Shone is a couture knitwear brand specialising in statement, chunky knitted pieces. Using a range of knitting and crochet techniques with Bio-Nylon, and incredibly soft, sustainably sourced, plant-based material, Shone plays with texture and depth to create classic designs with a difference; by using only her hands, no needles or machines in sight, she brings an entirely unique approach and contemporary aesthetic to the ancient skill of knitting.

In doing this, Shone aims to push the boundaries of what knitwear can achieve by creating designs that juxtapose a delicate and detailed lace structure with oversized yarn, evoking a surreal, dream-like sense to the pieces. This intriguing element is heightened by the beautifully tactile and weighted nature to the pieces, adding an undeniable indulgence to the garments.

Much of her influence comes from a life-long love ultra-feminine styles, which she explores in depth with her latest collection; Girlhood Nostalgia. Creating pieces inspired by the designs she admired in her adolescence, as well as her idolisation of womanhood at the time.

Shonagh journeys back to her girlhood through her designs with the hope she can inspire the viewer to do the same by provoking the question: ‘What would make my inner child happy?’. Finding our individual answers to that question can be incredibly powerful and perception orientating, like it was for Shonagh, who navigated her way out of a mental breakdown in 2017 by finding her own answers to the question: ‘inquisitiveness, playfulness and creativity’ and allowing herself to indulge in them.

“By liberating ourselves from the daily, oppressive constraints of adulthood we can reconnect with a more positive and playful approach to life, achieving the ultimate goal of making the world a more joyful and peaceful place to live.”

Shonagh has had a life-long passion for editorial fashion, yet her dream of making it in the fashion industry felt unattainable when she was unable to study fashion design at university due to the deterioration of her physical and mental health. Having to spend much of her time at home and in hospitals, Shonagh decided to teach herself how to knit as a low-impact hobby. Not only did this therapeutic, creative process help her through some really difficult years, it has ultimately been the thing that has mobilised her dream of becoming a designer.

Shonagh has since developed her brand through entirely self-taught processes, receiving additional support from The Princes Trust with business development, finance management and guidance, believing her neurodivergence has played an integral role due to her attention to detail and ability to hyper-focus for long periods of time.

The future for Shone is set to be one of couture, editorial and conceptual high-fashion, with an additional luxury, commercial aspect to the brand. Shonagh continues to learn, develop and refine her skills, fuelled with excitement and ambition knowing she hasn’t even scratched the surface of how far she can push her designs.