Pringle not only upgraded last year’s presentation slot at Corso Como to a fully fledged Milan show, but also added a short film made by Swiss artist Walter Pfeiffer. ‘Let it be snow, Let it be snow’ proved, as three models played around in the snow, that the Pringle gear not only looks the part but that it’s also fully functional in a winter landscape. Judging by what we saw on the catwalk, minus degrees shouldn’t be a problem. Loads of leather, and even bits of fur, appeared. Even the knits, already warm and cosy, were threaded with cut shearlings woven into the fabric.
Twinset knits and chunky cable knit cardigans aside, the leather was the real star, and came out as coats, jackets and trousers. First the show focused on khaki, brown and beige, and after a section or warmer red tones there was a grande finale of darker black pieces. Also a tartan check pattern snuck out, but the best piece was possibly a Fairisle-knitted biker jacket which nicely combined Pringle’s knit tradition with its tougher attitudes and edgy style.
Dazed Digital: There was lots of leather in this collection, more than a usual Pringle winter collection...
Clare Waight Keller: Yeah, I wanted to totally stay away from tailoring this season, so we focused on outerwear and knitwear... I call it ‘urban game keeper’. It’s taking the ideas of country references but putting it with modern fabrication. There’s also a lot of texture in the knitwear.
DD: You also had quite a few standing collars and high necks in the show, was that part of the silhouette?
Clare Waight Keller: It’s part of the protective out doors look, but in a looser way. And that works well with the detachable hoods as well as an accessory piece.
DD: Was there a nod to the Pringle twinset in there as well?
Clare Waight Keller: Yeah, exactly, it’s a 100 per cent hand knit cable cashmere top and a cardigan in the same fabric and colour.
DD: Was there a specific piece that stood out to you?
Clare Waight Keller: The fully knitted parka lined in nylon with raccoon fur and with a shearling hood!
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