Amy Powell is a name that resonates with innovation and creativity in the world of knitwear and textile design. Based in Peak District, UK, Powell has carved out a niche for herself with her unique approach to fashion, blending traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics.
Powell's journey began at Ravensbourne University, where she graduated in 2022. Her graduate collection, "A Man Marr’d," tells the poignant story of an unwilling groom in an unwanted arranged marriage. This collection not only showcased her technical skills but also her ability to weave narratives into her designs, making each piece a part of a larger story.
Her brand, 1999 Archive, is a testament to her vision. The website, 1999archive.co.uk, features a range of knitwear that reflects her commitment to quality and innovation. Powell’s designs are characterized by their intricate details, bold patterns, and a deep understanding of fabric and form.
FORM: Who are you, and where are you from? What is your background and upbringing? How did it impact who you are and what you do today?
POWELL: My name's Amy Powell, and I'm an independent knitwear designer based in the Peak District in the UK. Originally from Bolton, I grew up in Derbyshire surrounded by miles and miles of hills and natural beauty. I've always felt very lucky to grow up away from the cities in my fascinating town, historically a spa town known for its natural mineral water that brings tourists from around the globe. I've always been surrounded by the natural history of the Peak District, and I carry it with me wherever I go.
FORM: When it comes to utilizing the art of knitting and yarn, how do you generate ideas and look for inspiration to transform textiles into unique clothing?
POWELL: During my time at university, I enjoyed storytelling—my graduate collection being the story of an unruly groom escaping an unwanted marriage, featuring many Victorian-era references—but nowadays, I'm trying a different approach. Now that I am free from university deadlines, I can relax into my craft a little more, and I'm currently enjoying the art of freestyle knitting, growing and shaping textiles without thinking or planning, then seeing how these unique shapes can fit the body. It doesn't always work, but that's why it's so exciting! I enjoy the process of trial and error while just sitting at my knitting machine all day with a box of random deadstock yarns. It's much more freeing, and many happy accidents happen this way!
Powell’s designs have garnered attention from various fashion platforms and magazines, highlighting her as a rising star in the industry. Her participation in events like Amsterdam Fashion Week has further solidified her reputation, allowing her to reach a broader audience and showcase her work on an international stage.
Beyond her technical skills and creative vision, what sets Powell apart is her ability to infuse her designs with personal and cultural narratives. She draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including literature, art, and her own experiences, creating pieces that are not only visually striking but also rich in meaning.
FORM: On average, how long does it take to create a knitted article of clothing? Why is it important to you to have such an intimate interaction with each creation?
POWELL: To make a simple garment, some of my designs can be made in under four hours. Some of my designs I've spent much longer on; one dress I made took three weeks of continuous writing, knitting, and hand sewing! It was an intimate interaction, but that process can also breed frustration and resentment, especially when things go wrong and the yarn just doesn't want to play ball! In general, I'm learning not to be so hard on myself, but even if I spend hours working away on a project, I may not necessarily be happy with the result (but sometimes a quick top I made in an afternoon can feel like the best thing I've ever made!). It's important to me because I want to feel like I was entirely involved in the creating process. I do not outsource any production to factories, and I do not wish to. My work comes from my own hands.
FORM: What fascinates you about yarn compared to other mediums and textiles, and how does using yarn and knitting change your creative process? How do the materials you use impact the garment's relationship with its wearer?
POWELL: It's very free. Everything you make can be unraveled and started again; it's fantastic for the environment, and it's so flexible! I think the beauty of knitting is you don't need fancy machines or tools—if you're determined and you want to knit, all you need is your hands and a ball of string. That's the beauty of it all! When it comes to material, I am often guilty of aesthetic over practicality. I recently bought some deadstock wool in crimson red, and though it's beautiful and I love the top I made with it, it's unbelievably itchy to wear and the wool dye still bleeds like crazy! Not practical at all. But it's quite difficult these days because not only do I have to think of aesthetics I like and if the buyer might like something, but if my wider audience on Instagram would like it too. Fashion is not just the relationship of material and design on the wearer but on those that will never wear it too. It's a complicated relationship in the modern era of social media, appealing to people that won't ever buy but will help you stay noticed and relevant online.
FORM: What can fans and viewers alike expect from your upcoming relaunch?
POWELL: I've taken a different approach to relaunching this time around! I'm always aware that handmade clothes are expensive, and I have a lot of followers who can't afford to spend the money on one top (hell, I can't afford to!), so this launch, I am prioritizing patterns. I have two machine knitting, a hand knitting, and a crochet pattern in the works for August 1st. I'm hoping to make my work more accessible by encouraging people to knit some of my simpler designs for themselves with whatever customizations they fancy. Machine knitting, though it has been around a long time, does not have a huge selection of online resources for new knitters, patterns, etc. I'd like to help expand this and help inspire others of all backgrounds! I will still have a few pieces from my 2023 winter collection available to buy, but my priority is my patterns, with the hope of developing more complex ones in the future and continuing to make knitting accessible.
As Powell is gearing up for an exciting new chapter with the upcoming relaunch of her brand, 1999 Archive, this relaunch promises to bring fresh energy and innovative designs to her already impressive portfolio. Powell has been working behind the scenes to refine her vision and create a collection that not only reflects her growth as a designer but also pushes the boundaries of contemporary knitwear.
