You realize fashion’s power when nostalgia comes along with it.  Very commonly in the Indian context, bridal heirloom pieces touch our hearts but my focus is on simpler things in life like a nice tartan shirt, a military jacket or a warm woolen sweater for winters. I still remember ditching my winter jackets and running to my grandmother’s house, opening an old trunk and picking out one of those heavy woolen sweaters which were long discarded by my father and my uncles.

There is something about a big woolen sweater that still gets me. The comfort and the inexplicable feel of luxury that they evoke are the biggest reasons why I am not ready to give up on my beloved old sweaters till now.

But it is not just me. Globally, knitted sweaters have been a phenomenon but one particular kind has stolen attention for years. The Aran sweater, termed as fisherman sweater, is the irreplaceable winter wear, no matter how embellished or what shape or size it is.

The history of Aran dates back to 1890’s and it originates from Aran Islands in Ireland. The Aran sweaters were knitted by wives of fishermen to protect them from cold and icy winds of the sea.

These water repellent sweaters made in 100 percent sheep wool are known for their interesting patterns. The two basic ones were the diamond pattern and zig-zag one, former signifying wealth and the latter, waves of the sea.

Designers also love the warmth of an Aran knit. Be it Altuzarra’s grey number with a skirt, Alexander Wang’s embellished Aran or Valentino’s white Aran sweater with a black triangle, these understated pieces have been a rage on the runway.