Knitwear Collection
The first pieces from our new Knitwear Collection have arrived — a seamless continuation of Nomen Nescio’s pursuit of refined simplicity.
This collection is created in collaboration with Finnish knitwear designer Anni Arela, specialized in high-quality knitwear, combining expert craftsmanship with Nomen Nescio’s signature minimalistic aesthetic.
⸻
About Anni Arela
Anni Arela has spent her entire career working with knitwear. Most of that time was within her family company, Arela, and in recent years as a freelance designer collaborating with various Finnish fashion brands.
She specialises in high-quality natural fibres such as cashmere and super fine merino wool, combining refined craftsmanship with a modern, functional sensibility.
Her first encounter with knitwear design dates back to her early teens in the mid-1990s, when she accidentally created a patent-knit sweater as a school project — a piece whose shape and idea still resonate with her current design language.
“The most important aspects of knitwear are quality in materials and exceptional craftsmanship in knitting and finishing. The best knits last in both quality and style. A knit is meant to be worn often — in minimalist design, it becomes personal through the wearer.”
Shared Values
Anni describes working with Nomen Nescio as a natural meeting of minds. She appreciates the brand’s gender-neutral approach to design, and the analytical, collaborative fitting process, where each piece is tested on the brand’s founders, Niina and Timo, to ensure it works equally well across genders before moving into production.
“It’s a very thoughtful way of creating clothing for people — not for one gender, but for everyone. The process has been inspiring and educational, allowing us to combine expertise and intuition in equal measure.”
In this collaboration, colour takes a step back.
Known for her expertise as a color professional, Anni found working in Nomen Nescio’s monochrome universe liberating: it allowed her to focus purely on the structure, proportion, and feel of each garment.
“With all-black pieces, I could focus purely on the structure, proportion and feel of the garment. It allowed a different kind of precision.”
The Evolving Role of Knitwear
According to Anni, knitwear has become an essential part of everyday dressing — and rightly so.
“People have embraced knitwear more fully. It’s no longer just casualwear; it can be part of business or even evening dressing. A well-made knit is often more elegant than a poorly fitted blazer — and quality shows from afar.”
For her, knitwear represents the perfect combination of functionality, comfort, and responsibility.
“A knit is an efficient and sustainable product. From the same yarn, you can create countless variations with no material waste. Wool remains one of the smartest materials — it adapts to body temperature and cleans itself naturally through airing.”
A Designer’s Anecdote
Working across cultures has brought many lessons — and a few surprises.
“About fifteen years ago, we were producing knitwear in China. One of the designs was named a ‘bat-sleeved sweater.’ When the sample arrived, the sleeves had jagged, dinosaur-like edges — apparently someone had confused the word ‘bat’ with a different creature altogether. It was a charming reminder of how translation — and imagination — can shape a design.”
“When working with Nomen Nescio, where two minimalist minds meet, such mishaps simply don’t happen,” Anni adds with a smile.
⸻
The Nomen Nescio Knitwear Collection
Now available in limited quantities — online and in-store.
