ZOOT Press Release; October 2025
Emma Jane Knight, founder and creative director of E M M A J A N E K N I G H T London, is rethinking what quiet luxury looks like. Her world is built on sustainably made cashmere, sharp tailoring, and the kind of confidence that whispers instead of shouts.
Born in Hong Kong and raised across continents, Emma Jane’s global upbringing shaped a sensibility that’s as precise as it is effortless. After years working in high fashion, she decided to slow things down — and start something of her own.
We met her in London, where we photographed some of her signature designs between two familiar places: the calm of her home and the open air of Battersea Park where the pieces come alive in natural light and the sound of birds.
Photography Sandro Hyams
Featuring the cashmere creations of Emma Jane Knight
Beauty Jo Sugar using Heris Huta and NARS Cosmetics
Hair Timothy Furssedonn with L´Oréal Professionnel Paris
Models Niamh Romey from PRM Agency and Beatriz Marxen from First London
Emma Jane grew up between cultures — a life of travel, texture, and constant change. “Luxury was never about labels,” she says. “It was about how something made you feel.” That quiet sensitivity runs through everything she does now.
After St Mary’s, Ascot, and later Edinburgh University, Emma Jane landed in London — “an endless mix of history, creativity, and hustle,” as she puts it. She spent a decade inside fashion’s biggest names — Condé Nast, De Beers, Chanel — before breaking away to build something more personal. Something slower. Something that lasts.
“I saw a gap in the market for elegant, top-quality cashmere that enhanced women’s shapes and made in beautiful colours,” she says. “The only options then were either expensive designer pieces or low-quality high-street cashmere. I wanted to create timeless, eco-friendly collections women could wear year after year — from day to evening, and perfect for travel.”
Emma Jane´s label is less about trends and more about mood — the way a fabric drapes, how a seam feels against skin, the confidence of wearing something made with care. “It’s about quiet power,” she says. “The kind that doesn’t need to shout.”
Beatriz wears EMMAJANE KNIGHT “Cozetta” cashmere cardigan; REISS shirt & trousers; KAT MACONIE shoes.
Emma Jane on cashmere, sustainability and ethical sourcing…
Cashmere comes from a hardy, mountain-dwelling goat breed that has adapted to the harsh environments and extreme temperatures of the Gobi Desert. Average lows in January can reach -40°F (-40°C), while average highs in July can climb to 113°F (45°C).
To survive, the goats develop wonderfully thick coats made up of a coarse outer guard hair and a fine, soft undercoat. Our yarn suppliers use only the finest fibre – the white, downy undercoat that runs from the throat to belly. This yields a tiny amount: it takes fibre from one goat to knit a scarf, three to make a sweater.
Traditionally, cashmere goats are usually tended by nomadic cashmere farmers; a typical farmer will often have a flock of 2-300. They collect the cashmere fibre by ceremonially combing their goats in the spring. Combing is still widely used today, alongside some farmers who prefer shearing.
However, the longevity of cashmere isn’t a given. The processes involved in creating cashmere yarn play a big part. Our suppliers have refined their traditional techniques over two centuries to create a cashmere yarn that pills less than any other.
It’s easy to see why animal welfare, sustainability and traceability are the three pillars of the cashmere industry’s ethical sourcing initiatives.
To ensure ethical sourcing in working with such a luxurious, often scrutinised material, I align my brand with the highest industry level standards. I source my cashmere yarns from reputable suppliers, such as Todd & Duncan and Cariaggi, meeting strict standards like Oeko-Tex 100 Class II, Sustainable Fibre Alliance, and ISO 14001.
Niamh wears EMMAJANE KNIGHT cashmere “DEMETER” funnel neck sweater, “SWEATPANTS”, “BELL” skirt and “BEANIE”.
Emma Jane on core values and luxury…
[…] quality, creativity and craftsmanship where the most exquisite designs come to life. Our renowned yarn suppliers and manufacturers, located in Italy, Scotland and UK, employ skilled artisans who work together to meticulously develop each piece. An obsession with quality and attention to detail defines how I see luxury.
Quality almost always eliminates waste, improves efficiency, and supports businesses that prioritise value. It saves money as the product needs replacing less frequently. Focusing on quality also encourages corporate social responsibility practices.
EMMAJANE KNIGHT “COZETTA” cashmere cardigan in Sweet Mist & made to order Split wool skirt; WHITELEY HATS.
