About
In Knit & Art we trust
A brand with a clear and distinct voice –– We design experimental and sophisticated knitwear in which the world of art is infused with a suggestion of urban-folk. The result is an aesthetically futuristic and recognizable trademark, thanks to abstract and psychedelic patterns with a strong chromatic impact. A timeless and gender-fluid knit wardrobe: the cardigan, sweatshirt, bomber jacket and even Kimono (a knitmono, according to us) are reinterpreted as knitwear adorned with fluid shapes and games of colour that stretch beyond the boundaries of genre and season.
Why Avril8790?
The name is inspired by our birth dates. We are a creative duo, a couple in work and in life; Maria Elena Sanarelli and Francesco Menc, born on April 17th, in 1990 and 1987 respectively - hence Avril8790.
Founders & Avril8790 crew
Moments that change life (personal and professional). The story of Avril8790 begins in 2018 with the encounter between Francesco Menci and Maria Elena Sanarelli. Francesco had a background in jewellery design, whilst Maria Elena, after having studied Art History, developed an important experience in knitwear within the family company, Mely's Maglieria, one of the leading international companies in this field. Together, united by a common passion for Beauty, they created a brand in which a love for art meets with a long-standing know-how. Francesco is responsible for the design side, while Maria Elena follows the development and production aspects. Giammarco Viterbo joins the team as image and communication manager, who eloquently summarized the brand's vision as “Crafted where dreams are made. The Italian knitwear conjurer”.
"We are a collective of young people who have shared their own passions and skills to carry out a project based on sharing and experimentation”.
Italian DNA
We believe in the value of Made in Italy, and thanks to the incredible savoir-faire of Mely's Maglieria we are able to invest in the search for fine yarns, knitwear stitches, and innovative production techniques. A passion and know-how that we pass on from generation to generation in the Sanarelli family, from 1956 up until today. This is the story of Mely’s Maglieria, which allows us to give shape to more complex creations such as jacquards with contrasting geometric motifs, worked in the most precious yarns. A mix of artisan traditions that we renew thanks to cutting-edge technologies and creativity inspired by art.
Collections (intro)
Art comes first.
In our collections the starting point is always linked to inspirations and iconographies of contemporary art that mix with an input of folk and easy to wear shapes. Our creations are characterized by soft and unstructured shapes, love for strong and vibrant colours, three-dimensional geometric patterns, and contrasts between retro lines and modern details. The quality of the product is essential. It focuses on precious yarns such as cashmere and cashmere-silk that alternate creating a perfect and harmonious blend of elements.