Chicago-born Charlotte Hess may be one of the most educated knitwear designers around. She holds two undergrad degrees, from Grinnell College and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, plus a master’s of design and textiles from Scotland’s Glasgow School of Art. In between, she interned for two years in New Zealand. 

Where to Shop

A winter’s chill in the air makes the elegant knitwear of Isobel & Cleo even more alluring. Peek through the window and you’ll often see proprietor Charlotte Hess at her loom. Passionate about traditional and increasingly rare knitting techniques, she uses yarns sourced from the States and abroad to produce unusual pieces with all kinds of texture. This is the kind of shop where you’re compelled to run your hands over every piece.

Take a look at the video we filmed with Graham Kostic of Glossed and Found while he was here shooting his travel segment on Nantucket!

Travel + Leisure Magazine calls isobel + cleo a "must-see!"

"As an avid and obsessive knitter, I was overcome last year when I came across an inspirational studio and shop called Isobel and Cleo. Housed within was an inspirational, vibrant and tactile world of knitwear created by designer Charlotte Hess. This year the studio and expanded retail shop relocated to an amazing location at 45 Straight Wharf. Their knitted garments and curated collection of island-made, ethically-responsible items is a testament to the creative spirit of the island itself."

From the suitcase of Charlotte Hess...

"With a model for a mom, Charlotte Hess grew up in a world of high fashion, learning to knit at the tender age of eight. After graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she studied textiles at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland. Her ravishing knitwear has since caught the discerning eye of fashion's elite, winning Charlotte the Emerging Designer Competition at the 2011 Charleston Fashion Week. As well as a development grant from the Scottish Arts Council."

"Oh, hello, mohair maxi. COULD YOU BE ANY COZIER? Charlotte Hess, the woman behind Isobel & Cleo, knits all of her pieces by hand in Scotland or on Nantucket."