Fashion’s leading publications, including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, have declared the cardigan as the garment of the year, making it the standout piece on the runways of top designers across the globe. Its strength lies in its exceptional versatility, allowing it to transition seamlessly from casual ensembles to more refined and formal attire. It all comes down to choosing the style that best fits your personal aesthetic: a classic grey wool cardigan as seen at Miu Miu, jacquard patterns in the Louis Vuitton collection by Pharrell Williams and Nigo, soft pink tones from Chloé, or edgy, layered pieces at Acne Studios. Regardless of the style, the knitted cardigan has become a contemporary wardrobe essential, heralding knitwear’s return to the forefront of fashion. No longer a nostalgic nod to the past, it is increasingly a symbol of a dynamic, forward-moving industry.  

Knitwear mirrors today’s lifestyle: it is comfortable, modern, fluid, and elegant. Unsurprisingly, more and more designers are recognising its value and helping to redefine its identity. From Missoni and Vivienne Westwood to Sonia Rykiel and Hermès, knitwear continues to captivate the fashion elite. It is a sector marked by constant technical evolution and immense creativity, demanding highly specialised expertise and tailored training.  

Istituto Marangoni Milano will launch a new Master’s programme in Fashion Design for Knitwear Innovation in September 2025, providing valuable insights into production techniques, materials, and digital technologies applied to knitwear design. Students will explore both artisanal and industrial approaches, working with the same machines and design software used by major fashion houses. This hands-on experience will help them acquire technical skills that are highly sought-after in the fashion and luxury sectors, propelling knitwear into a futuristic dimension. 

In addition to renowned couturiers, some of the world’s most renowned models have also embraced the charm of knitwear. In 2022, Gigi Hadid launched her own label, Guest in Residence, offering joggers, hoodies, dresses, beanies, scarves, and socks—often unisex—crafted entirely from 100% cashmere. She describes it as «knitwear designed to last years.» Knitwear’s ability to transcend trends while maintaining its allure is one of the factors that connects it to the luxury sector. Through its iconic Put Together aesthetic, Missoni has made knitwear a timeless signature, and in the 1960s, Sonia Rykiel revolutionised the silhouettes of Parisian women with tight-fitting, sexy knit pullovers beloved by icons like Audrey Hepburn, Sylvie Vartan, Françoise Hardy, and women around the world.  

Knitwear also stands for sustainability. Today’s yarns are increasingly made from natural, eco-friendly, and organic materials, developed through practices that respect the environment and animal welfare. This commitment to sustainability makes knitwear not only innovative and stylish, but part of an ethical and generous vision, essential for creating the collections of tomorrow.