Pringle of Scotland x H&M

Your knitwear is about to get a revamp for a great budget with H&M‘s newest collaboration with Pringle of Scotland. The collection makes clever use of recycled polyester and organic cotton along with cosy alpaca wool and smooth viscose fibres — and is showcased by stylist and fashion editor Julia Sarr-Jamois.

When the design team at H&M was first presented with the idea of a knitwear collaboration, their minds fell immediately on Pringle of Scotland. With the brand’s signature argyle patterns and sporty knitwear pairings on the golf course, Pringle – founded in 1815 – is renowned as one of the oldest luxury knitwear brands in the world.

«We fell completely in love with the brand’s history, from their intimate and modest origins from Hawick, Scotland, to their technical innovation in knitwear», says Holli Parkinson, knitwear designer at H&M.

When the H&M team met with Pringle in their design office in London’s Vincent Square, presenting their initial trend idea to them, they went through the archives and one pattern stood out from the rest: the iconic argyle that has been part of the Pringle of Scotland’s DNA since the 1920s.

«Together with our in-house print team, we reworked different scales and colourways of the argyle. Inspired by streetwear styling and sport influences, we developed new designs around the classic pattern, and introduced an acid yellow colour as a highlight accent which brought the whole collection together», says Holli Parkinson.

The key pieces of the collection include a sweater which boasts a patchwork of tone and texture, splicing a retro-inspired diamond pattern with heavy ribbed wool, and a cropped, funnel-necked jumper with balloon sleeves. Traditional yarns are infused with attitudinal appeal in a series of generously oversized, raw-edged sweaters. Sweater dresses with ring-pull zip closures, cosy hoodies, second-skin leggings and slouchy hats and scarves are all printed with athletic logos for an athleisure take.

The in-house design team at H&M had constant contact with Pringle of Scotland throughout the process, and were able to share thoughts and ideas from sketches to samples.

«Pringle of Scotland has a long history of collaboration, and this latest partnership with H&M has been hugely inspiring. We are always looking for new ways to express the DNA of our heritage knitwear and we hope this latest playful, sporty take on our famous argyle and Fair Isle knitwear will delight our existing customers, as well as reach a worldwide audience via H&M», says Katy Wallace, Brand Director at Pringle of Scotland.

TO SHOP THE PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND x H&M COLLECTION ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M

Pringle of Scotland Pop-up Store in St. Moritz

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Thank you for your sweet comments regarding my recent outfit post “Amazing Grace“. So many of you liked my Grace sweater by Pringle of Scotland. The iconic brand was founded in 1815 at the birthplace of the Scottish knitwear industry. From the beginning technical innovation has led to the creation of knitwear as outerwear, the signature argyle pattern and the classic twinset.

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For the first time, Pringle of Scotland is set to trial a new retail format focusing on cashmere editions, its expertise in knitwear and show casing the current collections with the opening of a seasonal store in St.Moritz, Switzerland, that will be open from now to April 2014. Catering to the resort’s discerning global clientele, it will showcase exclusive Scottish handknits, luxurious cashmere and fur accessories and special re-editions exclusive to the Engadin store.

LoL, Sandra

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Photos: Courtesy of Pringle of Scotland

My Look: Amazing Grace

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Amazing grace, how sweet the sound… how sweet the sweater. I love this bright blue piece from the special collaboration, PRINCESS GRACE, MORE THAN AN IMAGE, between Pringle of Scotland and Central Saint Martins. It is so perfect in combination with my new bag.

My look: Black double-breasted wool coat with gold bars by Givenchy, Grace sweater by Pringle of Scotland, stretch-leather leggings iconby Gucci, bleached denim scarf by Louis Vuitton, floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana, Choupette wool hat by Karl Lagerfeld, fringed boots by Isabel Marant for H&M, Falda bag with grey calf hair by Rodtnes and ring by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

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Isabel Marant for H&M Boots

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Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Princess Grace – More than an Image

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During Paris Fashion Week, I went to some amazing events that I would like to share with you. Let’s get started with one that was truly outstanding, something that you don’t see every day.

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I was invited to the elegant salons of the association France Ameriques in avenue Franklin Roosvelt, where a very special collaboration, PRINCESS GRACE, MORE THAN AN IMAGE, between Pringle of Scotland and Central Saint Martins was presented.

