Antibes Cardigan
La vie en rose

There are loads of websites out there telling you that you need X item for your wardrobe or that you need ‘this item in order to have a wardrobe of essentials.’ However, one thing that these experts always seem to miss is the wonderful, versatile and downright stylish cardigan. It can be thrown on to jazz up any outfit, tossed over the shoulders to look like Carlton Banks or even under a suit should you want to look like an iconic football manager. The cardigan is one of those things that I don’t think quite gets the credit that it deserves. So I decided that we needed to make some for the TRiCKETT shop.

The lovely wool for the cardigans made by Rennie yarns right up in the north-east of Scotland who have been spinning a yarn since the late 18th century, so they know a thing or two about wool. The yarn is super soft and is washed and brushed by hand once knitted to reduce itchiness and increase the cosiness. The cardigans are then magically manufactured into jumpers by Stuart and his team in the Scottish borders. This cardi is made using the ‘fully-fashioned’ method which means that the jumper comes out fully-knitted and then has the important bits attached by hand such as the placket, pockets and the buttons. Having no seams at the side of the cardigan makes it stronger and gives a much cleaner look.

The cardigan comes in a very classic shape that looks great buttoned or unbuttoned, but I always recommend leaving the bottom button open for extra movement and because it just looks a little more elegant. The cuffs and collar and ribbed for a nice snug fit and the placket is double knit for extra strength and so that the cardigan sits flatter to the body. The buttons on the cardigan are made from a special biodegradable material which is made to look like horn, but isn’t. The cardi is then finished with two pockets to the front just in case you want to store Werthers Originals and anything else in there in order to practise being an older, chic grandparent.

The shade we have chosen for this one is ‘La Vie en Rose’ which references the wonderful song by Édith Piaf. A perfect pink for enjoying a chilly evening by the sea, throwing over your existing Iain polo like Pablo does or wearing with a shirt when you are showing guests around your French Villa… it is nice to have a bit of a dream sometimes. The pink is the perfect colour to pack a punch but without looking like you are a limited edition Barbie toy.

These cardigans are the perfect weight for spring, summer and autumn to wear as layering pieces or just to take the chill off. The wool is light and soft unlike our heavier waffle knit cardigans. So sit back, pour out the Ricard, practice your petanque, chuck this cardigan over an Iain polo and get ready to be the best-dressed at any function.

100% wool.

Made in Scotland.