosophy," she explains, where luxury meets practicality. Her designs reinterpret the region's timeless patterns through a contemporary lens, with each zigzag and diamond motif evoking the majestic peaks and valleys that inspired them. The result marries traditional craftsmanship with the polished elegance of modern French design, creating pieces that feel both timeless yet thoroughly current.