Intricate and colourful designs created out of yarn, thread or strands of other materials that make for a beautiful scarf, head gear, a pretty top or even table cloth, coasters, and many more such articles using a small hook. That’s what crochet is…an age-old art that originated in Europe in the 19th century and soon grabbed the fancy of women of those times and has only kept us hooked since. This is the trend that has again made its way on the runways of international fashion weeks and we trace how it has percolated to resort and beach wear as well.
If PVC ruled the fashion runways last year, this year it was the good old crochet that made headlines. A motley of colour and style was a visual treat in this year’s Spring / Summer collection at the fashion weeks. Rompers, tops and even frilly dresses were amply seen, while for those not wanting to dress up in this trend from head to toe, a simple top would also do the trick.
First seen in September in high-fashion circles, with fashion luminaries such as Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta and 3.1 Phillip Lim showcasing their creations at the New York Fashion Week, it has now caught on in the summers with its elegant and soft feel and chic designs for beach outings.
Crochet certainly makes a style statement and the fabric is no doubt comfortable…hence, designers have turned to this age-old craft, which is fast becoming a rage this year and is expected to stay awhile. With a slight bohemian as well as a summery feel, crochet garments are perfect for the hot season and are cool and airy too. Chloe, Ulla Johnson, and many others are taking this trend to a whole new level.
The regular beach wear too just got trendier with colourful crochet bikinis and beach dresses ,a hot favourite among women. From open-weave maxi dresses to texturing, crochet even lends a folky edge to the attire, with a modern twist.
Balmain’s recent resort line that displayed hessian sack-like dresses in crochet, Dior’s berry-shaded belted collection, or D & G’s black knitted dress, almost all foremost designer labels have taken note of this trend and included it in their new collections.
And not to mention, reality TV show, Love Island’s Dani Dyer donned a pretty white and pastel crochet dress by Missguided and it was off the shelves in no time. This trend has snaked its way through almost all forms of fashion…from accessories to purses and Topshop too has offerings of rainbow-coloured T-shirts and crochet-trimmed pyjamas in their range.
But swimwear and resort wear is high on this trend, which has found its way to the wardrobes of the fashion-forward clan coming from the closets of our grandmothers. No wonder then, She Made Me, the Australian brand unveiled its crochet dresses and bikinis last year in December. The label’s offerings have also been donned by the likes of Gigi Hadid and Kourtney Kardashian and other social media regulars.
In short, a vital trend to look out for and include this summer is the good old crochet with its delicate and elegant designs in a multitude of colours and a range of beach-y and resort wearables. With its stylish yet vintage look that gives it a snazzy contemporary twist, this handicraft sure rules and is here to stay for long.
