Giannina Capitani’s Knitted Accessories
When Home Arty Home visited DesignJunction back in September, Giannani Capitani‘s knitted accessories immediately caught my eye.
Bright, fun, and soft (so soft), the collection nods at the graphic designs of the Memphis design group but, to my mind, improves them.
I know that the Memphis-look is enjoying a revival but I must admit to not being a fan – it’s too reminiscent of bad 1980s TV titles and Danny De Vito’s ugly house in Ruthless People, but somehow the graphic shapes in the hands of Giannina Capitani and her knitting machine (called Bernard), soften the sharp edges to create stylish and welcoming accessories.
I love her cushions in particular which would work well in most rooms, transforming the most dour and minimal of seating into a homely and happy sofa.
It’s not just Home Arty Home that’s taken notice of the great collection – Giannina’s been shortlisted in the COADG bursary. You can help Giannina to win the amazing prize, which includes a free stand at Top Drawer and a pop-up shop in West Elm, by voting for her before the poll closes on the 29th here.
Giannina is kindly offering Home Arty Home readers 20% off all items until the 5th of December. Use the code: ARTYHOME20
Home Arty Home caught up with Giannina to find out more about the collection and her process:
How did you get started?
“I launched in 2013, and have been slowly building on the product range. I launched the cushions this year at Design Junction part of LDF2015.”
What inspires your work?
“Many many things, colour, pattern and geometry have always been a huge influence. I normally start out by sketching a lot. I love drawing. Then I plot on the computer to figure out the knit pattern. This is when you know wether a pattern will be successful or not, there are so many perimeters with knitting, because you are always limited to the number of stitches – or the number of colours you can have. Then comes the sampling – the fun part. I get to experiment with colour, on my beloved Bernard (knitting machine). That is the final test.”
How are your items made?
“Everything is made in-house, in Hackney, in London. We do everything, knit the fabric, wash and steam and stitch all be hand. It’s a real labour of love. But I think that adds more value and a sense of quality.”
How do you see the range developing?
“Blankets Blankets Blankets – I already do a range for babies. But I would like to do big adult sized ones too. I have done a few privately commissioned pouffes, so would like to incorporate some small furniture pieces in too. There are definitely more lovely things to come in 2016.”
What do you hope people feel when they see your work or bring it into their homes?
“I am a real home baby. I love being at home, love welcoming people into my home. I think this influences the products I make and the way I make them. Someone recently joked that I don’t just make soft furnishings – they are ‘soft’ furnishings.
There is so much time and care taken to produce each and every item. I consider everything. I source the best materials I can find from UK-only companies, we knit, wash, steam and stitch everything in the studio in London. I hope what customers are left with is a real sense of quality, care and craftsmanship, and above all a love for what we do.”
Finally, are there any events coming up?
“I hope to be doing something for LDF again next year. I will be doing a couple of Christmas markets too but dates are still to be decided. People can sign up to my mailing list via the website and I can keep them updated with news.”
Visit Giannani Capitani‘s website too see the full collection.
