Scottish
designer Jonathan Saunders is collaborating with cult brand Lyle & Scott on
a new knitwear line to celebrate their 140th anniversary this year. Speaking on
working with the heritage company, Jonathan commented that he believes the
brand has a rich history, including some memorable looks from the 90s music
scene: “Lyle & Scott always suggested a reference to the indie scene –
think [The Stone Roses frontman] Ian Brown and [Blur rocker] Damon Albarn, and
of course I wore it too. It’s such an iconic Scottish brand, which was
something I wanted to channel when creating the collection. To me, Scotland
signifies industry, work ethic and innovation – I’m clearly patriotic!"
Saunders
thinks his knitwear designs for Lyle & Scott won't be as preppy as the
company's usual image and he thinks it's suited to an edgier customer: “I
definitely don’t see this collection being worn in a preppy way with rolled-up
chinos. It’s a collection that can be worn with baggy jeans – the customer
wearing it would be quite cool and bold, whilst remaining traditional.”
Working
with such a historical brand was very new to the designer but Jonathan has
commented that he wanted to maintain his own look while also keeping what the
company is all about intact for his pieces: “It’s important to keep integrity
to the brand I am collaborating with, while bringing in my own designs and
experience. It’s especially important when I’m working with a brand with such a
strong identity like Lyle & Scott.”
