Buttons in Flight | Lithuanian Designer Cardigans & Knitwear
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2026-09-11
Hello,
On July 2, 1937, Amelia Earhart entered the realm of legend.
On that day, attempting to become the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, her aircraft vanished mysteriously over the Pacific Ocean.
Yet beyond being the world's most famous aviator, Earhart was a globally celebrated icon and style figure (selected in 1934 among the top ten best-dressed women in the United States).
A 1928 photograph captures artist Brynjulf Strandenaes painting what would become the iconic portrait of Amelia Earhart.
Slender, tall, and gifted with unusually long limbs, Earhart struggled from childhood to find clothes that fit properly—a challenge that grew even more acute when she began flying.
Having sewn, knitted, and customized her own garments since youth, she applied these exact tailoring skills to her aviation wardrobe.
Early aircraft featured open cockpits or minimal insulation, requiring attire that offered both agility in tight quarters and essential thermal warmth.
Among the key garments Earhart helped popularize was the button-front high-neck cardigan sweater.
The high-collared buttoned sweater emerged from the need for adaptable clothing in shifting conditions. Originally devised by 19th-century British fishermen, it was later adopted by Alpine skiers in the early 20th century before early aviators borrowed it for high-altitude flight.
As aviation technology advanced and extreme thermal layering became less critical, Earhart's flight attire evolved alongside her eclectically elegant wardrobe outside the cockpit.
Her star status and sartorial influence led to a pivotal meeting in 1933 with one of history's most visionary fashion designers—Elsa Schiaparelli.
This encounter proved milestone-worthy for both women and for the evolution of buttoned high-neck knitwear.
Encouraged by Schiaparelli to engage deeper with fashion design, Earhart launched "Amelia Earhart Fashions" that same year—one of the earliest precursor fashion brands created by a public influencer.
In turn, Elsa Schiaparelli drew inspiration for functional, pragmatic womenswear, expanding button-down knitwear options across her subsequent collections.
Amelia Earhart set numerous records—not merely among female pilots, but absolute aviation milestones—becoming one of the most recognized aviators in history.
Yet she belonged to a brave, pioneering group of early aviators (the term "aviatrix" coining around 1907), among whom Lithuanian figures also emerged. In 1936, Antanina Liorentaitė became Lithuania's first female aviator, and shortly thereafter, its first female parachutist.
Early aviation repeatedly attracted extraordinary women who shared a distinct sense of personal style. Today, wearing a buttoned high-neck sweater offers a subtle connection to this rich heritage.
Buttoned Knitwear by Lithuanian Designers.
In this edition, we highlight three buttoned sweaters, including two featured with high-necked collars.
All Knitwear by Lithuanian Designers
Nordic Comfort
Inspired by traditional Scandinavian motifs and natural landscapes, this full-length button-down sweater layers seamlessly as outerwear or beneath a heavier jacket.However you style it, you will appreciate its premium yarn blend:
15% cashmere and 85% merino wool, spun from certified sustainable Italian yarn.
THREE IDEAS: Final Few Pieces
Only 25 pieces produced.
Limited-run releases like those by "The Knotty Ones" offer a genuine mark of exclusivity.
While not always highlighted so explicitly, many items crafted by our independent Lithuanian designer labels are produced in strictly limited runs.
If you appreciate rare wardrobe pieces, here are three designs with only a few items remaining—now available at special end-of-season prices.
- Rich Brown Cupro Fabric Skirt
- Silk Printed Scarf by Agnė Kuzmickaitė
- Breton-Striped Knitted Cotton Cardigan
Master of Details
Crafted from 100% fine merino wool, this lightweight cardigan stands out through subtle tailoring nuances. Raglan sleeves soften the shoulder silhouette, while the button placket finishes gently above the hem to create an elegant vent. The collar holds just enough structure when buttoned to layer gracefully against the neck.Note from the Fox: Despite being pure wool, this knit is exceptionally soft and completely itch-free against the skin.
Double Wool & Cashmere
While similar at first glance to the design above, closer inspection reveals distinct structural differences.Spun from a substantial 50% merino wool and 50% cashmere blend, this relaxed cardigan offers a heavier gauge. Cashmere adds rich softness, while merino wool delivers structure and thermal insulation. The collar features a firmer construction, functioning as a classic roll-neck when fully buttoned.
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