Knit-wit!

Not since Julien McDonald weaved his way to a full-fledged designing career has the knitwear category been so sexy. Traditional knit labels such as Missoni continue to excite and inspire, and a host of labels from Sonia Rykiel and Jil Sander to Sophia Kokosalaki and Madeleine Press consider it a key to their collections.

Italian designers have long been the innovators of beautiful knitwear. From beautiful cashmeres to ever-so-soft merino, knitwear has never been so wearable and sexy. One Italian designer, Giulia Piersanti, is making a name for herself, having designed for the likes of Donna Karan, Martine Sitbon, Miu Miu and Costume National. Designing beyond the just-a-jumper for fall, Piersanti is partial to royal blue knitted lurex and viscose spaghetti strap dresses, peppermint and silver (coloured) capelets, and handkerchief hemline skirts in chalky pink and silver. All sumptuous and sexy and, as Piersanti says, "the kind of pieces you fall in love with and just have to have."

Milan-based Maison John from Brit packer Jane Hayward is creating its own waves in fashionista circles with her debut collection for fall. Traditional yet innovative merino wool and viscose Lycra knits are Hayward's way of flexing her seasoned hand (she has worked for Gianfranco Ferre, Miu Miu, Blumarine, Mandarina Duck and Bottega Veneta) in her own collection. And it takes a pro to effectively create self-described "feminine, a bit bookish, naughty librarian looks" using a bold black and white, apple green, red, and pale pink color palette.

For a selection, head to Liberty, Regent Street London