South London-based label KNWLS – rebranded and renamed from Charlotte Knowles in 2021 – was founded in 2017 by Charlotte Knowles and partner Alexandre Arsenault, who met while studying at Central Saint Martins.
KNWLS strives to embody an empowered but disruptive vision of femininity, dangerous and sensual. A tough, utilitarian sensibility, where pieces can feel like armour and challenges the modern feminine wardrobe.
KNWLS first showed on-schedule at London Fashion Week in 2018 as part of talent incubator Fashion East. Drawing attention for their slick, body-conscious separates which played with concealment and exposure, KNWLS was an LVMH Prize 2022 finalist. Knowles and Arsenault’s clothing has since been available at some of the world’s top stockists, including SSENSE, Dover Street Market, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Mytheresa, Browns, Nordstrom.