Saager Dilawri, Founder of Neighbour, On Winter’s Best Knitwear For Men

There’s an element of discovery in combing through quality fabrics and intricate knitwear. It tells a story. Texture and patterning offer intimate insights into not only a label’s sensibilities but, oftentimes, its cultural roots. In Vancouver’s Neighbour, diverse and quality knits find a common home.

Neighbour’s owner Saager Dilawri — along with his wife, Karyna Schultz, who oversees buying for the women’s store — has curated some of the fashion world’s most talked-about independent labels since opening their Gastown boutique in 2011. Over the years, Neighbour has developed a cult following by stocking brands that are both carefully refined and at the forefront.

“We’ve always had a focus on minimalist clothing. It’s all about the fabrics and how things feel,” Dilawri says. “With the rise of the internet and social media, a lot of clothes are made to look good in photos, but sometimes the ‘hand’ or quality doesn’t match up in person. That’s why we always need to touch and feel everything prior to ordering it for the shop.”

Dilawri emphasizes fabric and brands with stories to tell, seeking pieces that are hand-knit, uniquely dyed, or have qualities that set them apart from what you’d find at a mall. “It’s hard to convince someone to buy an $850 sweater, so it has to be incredibly soft, interesting, or have a story the customer can connect with,” he says. “If there are subtleties in the clothing that you’re wearing that you appreciate then I think that’s kind of where our philosophy lies. Hopefully, we can translate that through our store.”

With the fall and winter seasons ahead, we asked Dilawri to share a few of his favourite sweaters.

Evan Kinori Crewneck Cardigan Recycled Wool Charcoal Donegal

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Neighbour has been stocking San Francisco–based designer Evan Kinori for several years. Known for his meticulous craftsmanship, Kinori’s pieces are made in northern California, with each garment hand-numbered to highlight the care and attention to detail in its construction. This season, Dilawri is particularly drawn to this recycled cashmere cardigan with a high neck closure and button front. “I purchased a navy one we had last year for myself and wear it all the time,” he says. “The Donegal is a nice touch, and I like the full placket closure. It looks great with a collared shirt underneath and the top button of the cardigan unbuttoned.” ($995)

Neighbour Pure Wool Sweater

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Internally, Dilawri points to the sweaters that Neighbour has been producing with a fine Scottish knitwear factory for about eight years now. “I love them because they are seamless, have a higher neckline, and fit similar to a sweatshirt. They are everyday sweaters that are well-made and warm.” ($205)

Phigvel × Lady White Co. Cashmere Bottleneck Cardigan

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Neighbour’s curation embraces craftsmanship from around the world and a perfect example is this season’s partnership between Japanese brand Phigvel, known for its specialized production channels in Japan, and Los Angeles’s Lady White Co., recognized for its expertise in jersey production and American sportswear. “This zip cardigan is 100 percent cashmere,” says Dilawri. “I like that it has a zip front and a two-way zip. It’s dressy but also works well as a middle layer.” ($850)

Margaret Howell Seamless Crewneck Merino Cashmere

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Margaret Howell has been doing her thing since 1970, expertly taking classic pieces and infusing them with a touch of clever modernity. This made-in-the-U.K. crewneck sweater, produced by the brand each season, is a perfect example. “The merino cashmere adds texture while remaining warm and comfortable against the skin, and the seamless construction allows it to drape nicely without bulk or constriction,” explains Dilawri. ($680)

Camiel Fortgens Frankenstein V-Neck Cashmere Blue-Grey

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“This is probably my favourite sweater style. It’s not traditional, and I haven’t seen anything like it, but it fits perfectly with other Camiel Fortgens designs,” Dilawri says of the Amsterdam- based designer. “This season, it’s made from super soft cashmere, but it’s really all about the details and fit. Camiel is known for deconstructed and reconstructed garments. At times, the pieces feel unfinished, but the silhouette, fit, and fabrics are always on point. I love the size and shape of the V-neck opening, the longer back length, and the slightly cropped front.” ($1,035)

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