In the year 2021, when many of us have been largely at home, there is a rising trend of bodycon silhouettes and futuristic textures. Designer Chet Lo strikes the balance between the two, with vibrant spike sculpted fabrics that resemble the classic popcorn ripples from your favorite childhood stretchy top, on steroids. We mean that in the best possible way. And if designer Chet Lo wasn’t already on your radar, his pieces have recently been worn by Zara Larsson and Kylie Jenner.
Given that Chet Lo’s fabrics are so dynamically interesting, it comes as no surprise that he is a 2020 graduate of Central Saint Martins BA Knitwear course. Originally from New York City, Chet Lo moved to London to study and also interned under Proenza Schouler and Maison Margiela (under fellow Saint Martin’s graduate John Galliano).
There’s definitely a trend of designers who are changing the narrative when it comes to knitwear. Hope Macaulay, for example, is a favorite of ours who creates super-sized chunky knits. We discovered her on Instagram, and likewise came across Chet Lo on the platform, too.
According to the designer himself, Chet Lo wanted to reinterpret the idea of the future and make it seem more exciting to people again. His work is notably inspired by “Japanese comics, the 50s, and Barbarella, he combined his love of futurism with classic feminine silhouettes.”
Along with that, in particular what is so interesting about Chet Lo’s work is that it really doesn’t feel like traditional knitwear. The fabric takes on a sculptural form. Using nylon yarn, the spikes on the fabric act as an extra sort of embellishment, appearing as if they’re from another planet. And much like their namesake (many of Chet Lo’s pieces are named after the Durian), the shape itself takes inspiration from the fruit.
Another fun fact? According to Chet Lo’s interview in The Face, the signature Durian texture he’s most-well known for was originally created as a sweater he wanted to wear himself. Only after it was done did he realize how much he liked and wanted to sell it.
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