Le Moine Tricote is a new knitwear line from French designer Alice Lemoîne. After studying in Japan and starting out her carrier by creating knit designs for Rick Owens, Lemoîne launched her own line. The brand’s name—which means “the monk knits”—resonates with the designer, who prefers to work alone and spends countless hours, needles in hand, perfecting each design.

Lemoine’s unique creations—entirely handmade and available only in limited quantities—beautifully highlight and transform the female silhouette through a dense mesh of intricate threading. By creating her own brand she wanted to communicate her personal and cultural heritage: a strong tradition of French elegance confronted with the minimalism of contemporary art and architecture; now elements she seeks to merge in pieces with a conscious structure, allowing the garment to take its form three-dimensionally while remaining cool and natural.

Lemoine says: “My process is experimental and I oversee hand-knitted production to keep the soul of each unique creation.” The collection includes shrunken jackets, tunic-length vests and charming cache-coeurs in blends of alpaca, mohair and bamboo. But don’t expect cashmere anytime soon. “I don’t need luxury materials,” she insists, “the luxury is in the design.” Text by Caroline Aufort

www.lemoine-tricote.com