Emma Jane on cashmere as DNA …
Unmatched softness and comfort: it offers an indulgent yet subtle tactile experience.
Rarity: true luxury often lies in scarcity. High quality cashmere is difficult to obtain, especially from Capra hircus goats found in the cold climates of Mongolia and Inner Mongolia. Our commitment to source cashmere from reputable, certified yarn manufacturers makes the material a natural fit to our dedication for excellence.
Historical artisanship in fine Fibres: our yarn suppliers have deep roots in cashmere production going back generations. Their expertise in spinning and weaving fine cashmere fibres – one of the most technically challenging materials – elevate it into an art form.
Ability to innovate: we push boundaries, adding intricate stitches, such as the moss-stitch on our boat neck sweater BELLA and the cross-stitch on long and short cardigans, COZA and COZETTA, and add unique colour combinations such as the white arm stripes and inside white-collar detail on BAZA, transforming the designs from being ordinary into something extraordinary and unique.
Alignment in quiet, refined, and unpretentious luxury: cashmere’s values lie in its feel and rarity, not visual flashiness.
Timeless appeal: our cashmere collections age beautifully, are seasonless, and can be worn for years. This long-term wearability resonates with our commitment to timeless style over fast fashion and seasonal trends.
Niamh wears EMMAJANEKNIGHT COZA cross-stitch long cardigan in Isfahan; JOSEPH trousers.
Emma Jane on the concept of “quiet luxury” …
[…] understated elegance, discretion, and refined craftsmanship over flashy logos and conspicuous branding.
Luxury means to me to dress well without shouting luxury – our collections whisper it. Through rare materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and timeless design, the brand epitomises a form of wealth and style that is refined, quiet and enduring.
How important are traceability and sustainability in your design process?
Traceability and sustainability are central to my design and production philosophy. Not just as modern industry trends, but as essential pillars of our identity as a luxury brand grounded in nature, heritage and quality.
In short, traceability allows us to maintain our high standards, prove authenticity, and ensure ethical sourcing. Sustainability reflects our brand’s long-standing respect for nature, quality and craftsmanship. Together they form a core part of our identity – not as a trend, but as a timeless commitment to excellence, responsibility and authenticity.
EMMAJANE KNIGHT tux jacket & pencil skirt in mohair & wool; MAXMARA shirt; ARRANGE sheer skirt; PEDRO MIRALLES ankle boots.
You donate a portion of your sales to the Whitley Fund for Nature. Why did you choose this cause?
Wildlife conservation is close to my heart, and I chose to partner with The Whitley Fund for Nature because it is a very special organisation. It’s small. It’s very precisely focused … and so it can give its money where it really counts; where every penny counts.
(Patron: HRH The Princess Royal, Trustee: Sir David Attenborough).
EMMAJANE KNIGHT 'Scarf-Sarongs" & "ITALIAN LEATHER BELTS".
What inspires you most: craftsmanship, nature, or the women who wear your clothes?
I draw inspiration from all three […] they are not separate – they exist in a kind of creative triangle, with craftsmanship as the anchor, nature as the muse, and the wearer as the ultimate destination.
EMMAJANE KNIGHT tailored Mohair Wool jacket and Cashmere skirt; vintage CHANEL shoes. Henry Moore – Three Standing Figures was created in 1947.
Your Tailored Collection is made to order. What does working closely with women’s bodies teach you about the female body and design?
[…] far more than just measurements and fit – it reveals a deep, nuanced understanding of movement, emotion, individuality, and power as expressed through clothing: No two bodies are alike, requiring flexible designs that honour individual beauty. Good tailoring doesn’t force the body to fit the garment – it shapes the garment to honour the body.
The female form is dynamic, not static. This teaches the importance of drape, softness, breathability, and stretch, even in tailored pieces. The most beautiful garment is one that disappears on motion. Structure meets softness. Designing for women is about understanding the harmony of both. Our tailor sculpts a form without restriction.
Clothing is emotional – tied to confidence, self-image, and identity. A woman’s posture can change the moment a garment truly fits her – not just physically, but emotionally. Our tailor’s emotional intelligence to intuit what a client feels beautiful in, becomes core to thoughtful design.
Subtle details make all the difference. A perfectly placed seam can emphasise elegance. A poorly placed one can distort or distract. Our tailor is obsessed with invisible details that elevate design.
