I first met Alistair Carr when he came into my University the year he was out on his placements and dedicated some time to return to help a friend with their final collection. I clocked the twinkling eyes, cheeky smile and the lexicon of his life's story tattoo tapestry winding round his forearms. He was a formidable presence and caused a stir amongst the students, commanding their attention as it was clear that he was not hanging around for long, and destined for something stupendous. However this message is transmitted in vibes on a purely subconcious level - he would never allude to any such grandeur himself as he is the most self-effacing gentle creature (almost to a degree of detriment). His talent? = a remarkable instinctive disposition to detect and experiment with trends years before the industry has picked it up its dowsing stick in such a direction. Ive witnessed this first hand since his own graduation, eponymous label launch, move to Marni, chapter at Cacharel, Chloe and latterly leverage of technological feats at Balenciaga. So it was with great pride that I attended his premier show as Design Director of Pringle and see the circus of critics sit down to be captivated by his signature subtle discerning designs sway down the runway.
With a wealth of archive at his disposal, Alistair has been digging into the depths of Intarsia patterned styles from the 1960's to layer optical prints into the innovative reinvention of the Pringle knit. Any expectation of the inclusion of the twin-set was answered and interpreted with open backs for a young sensual summer sensibility. Alistair has brought on board silversmith
Husam El Odeh to add a futuristic dimension with "eyewear" seen here in Rosy Nicholas's backstage photos and a shoe collaboration with Chrissie Morris. Graduating from Central St.Martins MA alongside peers Richard Nicoll and Marios Schwab, Alistair has reconnected with his London roots to include these designer's accessory additions to his line. I can't wait to see who else he aligns with the brand in the coming seasons working on not only womenswear but also menswear and overall identity.
If Pringle are looking to levitate their brand to a greater global omnipresence to the template of Burberry's success, they have locked into the right candidate to take the reigns from Clare Waight Keller and lead this new crusade. Having being hooked out of the hot seat to travel to NYC and attend Vogue's Fashion Nights Out shortly before this inaugural initiation show, its evident that he can take the weight of the load in multi-tasking assigned to him. This may mean that as a friend I may not be able to rejoice in his return to London by indulging in his (absence of) free time but at least I'm in closer proximity to have these proud moments such as being a spectator at his SS12 unveiling.
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