

With the weather on the cusp of turning bleaker than a Chekhov play featuring a score by Morrissey, October is a wise time to invest in a piece of high quality knitwear. Plus, if you leave it much later, you could run the risk of ending up panic-buying a novelty Christmas jumper. And no one needs that.
Instead, we recommend going for the stylish wares on offer during this year’s Wool Week. Until 21 October, 12 fashion retailers – including the likes of Paul Smith, Pringle and Hackett – have agreed to stock one limited edition piece of knitwear created by a talented fledgling designer.
For instance, selected Hackett stores will be selling a piece by University Of The West Of England graduate Eleanor Cox. Her 100 per cent wool cardigan (first picture, £195) features ‘Alpine chic’ detailing including a shawl collar. Jigsaw, meanwhile, worked with Hannah Simpson from Buckinghamshire University on a merino wool cable knit (second picture, £179).
So, who do we have to thank for the creation of Wool Week? None other than that renowned woolophile (our word) HRH the Prince Of Wales. A man who uses his vast wealth and influence to demand nicer knitwear? That’s our kind of guy.
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As a Staff Writer at Shortlist, Holly dabbles in a bit of everything. Having started her career as a news reporter, she has since decided to return to the world of the living.