We're one year into our relationship with Lars Andersson and at a point where we can really talk about the special thing we have going on here. Lars Andersson's eponymous knitwear brand is subtle and understated. We're going to dive into a top 5 list of things we love about the brand but first we're going to talk about why it matters to us.
If you know me, you know I'm a sweater addict. I come to this as a very enthusiastic knitter and I obsess over construction and yarn qualities. Having a deep appreciation of hand-knits, I think a lot about the times and places when machine-made knits (let's not oversimplify - machine-knitted garments require some degree of work by human hands to finish them) are superior to hand-knits and vice versa. If you're a sweater geek like me, we can chat about it at length - but I'll stop here for now.
The point is, when Lars Andersson crossed my path, I thoughtfully considered it before moving forward. When I did commit to bringing the brand to Tea & Oranges, I did so anticipating a meaningful, ongoing relationship. (I really love my sweaters and that's why I talk about them in these terms.) So let's get into it - here are a number of reasons why we're in a committed relationship with Lars Andersson's knits.
- Yarn Quality
The first thing I noticed about Andersson's knits is the smooth, fine nature of his yarn. Whether he's working in cotton, wool or cashmere, the yarns are beautifully spun and strong. We have to check the labels when our customers ask us about the fibers. This is because we can barely discern between the cotton, the merino and the cashmere by touch - they are all that soft and smooth. Andersson works only with natural fibers - aspirational for some knitwear brands but he's mastered that feature. - Small Production
Andersson started his brand in Brooklyn but moved his sampling and production to Kathmandu, Nepal. During a visit in 2013 he fell in love with the skill and high quality work of the local craftspeople. As a buyer, this matters because the product is consistent and reliable. So many brands move production between factories - the result is noticeable and negative. There are so many times when we notice this and have to bring it to the brand's attention. Andersson values the relationship he maintains with his craftspeople in the same way we value our relationship with his brand. That consistency pays off for everyone - we're all repeatedly happy with the end result.
(Click here to see some of his special team at work!) - Timelessness
Andersson brings his own perspective to minimalist styles in hopes that these are pieces we will wear repeatedly from years to come. As the media celebrates the styles of icons like Audrey Hepburn, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and the likes, we look at Andersson's pieces noticing the parallels between the styles of those enduring icons and his own styles. - Flattering Fit
One reason I hesitated on buying Andersson's collection is the number of "body conscious styles" in the collection. I worried that more streamlined styles would show everything that we as women feel insecure about. Interestingly, these fitted styles seem to skim over the parts that make us feel insecure in an incredibly flattering way. I can't explain it, I can only notice, that there is something special in his combination of yarn and knitting that makes these ribbed, fitted pieces glaze over our bodies in a way that empowering. I didn't expect it, I never imagined that a man would be behind something that makes us feel about ourselves in this way, but I'm grateful for it.
- Careful Construction
One reason I love to wear knits is the comfort: there's a natural elasticity in a knit garment and it's forgiving in my active days, running around the shop, lifting heavy boxes, holding dresses above my head, etc. Before I bought the brand, our rep Michael (curator of beautiful knits) pointed out the shoulder construction. It's a quality not visible to the naked eye - but we feel it when wearing it. In more fitted garments, this means that we have less of a need to fuss with the sweater as we're wearing it - it doesn't need to be readjusted. Andersson has several open-cardigan styles. I've personally avoided these styles in my life as they just fall off my shoulders - but in Andersson's I'm struck by the fact that they stay in place - no readjusting necessary. The seams are so flat and smooth they are barely noticeable - it makes pieces drape over the body in a beautiful, unfussy way.
I struggle to refer to Lars Andersson's knits as 'effortless.' I hope that one day I have the opportunity to pick his brain, and I can only imagine that an enormous amount of effort and care has gone into creating knit pieces for your wardrobe that are so effortless for us to wear. There's enormous attention to detail at every step of his process, with careful production and oversight. The result is a collection that we are lucky to have at Tea & Oranges. We know these are pieces that we gravitate to repeatedly, that we wear often and with a ton of appreciation.
Want to see what kind of gorgeous Lars Andersson is available at the shop right now? Click here!
