From cashmere classics to statement cardigans, these labels are now a thing in fashion. With rising demand, why not pursue knitwear studies?
In a fashion landscape that is moving away from a fixation on fast trends and disposable wardrobes, knitwear has emerged as the hero of quiet luxury. It is tactile, timeless, and rich with subtext. A beautifully made sweater isn’t just cosy; it’s cultural currency. The right knit can whisper sophistication, highlight sustainability, and signal a collector’s discerning eye. And if you know where to look, investing in high-quality knitwear—especially vintage pieces—can be just as smart and fulfilling as buying art.
Below, we unravel five standout knitwear brands that blend quality, aesthetic, and staying power. Whether you’re eyeing a new-season drop or hunting down that perfect vintage find, these labels should be on your fashion radar and in every wardrobe.
Artknit Studios: The Modern Minimalist
Artknit Studios is one of those rare brands that walks the tightrope between sustainability and sophistication without ever slipping into the try-hard zone.
Hailing from Biella, the Italian city known for its fine wool and textile craftsmanship, the label offers a refreshing take on contemporary knitwear. Picture clean lines, versatile cuts, and an earth-toned palette that makes layering feel like a mindful ritual rather than a styling puzzle.
What sets Artknit apart is its mission: to make luxury knitwear accessible without compromising on quality. The brand collaborates directly with Italian artisans and mills, minimising intermediaries to deliver fair pricing and full transparency. The result? Long-lasting garments made from premium natural fibres like organic cotton, extra fine merino, and 100% traceable cashmere—all available without the luxury markup.
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Why invest? With their quietly luxurious aesthetic and wardrobe-staple appeal, Artknit pieces age gracefully. They’re perfect for those building a timeless capsule collection, and their growing cult status makes them a smart bet on the vintage market.
Guest in Residence: Gigi Hadid’s Cool-Girl Cashmere
If you thought that celebrity fashion labels were all style over substance, Gigi Hadid’s Guest in Residence is here to change your mind. The model-turned-creative-director launched the brand with a clear vision: to elevate everyday knitwear using high-quality cashmere and sustainable production methods. The result? A cosy, colourful, ultra-wearable line-up of knits that toes the line between luxe loungewear and low-key street style.
From bold striped sweaters to classic crewnecks in mood-boosting hues, Guest in Residence proves that cashmere doesn’t have to be precious or boring. Each piece is designed to mix and match, allowing for versatile wear throughout the seasons. Plus, the brand boasts a supply chain rooted in traceability and ethical sourcing, making it as mindful as it is Instagram-worthy.
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Why invest? Gigi Hadid’s fashion clout gives the brand instant cultural cachet, but it’s the quality and intention behind the pieces that ensure longevity. Expect these to become collector’s items, especially the first-season releases.
Alpha Studio: Italian Heritage, Fresh Energy
Alpha Studio may have deep roots in the Italian knitwear tradition, but don’t call it old-school. After more than 35 years in the game, the Florence-based label has reinvented itself for a new generation, bringing timeless designs to the forefront with updated fits and elevated basics.
Known for its impeccable attention to detail and use of natural fibres, Alpha Studio champions seasonless style. You won’t find flashy logos or gimmicky drops here; instead, think of it as the knitwear equivalent of a perfectly tailored blazer or your favourite pair of vintage jeans. Understated, reliable, but never boring.
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Why invest? Alpha Studio is a brand that often flies under the radar until you realise you’ve been reaching for its pieces on repeat. It’s a go-to for well-made staples that hold their shape and value over time, making it a vintage sleeper hit waiting to be discovered.
Iris von Arnim: The Collector’s Cashmere
There’s knitwear, and then there’s Iris von Arnim. This German label has built a legacy over the past 45+ years, becoming a favourite among fashion insiders and knit connoisseurs alike. What started as a small-scale craft endeavour in post-war Germany has evolved into a luxury brand that continues to produce its knits with old-world care, while embracing a contemporary perspective.
Each Iris von Arnim piece feels considered and unique, celebrating texture, technique, and the human artistry involved in its creation. Expect sculptural silhouettes, rich colour stories, and the kind of sweaters that make you stop and stare. It’s no wonder the brand has found favour among stylists, editors, and influencers who recognise a fashion heirloom when they see one.
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Why invest? With limited production runs, superior craftsmanship, and a deep-rooted identity, Iris von Arnim knits are poised to become future vintage treasures.
Alanui: The Statement Sweater Reimagined
Alanui didn’t just enter the knitwear game; it rewrote the rules. Founded by siblings Nicolò and Carlotta Oddi in Milan, the brand made a name for itself with luxurious jacquard cardigans that resemble wearable art. Each piece is crafted entirely in Italy and finished by hand, often taking up to 11 hours to produce—a testament to the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and slow fashion.
With its vivid colourways, Western-inspired motifs, and signature fringes, Alanui designs are not for the faint of heart. This bold identity has garnered a cult following among fashion-forward globetrotters and style risk-takers alike, who appreciate Alanui’s knitwear as high-impact layering pieces that shine in both Aspen lodges and Paris cafés.
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Why invest? Alanui cardigans are collector’s items from day one. The unique, seasonally shifting designs by Nicolò and Carlotta Oddi tend to hold—or often increase—in value, especially the limited-edition releases. Vintage Alanui? That’s a grail item.
Bonus Track: Knitwear Education Gets a Luxe Upgrade
For those who dream of not just collecting knitwear but also creating it, there’s exciting news from the heart of Italian fashion education. Istituto Marangoni Milano has launched a brand-new Master’s in Fashion Design for Knitwear Innovation, an advanced programme dedicated entirely to the art and future of knitwear. Even more compelling is the prestigious Postgraduate Industry Scholarship Competition for 2025/2026 in partnership with none other than Missoni, the legendary house known for its zigzag knits.
Up for grabs is a 50% reduction in tuition for the master’s programme—a golden opportunity for young creatives passionate about yarns, textures, and textile innovation. The brief is as ambitious as it is inspiring: applicants are to develop a knitwear garment that honours the Missoni heritage, complete with a moodboard, illustrated design (either flat or technical), and detailed specifications for fibres and structures. Sustainability is key, too: applicants must weave in thoughtful choices like zero-waste techniques, ethical production, and innovative materials. The deadline to apply is June 23, 2025.
Whether you aspire to be a knitwear designer or are simply passionate about the craft, this is your chance to turn your passion into a profession and add serious weight to your creative portfolio. In a world where craftsmanship and innovation are more important than ever, this educational opportunity is tailored for the future.
Angelo Ruggeri
Journalist and Master, Styling, Business, Design Courses Tutor, Milano