Design must adapt to life stages. We allow for adjustable waistlines, thoughtful shaping, or pieces that evolve with the wearer.
Working closely with women’s bodies teaches us humility, empathy, and precision. It transforms design from something decorative into something deeply human – about how a woman inhabits her body, her clothes and ultimately, her life. In the hands of our skilled and experienced tailor, clothing becomes not just something a woman wears – but something that understands her.
EMMAJANE KNIGHT Coza cardigan in black, BY COOKIE H. trousers and halter top.
Have there been moments when market pressures challenged your creative or ethical principles?
Yes, like all luxury brands operating in a globalised, high-pressure market, I’ve faced moments where market pressures could have threatened our creative or ethical principles – particularly around growth, scalability, and shifting consumer expectations. However, we have responded with a consistent strategy: controlled expansion, quiet innovation, and uncompromising commitment to quality and ethics.
Some challenges we’ve experienced are:
A reputable manufacturer offered to lower costs but to do so meant compromising on design perfection and yarn quality. I declined to maintain our standards. The experience taught me about scalability and product presentation, but not at the cost of design or yarn quality.
Working with an Italian manufacturer in 2022 became very expensive after shipping costs, yarn prices and taxes significantly increased. The volatility of the war in Eastern Europe provided further uncertainty. I decided to keep manufacturing to the UK, which as a British brand, made perfect sense. This also reduced the brand’s carbon footprint.
EMMAJANE KNIGHT “COZETTA “Cashmere cardigan; vintage shirt, skirt & hat; CLARKS shoes.
How do you personally approach sustainability in your everyday life?
I integrate sustainability into my daily life and my brand with genuine intention and consistency. My personal approach mirrors my company’s ethos of quality, responsibility, and natural simplicity.
I consistently prioritise sourcing natural fabrics at home – cashmere, linen, wool, silk and organic cotton, from origins that minimise waste and environmental impact.
I favour small, thoughtfully curated collections over mass production. I shop in local markets to support local artists, to buy fewer and better.
My home has a no plastic, no to
xic chemicals, no parfum policy.
My personal / lifestyle habits resonate around mindful consumption, not over-shopping and choosing quality. I practise well-being rituals like morning yoga and Pilates and enjoy time with family and friends.
I embrace vintage as well as modern pieces, to combine old and new in unique, colourful ways. I reuse or restyle long-loved items with current designs rather than discard them.
EMMAJANE KNIGHT “COZA” cashmere cardigan in Sandrose; REISS trousers, KAT MACONIE shoes.
What’s one issue in the world right now that really concerns you?
I am deeply concerned about Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability. Its impact on future generations and global inequality demands personal responsibility.
This matters because climate change is not just about polar bears. It’s about food security, children’s futures, women’s rights, and the kind of world we choose to leave behind.
EMMAJANE KNIGHT tailored wool trousers, “COZA” cardigan, Juno Crew-Neck Sweaters and Cashmere/Modal Scarf-Sarong (in collaboration with wildlife artist, Rose Corcoran); PEDRO MIRALLES ankle boots.
Barbara Hepworth large sculpture looming over the boating lake in Wandsworth’s Battersea Park is Single Form (Memorial), which dates to 1963.
What’s been inspiring you lately?
I found the V&A’s Cartier exhibition inspiring on multiple levels – craftsmanship, storytelling, design, and cultural resonance all converging in a singular, dazzling experience.
The exhibition spans 350+ objects, tracing Cartier’s evolution from a Parisien workshop in 1847 to a global luxury powerhouse. It showcases Cartier archives, the Royal Collection, and private lenders.
It’s a visual symphony of historical narratives, cross-cultural creativity, technical brilliance, and curated emotional storytelling. I didn’t just see jewels, I experienced the cultural power, personal lives, and visionary design of one of the world’s most storied Maisons.
Thank you, Emma Jane!
FASHION REFERENCES
BY COOKIE H. @bycookieh I CRESCENT PR @crescentagency
CLARKS SHOES @clarksshoes
EMMAJANE KNIHGHT London @emmajaneknightlondon
JOSEPH @josephfashion
KAT MACONIE @katmaconie
MAXMARA @maxmara
PEDRO MIRALLES @pedromiralles
REISS @reiss
WHITLEY HATS @whiteleyhats
To boot…
EMMAJANE KNIGHT London
www.emmajaneknightlondon.com I @emmajaneknightlondon