Sabby Lou Knit is the Black-owned business proving knitwear can be sexy
This is A HOT MINUTE WITH, a quick-fire interview series championing all the rising talent catapulting into fashion, art and music’s fickle stratosphere. From pinch-me moments to bad dates and even worse chat-up lines, think of it as an overindulgent conversation – like the ones you have in sticky club toilets at 4.A.M. Except these guests don’t regret the overshare…
Courtesy of @sabbylouknit
NAME SABRINA LOUISOR
AGE 24
LOCATION London, England
STAR SIGN Scorpio
BIGGEST PET PEEVE People eating with their mouths open.
We’ve all owned a chunky knit: that special keepsake that feels so comfortable and just so right. When we slip it on, it feels like cuddling into that special someone without the hassle of having to deal with… that special someone (all pros, no cons - sounds like a bonus to us). Of course, in spite of all the many benefits these knits can bring, they don’t always make us feel, well, sexy. Looking like an over-sized, stuffed baked potato isn’t really the knitted lewk we want to turn when heading off to a Hinge date or out to a dinner party. Unless, of course, you’re wearing a piece by Sabby Lou.
For Sabrina Louisor, gone are the days of baggy jumpers and lazy, oversized knits. Instead, she asserts that knitwear can be figure-hugging, sexy and empowering. From cut-out tops to dresses and crops, Sabby Lou Knit, which Louisor founded five years ago, is the Black-and-female-owned business that wants to make it clear that Black women can be whoever they want to be. And while wearing an SLK piece; who’s to say you can’t be?
Victoria Monari: How did Sabby Lou begin?
Sabrina Louisor: It all began in 2016 when I started making handmade knitted chokers for friends and family, after which I finally took to Instagram to sell to the public a year later. I was working on developing the business on and off again for a couple of years, selling at Christmas markets and pop-up stalls alongside university. After my graduation in 2019 I launched my first collection of handmade knitted tops.
VM: What first attracted you to knitwear?
SL: I have always had a love for knit. I started knitting in primary school in our design technology classes. I love to push boundaries within knitwear and steer away from the idea of those warm, comforting, baggy, woollen pieces. I wanted to develop the idea of fitted silhouettes and figure hugging knitwear that have a luxurious aesthetic and feel that is beyond seasonal wear. It’s knitwear that makes women feel confident and sexy, allowing them to embrace their curves and unique shapes in every way possible.
VM: How would you describe Lockdown 3.0 in 3 words…
SL: Recharge. Anxiety. Strength.
VM: What was the last song you listened to?
SL: Untitled (How Does It Feel) by D’Angelo.
VM: What does being a Black-owned knitwear brand mean to you in terms of representation?
SL: It is an honour to represent the Black community and I’m grateful for the spotlight on Black-owned businesses, being able to show young Black women that they can achieve and do anything they put their mind to. The key is to be passionate, to be fully involved in what you believe in and to never give up. The knitwear industry has become increasingly popular and it is great to see a more diverse range of people from all ethnic backgrounds showcasing their creative work through knit. At the end of the day, as creatives we should be recognised for our talent and individuality.
VM: Worst fashion trend you participated in?
SL: I rarely participate in trends now but when I was younger I used to wear all the Hollister gear and Ugg Boots - I find them hideous now!
VM: What do you look to for inspiration?
SL: I studied textiles and have mainly been inspired by sculpture. Particularly artists like Simone Bodmer Turner and Zhu Ohmu who have helped me to develop some of the patterns, shapes and textures for my clothing range.
VM: Best and worst advice you’ve ever been given?
SL: Best advice: To never give up and follow your gut. Worst advice: Wait until you are ready to start.
VM: Biggest “pinch me” moment so far?
SL: Being involved in the designing, building and development of my studio, and organising, styling and directing my own shoots.
VM: What are you hopeful for this year?
SL: I am hopeful for a more sustainable future in fashion, a world where we decide to break up with fast fashion and fall in love with and support the world of sustainable fashion and independent brands. I want to push my brand and make it more inclusive so it is available to a wider range of women of all shapes and sizes.