Katie Jones Talk

By Gabriella Collins

Katie Jones is a sustainable knitwear designer who studied both her BA and MA in knitwear design at Central Saint Martins in London. Once finishing her MA, she continued to work with designer Mark Fast (who came out around the same time as designer Mary Kantrantzou) as to which Jones had previously gained connections with and worked alongside during her BA. Working with Fast, as Katie Jones explained, has generated a valuable connection as well as being one of the greatest influences and experiences throughout her career.

Initially, Jones did not think she would go on to create her own brand of knitwear range. However, whilst working as a production knitter, she discovered and established her own individual identity in the fast –paced industry. From crochet, to hand embroidery, industrial machining and domestic machining techniques, Jones has accomplished a broad range of skills that continuously support her work, which is all too often a labour of love through long hours, to get pieces completed within certain time restrictions.

Unlike fashion using secondary fabrics, Jones’ main focus is textiles and creating the material while simultaneously designing it to fit the body; demonstrative that it takes a much longer time to complete. She often works directly on the mannequin in order to create shape and pattern, rather than working on a flat design as it easier and a more realistic way to visualize and manipulate textiles to suit the body.

Many of Jones’ starting points for her collections originate from a wide range of sources that are not always fashion related. For example, Jones has used references from Native American fables sourcing inspiration from the characters in these stories, as well as from interior and historical costume and in her MA project; a Frida Kahlo Black and white book. She also revealed that she was given a broad itinerary of films to watch while studying at Central Saint Martins, to increasingly broaden her knowledge of the wider world, and develop an understanding of the connections between artists and designers filmic influences.
In my opinion, Katie Jones; designs and influences are inspirational; up-cycling is quickly becoming a major factor within the fashion industry, as sustainability is becoming a prime element. Jones’ designs are a twist of eras, the 70’s in particular, and the colours she explores and interweaves throughout her designs are edgy, bright and visually stimulating. Ultimately, her collections are incredibly diverse and enriching. 

Top tips from Katie Jones:
-Don’t have unnecessary research in order to bulk out portfolios.
-Photo document if your drawing and sketching skills are not so good.
-Make sure specific important photos are annotated.
-Your work must tell the story of your thought process visually.
-Use simple templates of the body to draw designs onto, so that you can get an idea of proportions as proportions are FUNDAMENTAL to design realisation.