Knitch Magazine

Designer Josh Bennett is his Hell's Kitchen designHis imaginative designs have graced the runway of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York. His unique patterns have been celebrated on the pages of the prestigious Vogue Knitting magazine. And his newest collection is being featured in Rowan Yarns’ upcoming Magazine 51. But his goal in life is to graduate from school this spring.

Josh Bennett is an up-and-coming designer who’s making a name for himself even before he completes his education at the Fashion Institute of Technology. This institution, famous for alumni like Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera and Michael Kors, has been instrumental in the development and success of the young, talented and highly motivated designer.

“I have to say that all my Menswear Professors, Mark-Evan Blackman, Mary Wilson, and Joseph Gresia have been truly amazing,” Josh tells us. “Having their expertise, experience, and guidance has been so influential in helping me become the designer I want to be. Without them I would never have been able to grow and feel like I was ready to become part of the fashion industry.”

When you consider his growing list of achievements, it’s no wonder that Josh appreciates all that FIT has contributed to his knowledge…and, ultimately, to his success.

A self-described hyper-active child, Josh says he begged his Grandmother to teach him to knit when he was only eight or nine years old. Like most kids, his interests changed, but when he took up knitting again in 2000 he discovered there weren’t many patterns for men that he wanted to knit and wear.

Lincoln Center Sweater“I knew then that I wanted to start designing my own garments,” he says, “but I never expected it to turn into a career.”

He got himself a job at an Upper West Side yarn shop where he learned how to write patterns while he worked restocking their shelves. “I started to figure out that I really loved designing.”

That self-discovery eventually led him to FIT where he’s now majoring in Menswear and will graduate in 2012. In the meantime, he’s busy collaborating with Michael Bastian on the launch of his own collection of sweaters. The “Michael Bastian by Josh Bennett” garments will debut at MBFW in February.

He has also had the pleasure of working with Project Runway designer, Irina Shabayeva, who has included his designs in three of her Fashion Week shows.

Though Josh’s youthful success suggests that everything must come easy, it isn’t always that simple. “There’s the time that I have picked the inspiration, sketched out all the designs, and start knitting. That’s the good time. Then the doubt and second-guessing begins, and that’s what I don’t like. But it’s a really important part in the design process and sometimes another great idea can come from that.”

The East Village Sweater

When asked about his fashion philosophy, Josh told us his goal is to design clothes that fit well and make you feel and look great. And what does he love to work on? He sums it up in a single word.

“Sweaters.”

And what gorgeous sweaters they are! The designs featured in Rowan Magazine 51 range from a 50s-inspired varsity style to a black and white homage to Lincoln Center. They’re inspired, imaginative, and the construction is impeccable. With magnificent attention to details and fit, Josh develops patterns that are styled for the contemporary, cultured male. A versatile artist, he’s content to use whichever materials are presented to him.

“I don’t have a favorite fiber. It really depends on the garment I’m making,” then he confesses, “I do love knitting with cotton, though.”

West Village Sweater

Perhaps that’s why he chose Rowan Handknit Cotton for his Lincoln Center shawl-collared pullover and Rowan All Seasons Cotton for the uniquely patterned Soho cardigan.

When we asked him where he gets his design inspiration, he told us, “Music, movies, television, walking down the street.” It’s apparent he does a lot of walking through the neighborhoods of New York City because all his designs in Rowan Magazine 50 reflect a specific landmark or section of the city, interpreted with high quality Rowan yarns.

Josh’s West Village sweater uses Rowan Wool Cotton that worked beautifully with its varsity styling. The ecologically minded Hell’s Kitchen pullover uses Rowan’s popular Purelife Revive that’s composed of 36% recycled silk, 36% recycled cotton and 28% recycled rayon.

Josh chose Rowan’s newer Creative Linen for his East Village sweater and Summerspun for the Lower East Side pullover that features creative cabling.

Lower East Side Sweater

We can’t wait to see what he develops for the upcoming Rowan Magazine #52.

It’s interesting to note that Josh has already won the attention of Trisha Malcolm of Vogue Knitting. She included his oversized Lima Cabled Grandpa Cardigan in her Winter 2009/10 issue, and the response to Josh’s traditional, down-to-earth design has been extremely positive. This is quite an achievement because knitting magazines typically won’t include more than one or two menswear pieces in each issue…if any at all.

“I understand their position,” he says, “and that’s why I publish my own patterns.” He also writes his own web site and blog, www.boymeetspurl.com.

With all this success before he’s even graduated, how does Josh feel about his burgeoning career?

“When I receive that diploma that says that I’m a designer will be a big step!” he says. “The first time I saw my designs walk down the runway at MBFW I felt like I was on my way, and most recently when I saw my name on a tag with Michael Bastian was truly a dream come true. But I am still not sure. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into being a designer, and I think that word ‘designer’ gets thrown around way too much.”

While Josh has concerns about the term, he is absolutely confident of which designer has inspired him.

“Before working with him, I had been a huge fan of Michael Bastian for years,” Josh tells us. “His knitwear has always been an inspiration. I relate to his aesthetic because he has an amazing talent for making men look masculine and fashionable with just a touch of humor.”

“And I love Sarah Hatton. She knows who she is as a designer, and when you see her work you know instantly it’s hers. She has an amazing talent.”

Josh Bennett's Soho Sweater

We wondered if Josh has noticed any particular challenges for a man in an industry dominated by women.

“There are still times that female knitters won’t take me seriously or even believe that I can knit because I am a guy,” he says. “It even happens while they are sitting in my class that they had signed up for and paid money to attend.

At this point it doesn’t bother me.”

“I think that the only challenges are the ones you make for yourself. I haven’t been told yet that I can’t design or be published because I am guy. Until that happens, I’m happy.”

Does Josh have any good advice for young designers who want to follow in his footsteps? “I don’t think that I could have made it so far if it hadn’t been for my time at FIT. A design education is so important. If you can’t go back to school, learn as much as you can about design and fashion history. Focus on who you are as a designer and who your customer will be.”

If you work hard and you’re very talented, you might end up like this truly accomplished young man, “I get up everyday, work with some of the most amazing people in the industry, and do what I love.”

The Hell's Kitchen Sweater

So he hasn’t even graduated from school but he’s well on his way and he’s working with top-notch designers. Is there anything more for him to do? We asked, “Of everyone in the world, for whom would you most like to design?” We were surprised, and then touched, by his answers.

“John McClane,” Josh says first, “he’s my hero.” (John McClane is the tough-guy fictional character , portrayed by Bruce Willis in the Die Hard movie series.)

Then Josh adds, “My Grandma. She taught me how to knit and I think that she would be proud of me.”

Yes, Josh. Grandma would be very, very proud.