Weardowney fuk@lfw a/w 06

AW06's hand-knitted collection by our favourite nutty knitters, Gail and Amy, is entitled Whistleblower. Following last season's chocolate fountain extravaganza, this collection was a more mannered affair showcasing this duo's indisputable talent with yarn. While other designers generally have a huge range of fabrics to choose from each season, Weardowney's commitment to wool craft makes these collections extra special - whatever is happening around them, Gail and Amy's focus is always firmly on what can be achieved in wool.

I got a sense of Portobello playfulness from Whistleblower: layered outfits which combine leggings (don't be scared) with sassy leg warmers, crocheted waistcoats and jersey tops looked the business. There are zipped-up hoodies, and down-to-earth cardis which look chilled and easy to wear - the sorts of pieces you can mix with a dozen favourites from your existing wardrobe.

Along with out and about wear, there's a decent smattering of feminine pieces with detailed work - a striking black skirt worn well above the knee, slinky grey dress worn with what looks like a jersey 'body' beneath and leggings with a cinched belt at the waist and a glitzy red and brown halter-neck frock which looked like is made from wool mixed with lurex.

Accessories including crocheted pilgrim hats (or were they medieval?), whistles, dollies and rosettes, injected some fun and frolicksomeness we've come to expect from Weardowney. The secret is in the handiwork - hours and hours of complex design and magical construction goes into every piece.

The big question here is, how do they do it? Weardowney's capsule collections for Topshop are almost impossible to get hold of (they sell out pretty much as soon as they hit the Oxford Street flagship store). Amy gave birth to her daughter 12 weeks before this show (she's working on the art of breast-feeding and knitting simultaneously) and, as well as running regular knitting classes (there's a waiting list but see the website for details), publishing a bi-annual arts/crafts magazine and exporting knitting patterns, the pair have also been asked to write a book and design a range of jewellery.

Oh, I forgot the homewares range they've been developing and collaborations with labels like Janet Reger. Cor, I'm knackered just thinking about it.

www.weardowney.com

Words: Marian Buckley Photos: David Jones.

Weardwoney are interviewed in Day 4 of our podcast series.