Close your eyes and try to imagine it—you’re standing at the front of the ferry as you begin to leave the port and watch the bustling chaos of Naples slowly fade in the background. The warmth of the sun is giving your skin a healthy bronze glow and the fresh sea air is filling your lungs as you glide across the Tyrrhenian Sea.
While this all might be a bit difficult to imagine during the dregs of February, KNT SS24 invites you to indulge in the fantasy of a sunnier world. Their latest collection, a creation by the visionary duo Mariano and Walter De Matteis, finds its inspiration in the enchanting Italian island of Procida. The collection casts its eyes seaward, weaving a tale of brevity rooted in tradition, resonating with the soul of a modern, global person—one who interprets a nuanced vision of contemporary elegance merged with artisanal mastery.
The palette mirrors the Mediterranean hues of the Gulf of Naples, illuminating a collection that straddles the realms of heritage and futurism. It dismantles conventional paradigms with a contemporary finesse, encapsulating savoir-faire known only to those well-acquainted, striking a harmonious equilibrium between formal refinement and casual ease. Meticulous tailoring converges with an unwavering focus on materials, in accordance with familial traditions.
Precision tailoring meets a subtle evolution in fit—softer, and more laid-back. Elongated jackets grace fluid, unstructured suits, adorned with slender, nonchalant lapels. The ‘WD’ model debuts alongside the iconic drawstring waist trousers, featuring a classic front, a wider leg, and an elasticated back.
A salute to California cool, KNT introduces dinner jackets in feather-light cool wool, embellished with subtle tonal patterns. Double-breasted and single-breasted jackets boast classic lapels sans notches, crafted in grosgrain silk with covered buttons. Subtle details, impossible to overlook.
The KNT aesthetic seamlessly melds with sportswear, embracing it in a casual, organic narrative. Oversized sweatshirts in gauzed cotton, trench coats, bomber jackets, and jersey jackets redefine laid-back sophistication, donned in ultra-light ripstop nylon or washed cotton exuding a velvety touch. Standout pieces include the oversized bomber jacket with cargo-inspired pockets, the crisp cotton poplin drawstring shirt, and the versatile puffer jacket, bridging across occasions.
And for the denim aficionados, their denim selection expands with three novel slim-fit renditions: the carrot, multi-pocket, and skinny fit.
Materials are chosen with sophistication and minimalism, woven on traditional and increasingly natural looms. Cool wool, cotton, and silk grace short- and long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and combine with wool for ultra-light knits boasting a velvety caress.
“In symbolic homage to Procida, the island that kindled our childhood memories, we draw inspiration from its crystal-clear waters and kaleidoscopic reflections. Procida embodies our culture, our roots, and the exuberance that sets us apart,” muses Mariano De Matteis.
“Contemplating this collection, we envisioned Los Angeles—an iconic haven for a contemporary, laid-back lifestyle. Crafted for a man like us—curious, a wanderer, dedicated yet free-spirited. Embracing streetwear nuances, rediscovering the allure of suits, and relishing the joy of wearing them,” adds Walter De Matteis."
Check out the rest of the collection on their website.
