KNWLS AW22 Precious stringy sexy corsets and biker jackets made from engineered bespoke leather

Read time 2 minutes

Founded by Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault, the London-based label has transformed from a two-person project into an acclaimed brand.

When Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault embarked on their journey into the fashion world, their vision was clear but intimate. The duo founded their label shortly after Knowles graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2017, bringing together their shared creativity and passion for reimagining contemporary design. What started as a two-person endeavor in London has since flourished into an internationally acclaimed fashion house, celebrated for its bold, experimental approach to redefining silhouettes and reshaping the boundaries of traditional dress codes.

With the label’s rapid growth and increasing global presence, Charlotte Knowles announced a significant milestone for the brand: its rebranding as KNWLS for the Fall/Winter 2021 collection. The new identity reflects not only the expansion of the studio but also its evolving ethos as a cutting-edge creative powerhouse. KNWLS represents the fusion of its founders’ names while embodying the label’s commitment to pushing design boundaries, embracing innovation, and celebrating individuality.

“Founded in 2017 by Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault, KNWLS is celebrated for experimental designs that redefine.”

KNWLS has become synonymous with experimental designs that accentuate the body in strikingly unexpected ways. The label’s signature style lies in its ability to juxtapose the sensitive and the severe, creating pieces that traverse the delicate line between concealment and revelation.

At the core of KNWLS’ collections are corsets and tank tops, which subvert conventional codes of femininity when paired with semi-sheer negligees. These layered looks challenge the traditional notions of dressing, offering a modern, edgy reinterpretation of classic elements. Hyper-stretchy flares and form-fitting dresses, often adorned with all-over patterns, further showcase the label’s commitment to designs that embrace the body’s natural shape while amplifying its curves in bold, artistic ways.

Shirt by KNWLS.

Beyond clothing, KNWLS extends its innovative approach to accessories. Leather handbags stand out with their sharp angles and intriguing textures, embodying the brand’s exploration of new expressions of its design aesthetic. These striking pieces complement the label’s garments, reinforcing the brand’s overarching narrative of blending form and function with avant-garde artistry.

As KNWLS continues to gain recognition on the international stage, its ethos remains rooted in challenging expectations and celebrating individuality. Each collection builds upon the label’s foundational values, showcasing a commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and the exploration of the interplay between the traditional and the avant-garde.

By playing with the ways the body can be both concealed and revealed, KNWLS crafts garments that invite wearers to embrace their boldest selves. The brand’s designs not only make a statement but also encourage a deeper reflection on the art of self-expression through fashion.

With its FW21 rebrand and a growing portfolio of collaborations, KNWLS is poised for even greater heights. The label’s ability to evolve while staying true to its core vision ensures its relevance in an ever-changing fashion landscape. As Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault continue to innovate, KNWLS promises to remain at the forefront of redefining modern fashion—a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and fearless creativity.

Photography by Jordan Hemingway Stying by Georgia Pendlebury. Make-up by Thomas de Kluyver. Hair by Cyndia Harvey. Nails by Sylvie Macnukkuab. Casting by Anita Bitton. Production by Bellhouse Markes.

Text by
Kyrie Carlo

Photography by
Jordan Hemingway

Fashion by
Georgia Pendlebury

Posted
May 4, 2022

Text by
Kyrie Carlo

Photography by
Jordan Hemingway

Fashion by
Georgia Pendlebury

August 9, 2018

Working with her partner Alexandre Arsenault, the London-based designer founded the label shortly after graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2017. What began as an intimate two-person project has since expanded into an internationally acclaimed label with a series of collaborations under its belt. Best known for its experimental designs that accentuate the body’s silhouette in unexpected ways, Charlotte Knowles intends to rebrand as KNWLS for FW21 to reflect the brand’s growing studio practice. Corsets and tank tops subvert conventional codes of dress when styled with semi-sheer negligees. Hyper-stretchy flares and form-fitting dresses sport all-over patterns at once sensitive and severe. Leather handbags with sharp angles and interesting textures point to the brand’s interest in exploring new expressions of its design aesthetic. Playing with the ways the body can be both concealed and revealed, Charlotte Knowles effectively traverses the boundaries between tradition and the avant-garde.

Shirt by KNWLS.

Central Saint Martins Charlotte Knowles Culture Design Fashion Philosophy

Underlined

Discovering inspiration alongside the artist Luke James as he unveils his eagerly awaited album, “to feel love/d.”

Read time 5 minutes

Text by
Kylar Ashton

Photography by
Ben Abarbanel.

Fashion by
Guvanch Agajumayev

Posted
June 19, 2022

As the world eagerly awaits the release of his highly anticipated album, "to feel love/d," Luke James, the visionary artist known for his soulful melodies and captivating performances, invites us into his creative sanctuary.

