London’s Chelsea now hosts a new haven for conscious luxury, with ARTKNIT Studios’ first pop-up store opening on 6 November at 165 Draycott Avenue. Avesso Magazine had the pleasure of attending the launch, stepping into a space that feels less like a retail destination and more like a quiet manifesto for a new era of luxury: slow, transparent and deeply rooted in craftsmanship. The launch marked a moment not only to explore beautifully crafted knitwear, but to experience an ethos: one that intertwines fine Italian craftsmanship with deep environmental commitment.

A Legacy of Craft and Purpose

ARTKNIT Studios produces 100% natural, high-quality knitwear in partnership with some of Italy’s finest ateliers. Since its founding in 2018 by Alessandro Lovisetto, the brand has championed a contemporary knitwear philosophy rooted in Biella, Italy’s historic wool capital. For Lovisetto, the goal was clear: leverage technology while elevating traditional Made in Italy values, bringing craftsmanship directly to a global audience. The brand has defined itself as a contemporary knitwear house dedicated to honouring the traditions and artistry of Italian manufacturing.

The Chelsea pop-up brings this heritage to life. Every garment showcased reflects a meticulous commitment to natural fibres, traceability and timeless style. The space itself mirrors the brand’s philosophy: understated, tactile and intentionally slow-paced. ARTKNIT’s mantra, “Buy Less, Buy Better,” echoes throughout, encouraging visitors to appreciate craftsmanship over consumption.

Sustainability at the Core

From the inside out, ARTKNIT is built around responsible design and a circular mindset. The company’s commitment to the environment is grounded in three pillars: natural materials, short, traceable supply chains, and a business model that slows consumption rather than accelerates it. Their sustainability strategy isn’t rhetorical. It’s systemic.

In a fashion landscape dominated by fleeting trends, ARTKNIT offers a refreshing alternative: luxury that prioritises durability, transparency and emotional longevity. Each piece is crafted to transcend seasons and become a lasting part of one's wardrobe. Their dedication to natural, biodegradable materials and responsible sourcing shapes a new vision of modern luxury, where quality is measured not only by appearance but by integrity.

Made-to-Order & Short Supply Chain

In an interview, Lovisetto explains that ARTKNIT’s production model is optimised to minimise waste and maximise impact. Much of their collection is made-to-order, meaning garments are only produced once an order is confirmed. This approach helps eliminate excess inventory and avoid overproduction. At the same time, the brand employs a short supply chain: materials come directly from certified spinning mills in Biella, and finishing happens at local artisan workshops. This close relationship with makers allows for greater control, responsiveness and sustainability.

Durability, Transparency & Traceability

Durability is central to ARTKNIT’s philosophy. The company explicitly designs its knitwear to last, both in style and structure, and actively educates customers on how to care for their garments. Transparency is also baked into the business model: each piece features a Digital Product Passport, which allows customers to trace the production journey from raw material to finished garment, including the spinning mill, artisan workshop and packaging.

Measuring Impact: Data, Not Assumptions

Beyond visual appeal, ARTKNIT is committed to measurable sustainability. The brand conducts Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) on all its pieces to evaluate environmental impact, from CO₂ emissions to water use and potential toxicity. In collaboration with Dcycle, they analysed their value chain to identify carbon hotspots and strategise improvements. dcycle.io Through this data-driven approach, ARTKNIT not only understands its impact but actively shapes its future collections to be more efficient and less harmful.

Repair, Restore, Reimagine

True to its circular design ethos, ARTKNIT offers a Repair Programme that helps garments stay in use longer. Customers can fix their pieces at home using a repair kit or send them back to skilled artisans for refurbishment. This initiative reinforces the belief that luxury is not about constant replacement, but about care, longevity and respect for craftsmanship.

There is also an Imperfect Selection, which features safely restored, previously damaged or gently flawed pieces offered at a reduced cost, a tangible way to celebrate the beauty of imperfection and minimise waste. Instead of discarding these pieces, ARTKNIT transforms them into sustainable, one-of-a-kind finds.

A Transparent Mission, Documented Progress

ARTKNIT publishes an annual Impact Report that tracks its performance across environmental, economic and social indicators. The 2024 report reveals remarkable progress: 100% of garments are crafted from natural materials, 97% of the supply chain is traceable, and more than 110 items have been repaired. These are not vague promises; they are verifiable steps on ARTKNIT’s journey towards a more transparent, circular and responsible knitwear business.

Since its founding, ARTKNIT has worked closely with Italian manufacturers who share its values. In 2021, the brand became a Benefit Company, formally committing to generating positive impact. Today, its B Corp certification reinforces its dedication to ethical practices and sustainability.

A New Kind of Luxury Comes to London

ARTKNIT’s London pop-up is more than a retail opening. It is a celebration of purpose, a call to rethink consumption, and an invitation to experience knitwear that is both beautiful and kind. Visitors are welcomed into a tactile, honest space where stories of fibre, maker, and process matter as much as design.

In a market often dominated by speed and disposability, ARTKNIT stands firm in a different vision: one in which garments are made to be cherished, repaired, and passed on. This is luxury reimagined: thoughtful, sustainable and deeply human.

ARTKNIT arrives in London: A celebration of Italian craft, conscious luxury and circular design

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