Looking equally good on a man or woman, this cardigan can be worn exactly how you want. I think it is one of the knits that Lorraine and I spent the most time and love on. Looking deceptively simple, but the weight, the yarn count, the position of the buttons, the pockets, the ribbing of the cuff... the depth of the sleeve etc has to be just so, for it to look chic, luxurious and relaxed. This particular piece of knitwear has been worn by musicians to open shows, against their bare skin; to artists working in their studios; and also through these dystopian times by the editor of the Financial Times How to Spend it, Jo Ellison (pictured above) and her family during lockdown. Whose compelling editorial in the new look HTSI, and superb visuals, kept me sane and feeling connected with the outside world these last few months.
Looking equally good on a man or woman this cardigan can be worn exactly how you want.
Maybe because it’s the kind of knit that you make your own... like a dressing gown?
Interestingly for designer, Lorraine, “it was loosely based on a favourite cardigan of my father’s, but his was in lambswool... we pimped it to cashmere. Embracing the ethos of Connolly and the idea of a man’s cardigan borrowed by daughters... and now history repeats in the Ellison house”
That Jo Ellison, whose point of view and editorial direction carry such weight, along with her unbelievable sense of moving things forward, loves this cardigan... means the world. And I know if it works on stage for Childish Gambino and at home in lockdown for Jo, we are doing something right. I love how it has become a classic that we include every year. Its style both comforting and elegant and is exactly why I started Connolly again... the lure of stealth chic. I want some of our pieces to always be a part of who our customers are – we don’t go in much at Connolly for personalisation or logos, because it’s about how you wear the clothes, not in that everything coordinates because I can buy it all, sort of way... but in that completely owning it kind of way. It stems from what they do, who they are, and how you work them into your life and style...
Jo was photographed by her daughter Ada, at home... and I just love everything about this image of her in the Art Cardigan. Ada thank you - you are seriously good at this and it is just how we want the cardigan to be worn.
“I discovered the 'Art Cardigan' about two years ago and have since converted my whole family to its genius - and bought one in every colour that I can", says Jo. "It’s perfect. The ideal weight, shape, it’s cut generously in the arms, and has a deep v buttoning, that I like to think looks quite alluring if worn next to the skin. My husband wears an art cardigan over a shirt almost every day. My daughter throws one on as a de-facto dressing gown. I have taken to wrapping mine around the waist - ballerina style - while sitting at my desk. While I prefer the earthy neutrals - we most commonly argue over a cinnamon version that can no longer claim a single owner. No question, it’s my favourite piece of clothing. Please, please, please, in future, will you make us one in black?”
Learn more about Jo Ellison
..I know that if it works on stage for Childish Gambino and at home in lockdown for Jo … we are doing something right..
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