Speaking on the new release, Luke says, “This album is a body of work that is a culmination of experiences. [it’s] music that I’ve lived with for a while. I like to think of this album as more of a bridge into my new endeavors being an independent artist.” “To feel love/d” marks Luke’s much-awaited return to his widely successful music career following a two-year hiatus to focus on his work in acting. The three singles from the album, entitled “go girl” ft. BJ The Chicago Kid and Ro James, “all of your love,” and “blow” took the music streaming platforms by force, including features on massive playlists such as Spotify’s New Music Friday, Are & Be, and rotation on Amazon’s Global R&B platform.

Lukes’ credits are as vast as they are impressive. Throughout his career, he has written songs for the likes of Justin Bieber, Snoh Aalegra, and Chris Brown, to name a few. He has also performed alongside the late Prince and is one of the very few artists to ever open for Beyoncé, during her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. Luke received his first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance for his hit song “I Want You” (from his first mixtape “#Luke”) and received his second Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song for “Options” ft. Rick Ross (from his self-titled debut album “Luke James”).

On the television front, it was announced that Luke is set to star in the third season of the hit Showtime drama series, “The Chi.” Created by Lena Waithe, the series follows the lives of a group of people in the South Side neighborhood of Chicago after a fateful turn of events sends shock waves through the community but also connects them in unexpected ways.

Luke also recently starred in the smash hit Universal Pictures’ comedy “Little,” opposite Issa Rae, Regina Hall, and Marsai Martin and is well-known for his starring role in the musical drama series “Star” on FOX, created and helmed by Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels. Additional acting credits for Luke include recurring arcs on HBO’s “Insecure,” USA’s “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.,” and his role as R&B singer Johnny Gill on BET’s “The Bobby Brown Story.” Luke recently spoke to Slick to discuss his biggest adrenaline rush, his philosophy on life, and the plans he has in store

Slick: Who is Luke James in five words?

Luke: Loving, Honorable, Nasty, Happy, Sad…. Okay, let’s see what else is there?

Slick: What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

Luke: I guess a check, diagnostic check, you know, self-diagnostics. I just feel my body, fill my mind, my spirit and I project gratitude for waking up another day. Thank you, God!

Slick: What’s your philosophy on life?

Luke: Don’t worry be happy. Yeah, not to be cliche. My mother used to always say, don’t worry. I think I’m at a place where I want to be. So yeah, don’t worry, be happy because everything’s gonna work out for sure.

Slick: What do people always misunderstand about you?

Luke: I think I’m finding that people think that I am somewhat of an extrovert, I guess. Maybe I act the part well, sometimes. I think my career kind of helps me out of my introverted ways because I want to enjoy life and all the different aspects of it and sometimes my innate ways don’t allow that pleasure. My career helps me get out. It helps me meet people. It helps me get into new ideas, you know, keeps my mind open.

“With ‘to feel love/d,’ I aim to create a sonic journey where emotions flow freely, melodies captivate, and every listener finds solace in the music.” – Luke James

Slick: What gives you the biggest adrenaline rush?

Luke: My biggest adrenaline rush, I’d say has been on the stage. It’s a rush like no other. I can come off stage and have cut myself and not even realize I did until the next day, you know, my adrenaline took over…

Slick: What do you think about when you’re by yourself?

Luke: A lot of things rather personal… I think about work, you know, in the sense of like work, as everyone else may think of work. I find pleasure in what I do so when I’m talking about work, I’m talking about my passions which happen to make me money which turns into work. It is something that I must do to continue making a living. I enjoy it so I guess to answer your question I think about creativity. I think about God, I think about love, I think about the world. I try my best to think about happy things…

Slick: What qualities do you admire about yourself?

Luke: One of the qualities I admire about myself is my really strong willpower. I am constantly reminded of my willpower. So yeah, I truly admire that about myself. If there’s something I want, truly want, I work my ass off to get it, to have it. It seems like everything around me just conform to enable me to have whatever it is I’m in search of. I’m not sitting here saying or acting like I’m a guru. I’m still figuring that thing out too.

Slick: What is the weirdest thing you would consider about yourself?

Luke: The weirdest thing about me, I don’t know. I think maybe someone else may have to say what that is. I don’t particularly find anything I do weird. I’m interesting (lol).

Slick: What are the three things you value most about a person?

Luke: A person’s empathy, the person’s intellect, and their spirituality, you know something in that realm. There are so many things fucking three is just not enough…

Slick: Tell us about any struggle you’ve overcome.

Luke: Seeing myself for who I am, acknowledging it, adhering to it, and strengthening it. Being happy with the process of becoming better, a better me. Falling in love with that process. It’s a constant. I believe it to be a struggle that just about everyone goes through.

Slick: If you could tell your former self one thing, what would it be?

Luke: Wake up early, create, create, create, stay open, be a sponge. Don’t worry. Leave negative people and things alone. Let them go. You may love them but you can love them from afar. Enjoy yourself, enjoy the moment, and don’t listen to anyone but yourself. Stay centered. There’s going to be a lot of trying things that will come your way. Be still and push forward. Everything will be alright. Yep, that’s that. I hope that all made sense.

Photography by Ben Abarbanel. Styling by Guvanch Agajumayev. Grooming by Travis Lester.Casting by Andre’ Adkins.