Sweet Designer: Mandy Kordal
I am probably the biggest fan of knit ties. I think they are fantastic and different. I also 
remember the first time I saw one, I thought it was a tube sock. For those of you who are more familiar with tube socks than knit ties, a quick overview:
1. A knit tie has no hole for your foot.
2. A knit tie is far too skinny and long for anyone to wear as a sock, even if it had a hole for your foot (which it doesn’t).
3. It’s a tie. You wear it on your neck. Not your feet.
The problem is, because people who actually wear knit ties are even harder to find than people who know they aren’t tube socks, they’re not in very high demand. So when I discovered that Kordal Knitwear, Mandy Kordal’s line of slouchy chic sweaters, hats, and scarves, also sold knit ties, I was very, very excited.
I am a huge fan of interesting and innovative knitwear and Kordal is precisely that. The line’s beautifully crafted sweaters alone are worth looking twice at. To tell the truth, I’m already eyeing the subtly edgy beige and black+white striped one. I managed to catch up with Mandy and learned that, despite an already-flourishing career, she’s just as sweet and down-to-earth as her knitwear.
How would you describe yourself?
Creative, outgoing, sensitive, and adventurous (no skydiving though!).
What inspires you?
Art, music, films, my friends, and street style.
So tell me a bit about Kordal.
Kordal is a women’s contemporary knitwear brand with an emphasis on craftsmanship and innovation.
How did you get started in fashion, and what inspired you to launch Kordal?
I went to design school at the University of Cincinnati DAAP. I moved to New York four years ago and worked at Betsey Johnson and Doo.Ri before starting Kordal. It was while I was at Doo.Ri and designed the knits for the runway collection that I discovered my true passion for knitwear. I wanted to create an all-knitwear brand that was innovative, but still focuses on the heritage of the knitwear and is produced locally.
What’s your favorite Kordal piece?
Oh man, that’s tough. I would have to say the lace back cardigan in the light blueish grey silk yarn. It feels so amazing on and is casual but still sexy.
What has been the biggest moment for you at Kordal?
I was just featured in The New York Times Style Section in “A Big Push to Get Going” and the story ran on my birthday! Crazy!
What are your plans for the future?
I’m planning to attend the Capsule Trade Show this fall for my Spring ’13 collection, finish up my mini MBA course in design entrepreneurship at FIT, and I just applied to an artist in residency program at the Textile Arts Center. If I’m accepted I’ll have a studio space there and will be teaching knitting classes!
We love this!!
ox from NYC!
davie+erica
LPFashionPhilosophy
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