PIGMENT PROFILES: ALLIE BUCKLEY OF ITCHY
It’s been a while since the last installment of Pigment Profiles, however I’m really excited to introduce you to a super talented and clever young lady by the name of Allie Buckley.
Allie is an Auckland based creative who founded the knitwear brand, Itchy. Her work is carefully crafted from recycled yarn that would have otherwise been discarded, meaning each piece is a unique one off.
Image Supplied by Allie Buckley
Where does the name Itchy Knits come from?
To be honest I just thought it was a cute play on words, it really grabs your attention. I definitely have a few people that take the name seriously and I assure them; my knits are so super soft and cosy! (not itchy at all hehe)
What/who inspires you and your work?
Acne Studios, Simone Rocha, Nong Rak, The Row. Vintage mohair knits from the 80's I always see in opshops! Old movies, fun stylists like @Chloechill, @linmick & @double3xposure on instagram! I love my crafty mum, she is always experimenting with things which she shares with me!
Describe the creative process/es you follow. Does it change from project to project?
I start with the yarn. I look at what colours I have available and go from there! Everything just flows out of me, I like to keep it experimental.
What got you interested in knitting?
I have always been a major knitwear nerd. It felt right to combine my resourcefulness with my design aesthetic and funnel that into my passion that is knitwear.
Who are some people whose work/processes interest you?
Craig Green loves to push the boundaries between art/sculpture and fashion. He has such an interesting perspective on what clothing should be. The teams at Cecilie Bahnsen and Simone Rocha both embrace texture and shape in unapologetically extra ways and I adore it.
How do you move past a creative block?
I just start. Sometimes I make something I don't vibe with so I will unravel it or put it aside for a while. I also love pinterest and I have fallen into this brutalist architecture wormhole that I can't get out of. Sometimes looking at things you like that aren't in your same medium is helpful. Watch a movie, go to gallery, a swim in the ocean, something you love that isn't just me looking at other knitwear all day :)
What struggles have you faced pursuing a creative career? What advice would you give to
others looking to explore their creative outlets?
I think the cash-flow in creative fields is often stunted and so many find this discouraging because we need to survive! Dipping your toes in and working part time while exploring creative pursuits is the best way to balance things and get a feel for it.
Currently listening to (podcasts, music, audiobooks):
I am currently listening to the Hobbit audiobook. The Blindboy podcast. Official soundtracks to 90's rom-coms or Marlon Williams hehe.
Current goals (personal/professional):
Personal goals are to see my friends more, swim heaps when summer arrives & visit Japan next year!
Professional goals include having some beautiful stockists in Aotearoa & Australia (maybe even further abroad). Finding some passionate knitters to help me & launching my clothing through ITCHY too!
Top 5 (products, places, food, activities etc.):
New Lynn Hospice for opshopping
My baby pink HANIMEX point and shoot film camera
Minnehaha beach for swims
Swings for a Korean toastie!
OF body one-off perfume called 'Santal Synthetique' (I love rare shit)
Favourite piece of advice:
Don't try to be anyone else, just be yourself wholeheartedly and then whatever is meant to happen for you, will!!!!!!
Find Allie on Instagram @Itchyknits
and at Itchy