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The collection designed by young talents of the renowned college of arts and design in London features pieces in the finest 100% made in Scotland knitwear, inspired by the wardrobe of H.S.H. Princess Grace of Monaco, who had loved the historical British brand very much and had been frequently seen in it.

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H.R.H. Carolina of Monaco Princess of Hanover had come all the way from Monaco to attend this intimate event in honour of her late mother. She had also supported the students and had given them access to the palace archives.

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In April 2012, the findings were revealed in an exhibition hosted by the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco featuring never before seen material, showcasing Princess Grace’s daily wardrobe in the most relaxed and familial situations, particularly knitwear and Pringle of Scotland archive styles.

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The students took those aesthetic elements and translated them into this beautiful capsule collection…

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… under the creative supervision of the famous Professor Louise Wilson O.B.E. (see photo below to the right). Being among the world’s most influential fashion educators, her former students include Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Mary Katrantzou, Roksanda Ilincic among many others.

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Personally speaking, I found one aspect very moving when H.R.H. Carolina of Monaco Princess of Hanover explained that this project has meant a lot to her: “There have been many exhibitions on my mum, but this is special, when she wore knitwear, it meant we were more informal, it meant happy times.

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And as Marie Claude Beaud, Director of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco, put it “Grace Kelly has been a princess, an actress…but above all a woman, a mother”.

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With this in mind, the collection truly manages to highlight the most personal, discreet and daily aspects of the Princess without loosing its historical heritage, it looks modern and desirable.

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Pringle of Scotland’s ambassadress Tilda Swinton was leading the conversation.

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Interesting to know is that the title PRINCESS GRACE: MORE THAN AN IMAGE derives from a quote that the Princess gave to Time Magazine in 1955, whilst still the film actress Grace Kelly, “I don’t want to dress up a picture with just my face”. This sense of exploring the person behind the image is evident throughout the project. She will stay in everyone’s imagination forever.

Pringle-of_scotland_kelly-sweaterAnd this fall, it is official, we will not only dream of an Hermès Kelly bag.Pringle of Scotland’s Kelly sweater will be on everyone’s shopping list and it will be definitely more accessible. The capsule collection will hit the shelves in Switzerland in September at Jelmoli.

Stay tuned for an upcoming post on the movie “Grace” that will hit the cinemas in the end of the year and enjoy some more impressions of this beautiful event in Paris below.

LoL, Sandra

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Gorgeous Tilda Swinton with me

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Photos: Courtesy of Pringle of Scotland, © Sandra Bauknecht;
Photos of Princess Grace: © Jae Lee, © Alice Bastion

Trend Fall 2012: Argyle Sweaters

Argyle Sweaters Numbers

Believe it or not: The good old argyle sweater, loved by golf-playing grandfathers around the globe, has been revisited this fall by many designers. The iconic diamond-pattern has been given a bold update for the new season with side splits as seen at Stella McCartney or by layering this statement style over knee-length shorts and sheath boots for a sleek, contemporary look, as spotted at Givenchy. Whatever your style, this fashion classic is a perfect addition to your closet. Your stylish hole in one!

Shop some of the best ones available here:

1 Argyle-intarsia wool and cashmere-blend sweater iconby Stella McCartney
Diamond-intarsia wool turtleneck sweater iconby Stella McCartney
Blue wool blended V-neck sweater with argyle front iconby Dsquared2
4 Plum python and suede trim sweater by Salvatore Ferragamo
5 Classic argyle-intarsia wool sweater by United Colors of Benetton
Modern argyle knit cashmere-silk cardigan by Pringle of Scotland

LoL, Sandra

Time to Crochet

As promised here are the best crochet and knit looks from the F/W 2010 runways. The designs were versatile, catering for all tastes.


From bohemian 60`s and 70`s inspired looks like the Versace or Missoni ones to crocheted knits combined with romantic details like bows and ribbons, spotted at Dior. If you like it more gothic or clean, Pringle of Scotland will be your choice this winter.


As I already told you, the “Miss Sicily” bag by Dolce & Gabbana is coming back in knitted versions and has been seen on Victoria Beckham already. So keep an eye on the upcoming sale, probably you can find one from the summer for a great price. I will keep my fingers crossed!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands