Alejandra Alonos Rojas and her son, Alonso
Photo: Andrew Mailliard / Courtesy of Alejandra Alonso RojasLooking at a pile of offcut yarns in his mother’s studio, Alejandra Alonso Rojas’s son Alonso, then about four years old, asked two pertinent questions: “Mommy, what are you making with these?” and “Will you make me something?” It was an aha moment for the designer. Realizing that the pile of yarn would only grow over time, she developed a line of locally made—hand-knit, in fact—cashmere sweaters for children aged 18 months to 6 years. These come in three styles—a button-front cardigan with patch pockets, a crewneck, and a raglan-sleeve pullover with a button close at the left shoulder—in colors that range from assertive brights (Klein blue) to classic neutrals. “I love these silhouettes. They aren’t too complicated. I sometimes feel the material, the color. Less is more.”
The line—which will be sold through the designer’s physical and online boutiques starting this Thursday—is an extension of the brand ’s overall approach to responsible design. Because the Alonso collection is made using excess and development yarns, as well as unused main collection buttons, the offering is limited edition, but it will be ongoing: As more material becomes available, more sweaters will be made.