Gripping yarns: Two ways to deal with sweater weather

Velvet is the season’s most sumptuous fabric and with her new collection, Laura Chambers is out on her own having incorporated silk velvet with her knitwear for the first time. “I wanted it to have a touch of a 1970s disco diva feel, so the velvet seemed apt and is so comfortable and glamorous,” she says. The velvet trousers in two styles, wide leg and a cropped track pant style, come in shimmering colours of raspberry, olive green, teal, gold and sea foam; there is also a silk velvet obi belt that is sold alone or with trousers and gives a finishing touch to an ensemble.

Chambers’ inspiration was life post-lockdown, with dressing up and parties in mind. Hence the off-the-shoulder cashmere tops in bright pink with raspberry silk trousers or the bold emerald green ponchos worn with gold velvet.

For winter walks she has also borne in mind practical outdoor wear and included an oatmeal duster coat in a four-ply weight that can be belted up for extra comfort and fit. Another key feature is a round-neck honeycomb sweater in her signature stripes that can elevate jeans or trousers. All her pieces are designed and handloomed in Dublin using the highest quality Scottish and Italian cashmere. Prices range from €100 for a hat up to €850 for a cashmere coat, with silk trousers €365 and obi belt €175.

Balm for our abnormal world

It’s a strong season for Irish knitwear; Ros Duke calls her collection A New Dawn, a balm, she says for “this abnormal world we all find ourselves in”. What this means in terms of plain and purl is a natural palette of lavender, blue and forest green for the key pieces in raised patterns, a long-sleeved dress, a ribbed cardigan, triangle scarf and four-ply heavy cashmere socks for padding around the house or to cosset hardworking feet at home.

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There is a slouchy, casual spirit to the collection which focuses on comfort. Shapes include a generously cut cocoon shawl cardigan in graphite grey and an oversized tank in Ash Rib wool, along with form fitting skirts and cashmere leggings. The look is carefree and casual whether for indoors or outdoors, and silhouettes complement most body shapes.

On a wild, windy day on the beach with art director Ciana March in charge, models on the shoot included Duke's friends and family members, giving an everyday sense of how the knitwear suits real people. Shop online at rosduke.com