GLASWEGIAN designer Jennifer Kent specialises in creating modern menswear knits and accessories.
Kent studied textile design and textile as fashion at Glasgow School of Art, where she graduated with a distinction. She specialised in knitwear on both courses and gained industry experience interning at Alexander McQueen in London. She later got a job as a designer and product developer for menswear brand Lyle & Scott in London.
During her time there, Kent worked with a factory in Hawick on a collaboration with Comme des Garcons. The experience triggered her interest with knitwear manufacturing in Scotland – notably the history, heritage and level of craftsmanship in the Borders. She felt that there was a gap in the menswear market for a brand that endorsed Scotland’s traditional style of manufacturing.
She explains: “I saw that there was space in the menswear market for a brand that utilised traditional manufacturing techniques to make quality products but had a totally modern aesthetic and contemporary designs.”
Kent later returned to her native Glasgow to launch her label. With the support of the Fashion Foundry’s Business Incubator programme, she was able to turn her ambition of founding a traditional, contemporary menswear brand into a reality.
The brand’s production occurs in Scotland. Kent only works with well-respected, highly skilled manufacturers who share her passion for creating the finest quality knitwear.
To achieve the brand’s standard of quality, products are knitted and hand-finished to the highest of standards using luxurious natural fibres and time-honoured manufacturing techniques.
Kent’s collections are thoughtfully curated, reflecting her passion for minimal aesthetic and impeccable attention to detail. She places an importance on creating timeless pieces which can be worn year after year as opposed being trend-led.
The brand’s highly anticipated AW18 collection is inspired by traditional and contemporary architecture. She has translated graphic lines and patterns found on buildings into geometric designs –art, architecture and graphics often act as her design inspiration.
Kent’s unique approach to men’s knitwear has been recognised by the Scottish fashion industry. Last year she was selected to exhibit her cashmere collection at a showroom in Hong Kong with Scotland Re:Designed (S:RD) as well as receiving the SR:D Menswear Award. She also opened her own shop in the West End of Glasgow.
Kent is currently working with a distributor to grow the brand in Japan and has exciting plans.
She says: “I am really excited to continue to develop the brand in 2018 both locally and internationally. Having your own business opens up so many exciting opportunities and I am looking forward to working on some special collaborations and new products later this year.”
jenniferkent.com
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