Etsy Love: Urbanknit

Clutch LOVES Etsy! Every month we browse the site to find the latest and greatest in undiscovered talent. On Etsy you can find so much: designers, accessories, beauty products, home decor, pretty much anything you want. One of our favorites things to do while on Etsy is to check out the host of fly vintage shops and emerging designers on the site. Please allow us to introduce you to another Etsy shop we adore — Urbanknit.

Name: Dolapo James

Stylistic: Tell us more about Urbanknit.
Dolapo: I started Urbanknit because I often want to wear something that is not necessarily ‘in fashion’. You might feel like wearing bright colours when the current trend is browns and creams for example. I also like the idea of clothes and accessories that are a bit quirky and unique in their own way and finally I love the idea that whoever wears an Urbanknit accessory is wearing something that is special to them as no one else will have the exact same thing.

My mum taught me to knit when I was 7, I have always enjoyed making things, I am trained as an Architect, along the way I taught myself to sew and Urbanknit happened somewhere between all of this. I really do enjoy every single step of the process from coming up with ideas to making each item and even to packing it for postage.

Stylistic: When we saw your profile our mouths dropped. You have such a great collection of bags and scarves! What inspires your designs? And can we assume that Fall/Winter are your favorite seasons?
Dolapo: Thank you very much! It’s hard to pin down inspiration but I think it is a combination of my ‘roots’ and being fortunate enough to taste different cultures. I grew up in Nigeria, currently live in London and work as an Architect. I am fascinated by how colours, scale, textures are layered in modern cities and the sheer variety that is possible and available. I love art, architecture, music, graffiti, animation, cartoons, bright colours, pattern and print. It’s just a crazy mix of the things that bombard my senses everyday and what I enjoy most is working on how various things contrast. I do like Fall and Winter because I get to do chunky knits! But I also love summer because it’s an excuse to go crazy with colours, not that the season every stopped me!

Stylistic: As an international designer, what differences if any do you see in the US fashion scene and the fashion scene in London?
Dolapo: I am more familiar with London as this is where I live but what I think I notice the most is that Londoners are very trendy and more daring when it comes to design and fashion in particular. The average person on the bus, on the train or on the street in central London has a certain quirk or statement in their dressing, hair cut, accessories and appearance in general be it in a big way or a small way. I enjoy people watching and this is a lot of fun in London.

Stylistic: As an emerging accessory designer, what tools and strategies do you use to help spread the word about your line?
Dolapo: I am still trying to crack this one but word of mouth is very powerful and I have been pleasantly surprised and very thankful to my friends. I have a Myspace page which is great for networking, a Facebook group for keeping people informed about what is new in Urbanknit, I have a blog but that is more abstract and just looks at design in general but is a fun way to network too. I have been fortunate to have Urbanknit featured on some blogs and twice in magazines last year. Occasionally I take out paid advertisement and NEET magazine has been very cool so far. I am always keeping an ear out for new opportunities as people cannot buy what they don’t know exists! I have an Etsy shop which is great as there is a built-in community of designers and makers who exchange information and help each other with tips, opportunities, and events and so on.

Stylistic: What type of woman rocks an Urbanknit piece?
Dolapo: A man or woman who wants something that is a bit different from what you would get in a regular shop. Someone who may feel like making a big statement or a small one. It’s up to them, depending on the piece they wear. They could be someone who likes to experiment with their look and does not want to look the same all the time. They could even conservative in their approach but want one thing about their outfit to stand out. Most importantly, they would be someone who wants a unique piece that has been carefully and lovingly made.

Stylistic: If you have one piece of advice to offer new or emerging designer what would it be?
Dolapo: Every single success or disappointment is invaluable experience; you never stop learning so if you enjoy what you do then you HAVE to keep doing it!

Stylistic: What’s next you for and Urbanknit?
Dolapo: I have so many sketches and ideas that I am gradually developing and making, I also want to continue experimenting with more fabrics, yarns, shapes, everything really. There will be more and more variety in the range. My hope and dream is that more and more people discover Urbanknit and that when they do they feel that have found something they enjoy wearing again and again, that is special and fun too.

To learn more about Urbanknit please visit urbanknit.etsy.com, www.urbanknit.com and www.urbanknit.blogspot.com. Make sure to check out Dolapo’s stationary brand Urban Stax as well at urbanstax.etsy.com.