# 1960s Riding Knitwear The Ballantyne FW 2012 Collection is Cozy and Retro By Sophia Pelka | Published 2012-04-01 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ballantyne-fw-20122 References: [fashionising](http://www.fashionising.com/runway/b--ballantyne-aw-12-20557.html) & [fashionising](http://www.fashionising.com/fashionweek/milan-fashion-week) The Ballantyne FW 2012 collection is inspired by English explorers, boasting functional knitwear and trousers. The series is highly sartorial, edging towards the cut and structure of menswear. Long frocks, sweaters and capes are rendered in cashmere and tweed. Other detailing from the line includes fur necks, velvet and heavy wools. The wool pieces are built up into [voluminous knitted sweaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buck-masons-wool-sweater-collection) and lounge wear. The series boasts subtle pops of color splashed on jumpers and woven into dresses. The Italian-based company is the go-to [knitwear brand](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wool-knit). The company masterfully combines [traditional knits with contemporary style](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fallwinter-2025), avoiding any chance of resembling costumes or clothes for seniors. Ballantyne is the perfect brand for the function-oriented fashionista. The Ballantyne FW 2012 collection was presented at Milan fashion week. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Functional Knitwear:** Opportunity for creating innovative knitwear that combines functionality with contemporary style. - **Menswear-inspired Fashion:** Opportunity to develop sartorial fashion pieces that draw inspiration from menswear, while still appealing to a female audience. - **Luxurious Lounge Wear:** Opportunity to design high-end lounge wear pieces that are both comfortable and stylish. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion and Apparel:** Opportunity for fashion brands to incorporate functional knitwear and menswear-inspired designs into their collections. - **Textiles:** Opportunity for textile companies to provide innovative fabrics such as cashmere and tweed for luxury fashion collections. - **Retail and E-commerce:** Opportunity for retailers and online platforms to cater to the growing demand for functional knitwear and luxurious lounge wear. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Arty Knitwear Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arty-knitwear.md) - [Comfortable Sophisticated Knit Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kerisma-knits.md) - [Understated Men's Knitwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/herdsman-sweater-collection.md) - [High-End Bohemian Knitwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alanui-2.md) - [Hand- Knitted Joint Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beams-x-macmahon-knitting-mills.md) - [Wool Sweater Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buck-masons-wool-sweater-collection.md) - [Elevated Seasonal Knitwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wool-knit.md) - [Understated Festive Knitwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christina-fair-isle-cardigan.md) - [Handcrafted Fall Knitwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelier-solana.md)