THE JOURNAL
It seems to be accepted fact that the tail end of winter in the northern hemisphere is one of the bleaker periods of the year. The return of the commute, packed gyms, swiftly broken resolutions… we should just accept our fate and hang on until spring, right? Wrong. We at MR PORTER believe there is another way. And it’s all about your state of mind.
By labelling January as the most depressing month of the year – and today, “Blue Monday”, the most depressing day in the most depressing month – are we actually wishing it into being? Instead, muster every ounce of good humour you have and face the coming weeks with open arms. There are snug pubs to be enjoyed, new hobbies to be taken up and sardonic platitudes to be shared between colleagues. Crisp morning runs to be savoured, lazy Sundays with your cuffing-season squeeze to be treasured and, best of all, a whole world of cosy winter clothing still to be explored. And what better way to enliven your new, positive-outlook wardrobe than with a jolly jumper?
This needn’t mean crass and inelegant attire, however. Your serotonin-inducing sweater can be wonderfully stylish, too. Yes, you can be both fashionable and cheerful. Here are three of our favourite brands offering sophisticated high spirits in knitted form. So, go ahead. Dress like dessert this January and let that smile shine through. It only gets better from here.
01.
Chamula
What at first glance might look like a traditional Fair Isle sweater has an interesting story behind it. Chamula was founded in California by the Japanese designer Mr Yuki Matsuda (of Meg Company, whose brands include Yuketen, Monitaly and Epperson Mountaineering) to conserve Mexican craftsmanship and produces handmade knits and leather goods of exceptional quality. Each sweater is spun and hand-knitted by one artisan from start to finish, using only natural materials. Slipping on a piece of Chamula knitwear, you can appreciate and feel the skill and passion that have gone into making it. And, while your sweater is contributing to the preservation of traditional crafts, it does so in an unstoppably cheery ice cream palette of pink, green and brown.
02.
KAPITAL
Inspired by traditional handicrafts, Okayama-based KAPITAL mixes classic Americana with heritage manufacturing and dyeing techniques to create its own brand of contemporary workwear. All its sweaters are spun on traditional looms, including these versatile dusty-pink and golden green pieces, complete with intarsia knit bones on the back and arms to raise a wry smile. These are jolly jumpers for all those who still think Donnie Darko’s Halloween costume was the best. They even feature cosy thumb holes to dig deep into the emo vibes. A relaxed fit keeps things louche and casual (perfect over wide-leg trousers or denim). Definitely not just for spooky season.
03.
The Elder Statesman
The Elder Statesman is a cashmere connoisseur. It knits joyful sweaters (and shorts, scarves, blankets and more) from the fabric that is a byword for luxury. Its rainbow coloured and boldly patterned pieces are reflective of the brand’s sunny West Coast attitude. This stripy, ribbed half-zip sweater is a perfect example – the very definition of jolly. It is unashamedly fabulous and fun and well worth the investment for when you need some feel-good energy on those down days (whether in January or not).