David Jones launches designer Christian Wijnants line

The Antwerp-based designer was awarded the coveted prize in February 2013 in London after impressing an esteemed judging panel of fashion’s most influential forces including Donatella Versace, Diane Von Furstenberg, Victoria Beckham, Franca Sozzani (Editor-in-Chief Italian Vogue) and Tim Blanks (Style.com) with his feminine and innovative Merino wool collection.

David Jones joins the world’s leading retailers with Christian Wijnants’ collection launching simultaneously at Harvey Nichols – London, Bergdorf Goodman – New York, 10 Corso Como – Milan and Joyce – China.

The capsule collection is comprised of six covetable looks including shibori-dyed sculptural knits, circular knit cocoon coats and fine knit Merino wool dresses. Wijnants adopted hand-knitting and hand-dyeing techniques to inject a deep pallet inspired by crystals and minerals into the yarn, experimenting to obtain unique shades.

Every piece was dyed with innovative techniques, and some were unravelled and then re-knitted to create a unique irregular effect. David Jones Group Executive of Merchandise, Donna Player said, “We are extremely proud to be involved in the International Woolmark Prize not only because it is one of the most prestigious awards in fashion, but because it highlights wool innovation and supports David Jones’ passion for promoting emerging design talent.”

“We congratulate Christian Wijnants on this wonderful achievement and look forward to presenting his innovative collection to our customers which we know they are going to very much enjoy,” Ms Player said. Key pieces in the collection have been developed specifically for the Australian market in lighter weights for the new Spring/Summer 2013 season.

David Jones