I like how KNWLS makes its name look as pared back as its silhouettes: five letters, a studio point of view. Charlotte Knowles and Alexandre Arsenault started the London label in 2017 after meeting at Central Saint Martins, and in 2021 they shortened its original name to KNWLS as their practice grew. Their About page talks about an empowered, disruptive femininity and a wardrobe that works like armor.

 

I see that tension in the corsetry, which they treat not as private decoration but as a shape for the street. They bring underwear, sportswear and historical dress into the same conversation, using stretch and engineered construction to turn restriction into movement and choice. The label debuted at London Fashion Week in 2018 and became an LVMH Prize finalist in 2022. For me, their shared studio practice is the story, and the clothes make that partnership something you can put on.

KNWLS treats trousers as the frame for its corsetry and prints, so I like the mix of precision and ease here. Jett Slim Trouser brings a narrow glen-check line, and Jett Culottes in taupe loosen the proportion without losing the shape. Haze Sweatpants in grey marl and Haze Sweatpant in washed black make the case for texture over loud embellishment, while SMK Trouser in brown is the one I would reach for when the rest of the outfit needs to stay quiet.

 

Halcyon Legging's combi check gives the body-conscious side of the brand a more graphic rhythm. Picture her in the culottes, a fitted top and a sharp-toed shoe. I would skip competing prints, since one strong pattern is plenty.

KNWLS made its name on garments that put sensuality and structure in the same room, and these tops make that tension easy to wear. Haze Hoodie in grey marl is the soft, relaxed counterpoint, and Halcyon Top in Scorched Flower makes the print the main event. Jett Bustier in Glen Check has a fitted, corset-like line, while Neo Bustier in plaid is graphic enough to anchor a quieter skirt or trouser.

 

I would wear the Jett Bustier under an open jacket for a little tension, or with high-waisted denim for a cleaner line. If I choose the Halcyon Top, I would keep the rest simple and let its print carry the color.

This is where KNWLS carries the same self-possessed attitude through very different categories. Flock Denim Jacket and Jett Tailored Jacket build structure from the top down, while Baby Coat in blonde changes the weight of the look. The skirts make the color story more playful: Aldra Skirt brings a daisy print, Beau Skirt takes a teal detour and Neo Skirt returns to plaid.

 

Vanice Dress in pink and Scallop Dress in ivory are two distinct ways to dress for evening without losing the deliberate edge. Picture her in Jett Tailored Jacket over the pink dress, the line doing all the talking. I would avoid piling on another pattern if I choose Aldra or Neo.

For me, KNWLS works because it does not treat sensuality as a special-occasion mood. Across trousers, bustiers and outer layers, Knowles and Arsenault keep returning to structure, skin and movement, then shift the tone with print or sport-inspired pieces.

 

The clothes feel designed by people who care about both the image and how a garment is worn. I would start with one fitted piece and pair it with something more relaxed, although I suspect the relaxed piece will end up being the hoodie.