From Engineering to Runway: Aisling Camps and the Future of Sustainable Knitwear
Aisling Camps, a Trinidadian-born designer now based in Brooklyn, New York, is redefining the fashion landscape. Her journey, from a mechanical engineering degree at Columbia University to launching her own ready-to-wear knitwear label, exemplifies a growing trend: the convergence of technical expertise and creative vision in sustainable fashion. Camps’ upcoming debut at New York Fashion Week marks a significant moment, not just for her brand, but for the evolving industry.
The Rise of the Technically-Minded Designer
Camps’ background isn’t unusual. Increasingly, designers are emerging from STEM fields, bringing a unique problem-solving approach to fashion. Her initial focus on sustainability as a mechanical engineer directly informs her design process. This technical foundation allows for a deeper understanding of materials, production methods, and the overall lifecycle of garments. She initially pursued design even as working at a design firm, taking courses at FIT.
Sourcing and Production: A Return to Roots and Italian Craftsmanship
Aisling Camps’ commitment to quality and ethical production is evident in her sourcing and manufacturing choices. After visa complications led to a return to Trinidad, she honed her skills by sourcing materials locally and learning from Caribbean designers. Now, her yarns are sourced from Italy, and pieces are either handcrafted in Brooklyn by a dedicated team or produced in a family-run factory in Emilia-Romagna, Italy – a region with a three-generation history in knitwear production dating back to 1954.
Tactile Textures and Subversive Silhouettes
The brand’s aesthetic centers around intricate knitwear, blending chunky wools with fluid silhouettes. Camps’ designs explore fresh perspectives on classic wardrobe staples, utilizing an earthy color palette of bone, beige, brown, and black. The focus is on garments that move with the body, offering both comfort and style. Her upcoming show promises experimentation with transparency and opacity, inspired by natural elements like pearl, fern, briar, and stone.
Finding Inspiration in Folklore and Personal Rituals
Camps draws inspiration from Trinidadian folklore, specifically the mythical figures of Mama D’leau and Papa Bois, protectors of the natural world. This connection to nature is a recurring theme in her work. She balances the demands of preparing for Fashion Week with the responsibilities of motherhood, prioritizing family time and establishing strict working hours. Her pre-show routine includes listening to Sade, a source of soulful inspiration, and staying warm in her signature chunky cashmere knitwear.
The Importance of Rest and Community
Recognizing the pressures of Fashion Week, Camps emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery for herself and her team. She views growth after her debut as an opportunity to expand both direct-to-consumer sales and wholesale partnerships, fostering a closer connection with her audience while maintaining the brand’s personal touch.
The Future of Knitwear: Comfort, Craftsmanship, and Connection
Aisling Camps’ story highlights several key trends shaping the future of fashion. The demand for sustainable practices, the value of technical expertise in design, and the importance of connecting with cultural roots are all gaining momentum. Her focus on tactile textures and comfortable silhouettes reflects a broader shift towards garments that prioritize both style and well-being.
FAQ
- Where is Aisling Camps based? Her studio is in Brooklyn, NY, with production likewise taking place in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
- What is Aisling Camps’ design specialty? She specializes in superior-quality knitwear.
- What inspired her latest collection? Trinidadian folklore, specifically the figures of Mama D’leau and Papa Bois, and natural elements like pearl, fern, briar, and stone.
- What is her background before becoming a designer? She has a degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University.
Pro Tip: Supporting designers who prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainable production is a powerful way to contribute to a more responsible fashion industry.
Explore more about Aisling Camps and her work on her website and Instagram.
