The opening of Knipmode's February issue is quite spectacular: four designer knockoffs, straight from the catwalk. A Michael Kors coat, a Salvatore Ferramo top and skirt, a Stella McCartney suit and a DVF wrap dress, all from Spring 2016 shows.
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Knipmode 2/2016, Michael Kors (Getty Images)
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Knipmode 2/2016 Salvatore Ferragamo (Getty Images)
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| Knipmode 2/2016 Stella McCartney (Getty Images) |
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| Knipmode 2/2016 Diane von Furstenberg (Getty Images) |
Although Knipmode offers designer knockoffs on a regular basis, I can't recall seeing official catwalk images next to Knipmode line drawings before. The replicas are usually presented as sewn up Knipmode interpretations next to a picture of the original. Like this DKNY inspired pattern elsewhere in the magazine:
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| Knipmode 2/2016 |
Similar, but with noticable differences in the proportions. The line drawings for the designer patterns look like accurate copies. The models are obviously wearing the real thing, but unlike the pattern makers of McCall Pattern Company (as discussed in
this post) I doubt if Knipmode's crew had access to the original designer garments at any time. Let's hope they sew up looking as stunning as the originals. I certainly like where the inspiration is coming from!
On a side note, in her foreword the editor mentions these patterns were created for the real fashion victims. Seriously? Addressing your readers as women who are unable to identify boundaries of style, slavishly following trends against better judgment?
I say that's uncalled for.
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Pattern overview Knipmode 2/2016
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This month's illustrated sewing course is for retro styled tapered pants #23
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| Knipmode 2/2016 #23 |
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| Knipmode 2/2016 |
A collection built around panel prints, designed by Knipmode.
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| Knipmode 2/2016 |
More colour blocking, a peplum top that I feel strangely attracted to, despite the fit issues on the model, and a faux leather dress that's embellished with studs in the DIY section.
And lots of skirts.
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Knipmode 2/2016
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I really like this set. The cropped jacket is a good match with the intriguing design lines of the Donna Karan style skirt. My personal favourite of the month must be this skirt:
It's on my sewing list and it fits right into my sewing and stash busting plans. I have the perfect fabric (in red). It was earmarked for a dress, but this skirt is well worth changing plans for!
All in all another inspiring issue. I can't help thinking there are patterns in this magazine that would cause some buzz in the online sewing community had they been released as a single pattern by any pattern company with a stronger online presence!
Wow, that red skirt is gorgeous! I quite like a few of the other designs, too, but the red skirt is a standout. I might have to try my first Knipmode download for that one.
ReplyDeleteIt is so unique! I first saw a glimpse of it in the preview on the last page of the January issue and it was love at first sight. I can't think of anything better for your first Knipmode download, Michelle!
DeleteThank you for this review. I totally agree with you, this issue is great and some of the designs would have quite a lot of success if presented as indie! I particularly like the red skirt, the Michael Kors and all the dresses! Do you know if I can buy this issue online without purchasing the abonnement? I can't quite find the information on their website (I don't speak Dutch). Thank you ever so much!
ReplyDeleteHi Sara, you can order single issues here: http://www.magvilla.nl/magazine/96/knipmode
DeleteAs far as I know they ship worldwide!
Thank you Marianne, that is a useful link! Anyway, the total price is a bit on the high side for my sewing budget, so I'll stick to my sewing plans for now and if I need one of the patterns in this issue I will buy it as a pdf. Thanks anyway!
DeleteThe red skirt is beautiful and I think you should make it for sure. There are some really lovely patterns. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteO irony! Just after I published my I-don't-need-more-patterns blogpost the postman brought me 29 new patterns And yes, some of these shiny new ones immediately made it to the top of my sewing list....
DeleteI absolutely love the red skirt and there are quite a few interesting patterns in this issue.
ReplyDeleteI do remember Knip Mode showing catwalk photo's with their line drawings beside it. Remember it so well because I've been fooled by one of those (looking back I see that it was in 2008). I would prefer a catwalk picture AND a made up garment to see that the pattern was made and checked.
Hmmm, so there's reason to be worried. When I wrote a comprehensive review for the Curvy Sewing Collective back in September I contacted the editorial staff to find out more about the drafting and testing process. I was assured that all patterns are sewn and tested on fitting models for standard sizes 36 and 46. Maybe these patterns made it to the muslin phase, were tested but not made up in fashion fabrics?
DeleteThings might have changed, after all some years have passed since my disappointment. But it would be nice to not only have the catwalk photo. I bought my issue today and looked at the color blocked top and skirt (out of curiosity, not my favorite). It says to use piping but I'm pretty sure that's not what's used in the original, so would look (and behave) different.
DeletePiping?? Don't try this at home ;) You are so right, that's why we need those pictures!
DeleteThank you for the review, Marianne! I always look forward to these posts and getting your thoughts on the latest crop of patterns. My mother was actually kind enough to gift me a Knipmode subscription for Christmas, so this will be my first delivered issue. No more hunting on Ebay for back issues! Huzzah! I'm already lusting after that red skirt, the DVF knock off, and the knotted pencil skirt. What a quality issue! *runs to check the mailbox again*
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful Christmas gift! I do the mailbox check too. Mr Foxgloves can always tell it's Knipday, first I'm restless and when it arrives I'm incommunicado till dinner time. It must be killing not to know the exact date it arrives!
DeleteThat skirt: Swoon!! I also love the panel prints they designed. As always, great review!
ReplyDeleteWe're all drooling over the same skirt, marked as 'more advanced'. I hope Knipmode and other pattern makers take note!
DeleteGreat review, thank you! I do enjoy the knipmode patterns as you are right - there are some great drafting details there, so interesting! I wish their website was a bit easier to navigate - they've changed it and it's not so user friendly any more....
ReplyDeleteThat site is rubbish! Caused by Knipmode navel gazing, I'm afraid. For the Dutch market the pdf's aren't interesting. You can get the magazine delivered ion your doorstep for as little as 3 euro per issue in a subscription (20+ new patterns), whereas a single pattern download costs 4.99 euro. Their online presence is non-existing and they do seem to neglect foreign customers and potential new markets, so I doubt if upgrading the site is high on the list. But you never know, cause, breaking news: as of last week Knipmode is on Instagram. Dutch text only, did I mention navel gazing?
DeleteSame as you, I love the red skirt! So sexy and confortable looking! For the last week weeks, my sewing was on hold, but now I've more time, so I'd like to sew a few patterns from the Novembre KnipMode issue :)
ReplyDeleteNice plans! Did you buy fabrics in India?
DeleteNo, I did not. My stash is bursting, this is one, and I was not sure about the working conditions on the Indian textile factories, this is two.
DeleteSome good looking patterns but I note your reservations about possible problems with design interpretation. I have so many patterns (including 2 Knipmode pdfs) that I won't go out of my way to buy the magazine, when of course I can't speak the language. I looked at a possible subscription a bit back but found the site impenetrable despite (so called) translation. Did you not mention the possible expansion into an English language edition? I might consider that.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if there is an international marketing plan. I've heard about the German edition, which is quite popular on blogs and Instagram. There also was a French edition, not sure if it was just a pilot though. If there's any news I'll let you know!
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