Tilda Swinton on Knitwear

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Tilda Swinton
Tilda SwintonCourtesy of Pringle

To celebrate her Grace Kelly archive design for Pringle of Scotland, Tilda Swinton speaks exclusively to AnOther about knitwear

Tilda Swinton has become a national treasure, revered for her rare ability to work happily within both art-house and the mainstream. Androgynous yet glamorous, all the while intelligent, fearless and humble, she is a creative giant and fashion inspiration. She rarely wears make-up and has adopted her own influential tailored style of loose trousers, silk blouses, vibrant colours and exquisitely cut knitwear. Indeed, in pursuit of the latter, Swinton has been the face of Pringle of Scotland since 2009, projecting a timeless look synonymous with the brand, and her latest collaboration with the revered house are two knitwear designs inspired by the wardrobe of Grace Kelly.

What is your favourite piece of knitwear at the moment?
An ancient ginger jersey belonging to my friend Louis made by his grandmother in the thirties – as intricate and reliable as a Celtic stone.

"I have the softest spot for anything that smells strongly of sheep"

Is there a particular piece of knitwear that stands out in your memory from when you were young?
None in particular but a whole rolling dynasty of fawn Fair Isle cardigans – latterly by Pringle – with pearly flat buttons. Growing up meant growing out of them, one by one. Still looking for the next one, round the next bend...

Do you have a favourite wool?
I love to knit long Christmas present scarves with alpaca wool from a farm near to our village. But in general, I have the softest spot for anything that smells strongly of sheep.

Text by Mhairi Graham

Enter below to win either a Pringle of Scotland 'GRACE' or 'KELLY' Intarsia sweater. Competition closes Sunday, 22 September, 2013, at midnight.