The world of K-pop fashion is as dynamic and eclectic as it gets. From music videos to stage outfits and concept shoots, there’s no shortage of themes and aesthetics—no one’s doing it like them. In this vibrant scene, one designer is turning heads—Rebecca, the 26-year-old behind the South Korea-based brand, Dainty Knit. With pieces worn by none other than K-pop darling Karina from Aespa, and the well-loved Stray Kids, the British designer is bringing her own delightful blend of whimsy to the table.
Rebecca’s story begins in the unlikeliest of places—her childhood home—where she first explored her creative side by making clothes for her Bratz dolls with the family sewing kit. “I was never really interested in academics; I just wanted to draw or paint,” she shares. Fast forward to the pandemic, and she turned her passion into a full-fledged brand, starting by selling crochet items on Depop. “I thought, ‘I should just do this. I feel like I’m meant to do this,’” she recalls, embracing the moment when her passion began to evolve into something much more.
The brand’s designs offer a fresh take on knitwear—a mix of 2000s fashion and fairy-tale motifs, creating pieces that feel both familiar yet modish. “I also draw inspiration from girlhood and childhood nostalgia, incorporating princess or fairy motifs with punky elements of British style elements.” she beams, showcasing her knack for weaving diverse inspirations into her work.
The magic behind Dainty Knit is hidden behind its seemingly playful aesthetics. The brand’s pieces tap into a sense of nostalgia while pushing the boundaries of contemporary knitwear, while at the same time offering a nod to her roots.
Vogue Singapore speaks to Dainty Knit’s founder, Rebecca, exploring her creative process, her journey with the brand, and her hopes on the future of knitwear.
Can you share with us about your journey so far? What sparked your interest in knitting, and how did that passion grow into creating your brand?
Since I was really young, I always wanted to do something creative. I was never really interested in academics; I just wanted to draw or paint. When I was about eight years old, I was really into Bratz dolls. I come from a working-class family in a poorer city in the UK, so I couldn’t always get the dolls I wanted like some of my friends who had more money. I started using the family sewing kit to make my own little clothes for them; they were terrible, but I loved them at the time. That’s how I started getting into fashion.
When I went to high school, I began learning textiles and studying art. One of my teachers recommended I try knitting since I was good at embroidery but struggled with pattern cutting. I got my grandma to teach me how to knit, and my mom and aunt taught me to crochet. After I learned that, I really stuck with it, and I’ve been knitting ever since.
What inspired you to turn it from a passion project into a brand? Was there a defining moment?
I always knew I wanted to have a fashion brand, but being working-class, I thought it was a pipeline dream. Without financial backing or supportive parents, it felt hard to make it a reality. During the COVID pandemic, after crocheting and knitting for a couple of years, I thought, “I can’t find another job; let me start selling some crochet stuff on Depop.” People really liked my work, and it gained popularity. After moving back to Korea, I thought, “I should just do this. I feel like I’m meant to do this.” And that’s how I started.
You’ve designed pieces for a range of clients, including K-pop idols. What has that experience been like, and how did these opportunities come about?
About six months into starting my brand, Emma Chamberlain wore my stuff and posted it on Instagram. That was when people really started taking notice of me. Everything happened very organically. A lot of people think I paid for celebrities to wear my pieces, but that’s not the case; their teams found me on Instagram, liked my work, and reached out. Since then, my brand has built up a reputation, and opportunities continue to come my way.
Working with Karina from Aespa was huge for me; she wore my sleeves for her Converse campaign. I also designed quite a few pieces for NMIXX, including Lily’s black dress and Kyujin’s little green top. It’s surreal to see someone wearing your pieces and bringing them to life. I’ve enjoyed working with everyone, but NMIXX stands out as I made a lot of custom pieces for them.
Let’s dive into your design process. Where do you usually find inspiration for your designs?
A lot of my designs are sparked from my upbringing. I pull inspiration from various influences that shouldn’t work together on paper, but somehow do. I also get a lot of inspiration from 2000s fashion, as I grew up in that era. I especially loved the goth scene, influenced by my sister who listened to bands like My Chemical Romance. I also draw inspiration from girlhood and childhood nostalgia, incorporating princess or fairy motifs with punky elements of British style elements. My hometown, Liverpool, known for its football teams and musicians, also inspires me.
How does your design process typically look, from start to finish?
It varies each time; I don’t have a specific process. Sometimes an idea pops into my head spontaneously, or I might browse fashion archives or see something in a TV show or anime that inspires me. I sketch a bit but try not to get stuck in that moodboard, I prefer to scribble down ideas and see where they take me.
What sets your brand apart from others, especially in the knitwear industry?
I think it’s my diverse inspirations that evoke nostalgia for different people, I create something fresh from these influences. My brand’s aesthetic is fun and colourful, and while there are great indie brands in Korea, I feel that there’s no one else doing funky, colourful knitwear like I am. My brand is constantly evolving, and I think it’s more than just clothes; it’s become its own aesthetic.
How does sustainability factor into your design process?
Sustainability is always a priority for me. I’ve designed pieces, like the patchy dress that Soojin wore, entirely from scrap yarn. It’s a challenge to mix colours and create unique designs, but I think it’s a good creative exercise.
Where do you see the future of knitwear heading?
I’ve noticed that people are moving away from hyper-specific trends and instead following aesthetics and trend cycles. I hope knitwear will evolve toward more personal styles, as people seek unique pieces rather than minimalist options. I believe more people are gravitating towards standout designs, and wanting to own pieces that feel truly special.
What’s next for Dainty Knit?
I’m finishing my winter collection, which includes one-of-a-kind pieces made from leftover yarns. I also recently started stocking my products in a store called FFF for family and friends in Seoul. I’m looking forward to have a physical space where people can experience my designs—exciting times are ahead!
