Words by Arielle Myers

While Ann Yee hails from the great American industrial city of Detroit, she has made her home and her business here in New York City. Ann Yee Collection reflects the influence of city life on the designer, both in inspiration and construction. Her background in knitwear design critically informs her design process and material choices, while she creates for “the modern nomad,” a woman sprung from the metropolitan landscape she dwells in.  

Layers and textures figure heavily in her work, as well as in her own wardrobe. Ann Yee’s personal style has been featured in almost just as many notable publications as her collections have, TimeOut magazine even called her one of the Most Stylish New Yorkers of 2013. 

“I'm all about comfort and layering so sweaters are key players in my personal style. Of course, I'm most drawn to cool yarns, but anything that's novel and has an interesting surface always catches my eye.”

As an authority in mixing slouchy knits with structured layering pieces, Ann imbues her collection with the same type of chic ease that she personally advocates. She creates collections in effortlessly cool palettes, and pieces that transition well from season-to-season, and between urban biomes. While knitwear has become the focus of ANN YEE Collection, one can always expect sophisticated angles and plays on proportion, as tailored jackets and cropped trousers compliment the relaxed vibe of the beautiful sweaters. The designer thoughtfully sources cashmere blends, structured tweeds, felted wool; fabrics that are simultaneously durable and sumptuous.

“I'm drawn to knitwear because of all the textures. I love experimenting with different yarns and stitches - the possibilities are endless. It has become my signature, but in an organic way. I actually started the line with mostly woven pieces, but I slowly started adding more sweater pieces to the mix and the feedback was positive. Now the collection has evolved into a knit-centric line, which I'm proud of.”

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