Around this time last year, I met designer, Jan Knibbs in London, during the chaos of London Fashion Week. After my work was done there I headed to a not-so-typical work-related event showcasing a vast amount of emerging talent amidst the weekly excitement.
Knibbs displayed garments from her collection for a fashion savvy crowd to view. I remember taking a closer look at her creations backstage. With each glance, it was like discovering hidden gems embedded in dramatic threads of whimsy florals. I caught up with Knibbs a few weeks ago to chat with her about her designs.
Of course, initially, it was the lace and flowery romance seen in Knibbs’ garments that captured my attention given my reverence for details with a costumed embrace. “Hmm, most interesting,” I thought with a pleasing nod, and soon I would find out even more behind these fanciful concoctions.
Photo: Jack Willingham
“I don’t think I really know where I sort of belong, I’m not mainstream fashion.”
Photos: (Above left) Kris Talikowski, (Right) Jack Willingham
Knibbs uses silks, feathers, and Swarovski crystals, amongst other materials in her designs. The multi-award winning fashion and textile designer is very down to earth considering her esteemed accolades. It was very inspiring and easy to speak with her about her faithful beginnings and career.
“It’s been sort of a gradual build up … it’s especially difficult marketing, because I am not based in London,” Knibbs said.
Throughout the collection you’ll find a variety of options from specialised bridesmaid’s pieces to red carpet events. But, her one-of-a-kind items are what keep many admirers coming back for more. The excellence in her craftsmanship truly shows in the embroidery pieces, which are an eyeful alone.
Yes, the very feminine woman, perhaps even quirky styled dreamer type of lady would wear these garments. However, if you’re simply a lover of blooms interpreted into artful threads you’ll definitely appreciate them too!
“I don’t think I really know where I sort of belong, I’m not mainstream fashion. I’m also interested in wearable art. It’s sort of in-between all of them really, art, craft, and fashion! It doesn’t really fit into one category,” Knibbs said, regarding her works.
Photo: Marek Neumann
Aside from making couture Knibbs also has an upcycling service that she offers to clients. With this ethical mindset, she takes existing pieces, whether it be appliqués or garments, and creates novelty pieces. “Sometimes people just want little bits of fabric that they want me to incorporate or even old bits of jewellery. I’ve done quite a few things like that for weddings … so it can be really personal,” Knibbs said.
A few personal favourites are her embellished neck and shoulder pieces. They have just the right amount of over the top glam added to them.
So, what’s next on Knibbs’ agenda? You can expect to see more of her works in an upcoming collaboration with famed Iraqi-British designer, Reem Alasadifor Tokyo Fashion Week.
If you are in the area catch Jan Knibbs participating in the annual Herefordshire Art Week (h.Art).
For more information or enquiries visit: www.janknibbs.com
Photo: Helen Machin
Getting to Know Jan Knibbs …
On influences:
Christian Lacroix, and Alexander McQueen. This is something that I’ve always wanted to do. It’s always been a passion and I’ve just sort of never given up really!
On most proud works:
I’m quite proud of some of the competitions that I’ve won, receiving the British Bridal Award in the embroidery category, and in the Hand and Lock competition winning the Swarovski award for embroidery.
Do you have any words of wisdom to give aspiring designers?
Stay true to yourself and work hard! Stay after it! It’s literally taken me about 30 years to build up to where I am now; it’s not an overnight success!
Photos courtesy of Jan Knibbs
Beautiful creations, elegant dresses, wonderful colors, simply amazing stuff.
Thanks Vanisha! Yes, it's very much wearable art! Glad that you were able to check it out! 🙂
Thank you for viewing and commenting. 🙂
Pretty necklace!!
Wow, her stuff is amazing! Thank you for bringing her to my attention…x
Thanks Jelena! So, glad that you were able to read about her here.
What a talent! Thanks for sharing with us lovely. I can see that Lacroix is an influence/inspiration in her work! Such exquisite, delicate and intricate pieces.
x.o.x.o
Beautiful embellishments, beautiful, very dreamy and ethereal!! This was great article my dear!!!
Have a wonderful day!! xoxo
Jelena
Wow, that green dress is just stunning!
xo, Yi-chia
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So great that you got to chat to this amazing designer! Love her bold use of colour and exquisite crystal designs.
I love her pieces and her use of color, and the whole wearable art is something that I just adore! Thanks for sharing 🙂 xoxox
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You're welcome! 🙂
I agree! Thanks for reading!
I agree, the intricate details are so beautiful. Thanks for your comment.
Thanks Dvora! xo
Hi Ceri! Actually her upcycling service is called "Something Old, Something New!" Thanks for your comment.:)
Thank you. Happy to introduce you to her designs. 🙂
This was a great introduction to a designer I didnt know of! thanks!
The use of color in these pieces is amazing!
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What gorgeous designs – I love all the different textures!
Sea and Swank
her items are so unique and beautiful! i love the romantic flair of the lace, flowers and crystals!
Many seemingly overnight successes are years in the making. Great interview. Interesting designs. I wish her continued success. Xxxx
Love these designs!!! so pretty!!! xxx
That dress is so beautiful. I especially love the idea of upcycling, such a great way to turn something old into something new.
wow that is a gorgeous elegant dress! Thank you for sharing this designer.
-V
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That dress is so beautiful. I especially love the idea of upcycling, such a great way to turn something old into something new.
I love that shade of green! It is definitely eye-catching.
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Looks amazing!
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That green dress is just absolutely gorgeous!
XO
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What unique pieces!
those are definitely some beautiful designs. very cool that you got to meet her!
Hi Daniella! Oh, thanks so much! So happy that you were able to check this out. Enjoy your week.
Thank you Erika! So glad that you liked the interview! xx
Thanks for reading Alexis! There's definitely a lot of work that go into the designs. 🙂
Her designs are drop dead gorgeous! If you go on to her site check out the white gowns–magnificent . . . .
I love these creations, the flowers are absolutely beautiful! I love the chartreuse dress!
Those pieces are seriously dramatic and you seen that serious work has gone into them! Wow!
Gorgeous post!!!!
Now THESE are what I call statement pieces! Positively exquisite. Gorgeous interview, my love!! 🙂
Wow! Amazing creations! I think a designer doesn't need to be mainstream. Difference is a good thing. 🙂
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Hi sweetie,hope you had a lovely and relaxing weekend. Wow what a great post my dear! These designs are beautiful, original, very creative and I love the use of colour and texture! Thank you for sharing with us all 🙂
Take care, Daniella xox
I think that his creations are truly amazing, I'd love to have one of these piaces!
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love that necklace!!
xo
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