Didn’t we say that Capsule Paris was stuffed with good brands? No? Well, errr, it was. Take Arne & Carlos for instance. Everyone knows they’ve got the patterned knitwear game (if there is such a thing) locked down, so their AW10 collection was no surprise – in a good way. These knits won’t be for folks who like things plain but you know the old saying; patterned knitwear is the spice of wardroes.

Farfetch continue their 121 series, this time with knitwear specialists Arne & Carlos. Aside from the usual stuff (design process, influences, etc), the interview touches on the duo’s remote location.

Why did you choose to live and work in the Valdres Region of Norway? It is meant to be very beautiful, with a long history of folk arts and crafts…

Yes, we live and work on top of a mountain in the region of Valdres – and hardly have any neighbours. We can live in a remote area like this because of modern technology. We are far from any big city, but we are not isolated, thanks to internet, fax, telephone, Skype etc… These beautiful surroundings inspire us and enable us to work. We also travel extensively, but when we return to our environment we are always inspired to start work. This area of Norway is very traditional, especially when it comes to the arts – there is a strong history of knitting, weaving and felting. So it is very useful when we are researching old techniques, because there are always people around with this knowledge that are willing to teach us.

Read the full interview here.

Arne & Carlos deliver this 70/30 merino wool/alpaca knit hat for the dark days of winter. “Their original and strikingly beautiful knit pieces are inspired by Scandinavian traditions. They seek to preserve these traditions, while creating modern pieces. This hand loomed hat is made of merino wool and baby alpaca to establish the softness and warmth. It is the perfect accessory to the winter’s darkest ensembles.” Available now from AR.

More looks at the Arne & Carlos Knit Cap after the click.

Today’s the first official day of winter – Arne & Carlos’ AW09 collection has made it’s way into stores. If we had to pick an issue with cream shawl collar cardigans, it’d be that they have a tendency to scream ‘I worship McQueen’. This cardy avoids that issue deftly with the festive connotations, although whether the festive theme is to your taste is another topic entirely. For the record, we’re quite happy to walk around with reindeer prints in October – but we’re rebels like that. (Farfetch)

Take a hop and skip to see further images.

Arne & Carlos’s SS09 collection is just dropping in stores now and this Fair Isle cardigan is the pick of the bunch. We’re fans of the sparse using of the Fair Isle patterns, as this will make it a much more suitable wear for this season. We can leave the complicated knits to winter when we can layer up. Get this from Farfetch.

Take a look at detailed pictures after the jump.

Arne & Carlos have acheived a great deal in short time. At least, that was the perception – when their AW08 collection came out of nowhere and gathered a lot of press attention. Looks can be deceiving however, as the duo have been around for a while putting the work in. We caught up with half of the Arne & Carlos duo, Carlos Zachrison and quizzed him about the brands surge in popularity, growing too big and plans for the future. We also managed to snag some pictures of the SS09 collection, which will be available from Tres Bien soon. Check out the Q&A after the jump.

We know you’re probably not looking for more heavy knitwear right now, but we felt that the Arne & Carlos AW09 collection deserved looking at. The collection is in the same vein as their previous AW08 collection, well designed and intricately patterned knitwear. Like their previous collection, they manage to be heavily detailed whilst avoiding the Cosby trap that other knitwear sometimes falls into.

Take a look at the rest of the collection after the jump.

One of the hottest Scandinavian start-ups teams up with Japan’s fames Comme des Garcons on a collection of goods for the Holidays. Arne & Carlos has worked with CdG to pull traditional values in Norwegian knitwear over to their line. Seasonally proper as well as Android approved, the line includes scarves, knit sweaters, hats, and an excellent knit satchel.  Do expect for the hardcore video nards to jump on this Asteroids inspired look as well. You have been warned. Available soon from Dover Street Market.

More views of the Arne & Carlos for Comme Des Garcons Holiday Collection after the jump.

Norway’s Arne & Carlos offers some seasonally proper sweaters and cardigans, that should not be confused with the Cosby style sweaters which some believe are in for a comeback. When the Scandinavians work over knits with local patterns, they come off proper and authentic. The patterened cardigan in white is favorite. If you can pull this off, you win.

More views of the Arne & Carlos Sweaters and Cardigans.