3 minute read
Crafty Chic
Crafty Crafty Chic Chic
HOW THIS YEAR’S SPRING FASHION IS BEING DOMINATED BY CROCHET AND KNIT PIECES
By Manon Bushong, Assistant Fashion Editor Photographed by Bela Orzechowski, Staff Photographer Modeled by Manon Bushong
Due to social distancing regulations, many people have decided to use their extra free time as an opportunity to pick up a new hobby, whether it be baking, embroidery, or learning an instrument. Given the creative and DIY nature of the past year, it is no surprise that one of this spring’s biggest fads is crochet fashion. This trend is gender and size inclusive, and extends far beyond the sweaters you received around Christmas from relatives.
While dozens of fast fashion labels have picked up on the crochet trend and are offering a plethora of options, this look can be achieved easily at home or from small sustainable vendors. Second Daughter
Ella Emhoff, who has a social media presence that she uses in order to promote sustainable choices, has played a major role in the rise of crochet fashion. Emhoff, who is a current student at Parsons, has constructed her own extravagant crochet cardigans and flaunted them on Instagram.1 In her designs, she opts for youthful pastels and silhouettes, which is reflected in the mint and baby pink “granny square house coat” she proudly showed off on her Instagram in August.2 Emhoff also frequently advocates for shopping small, and has advertised small handles such as @everyones_mother, @its_memorialday, and @ baileyxgoldberg, of which offer any sort of crochet good you may need, whether it’s a tote bag, matching ensemble, or playful bucket hat.
You certainly do not have to have the Vice President as your stepmom to participate in the crochet trend. Whether you pick a piece off Etsy or take to YouTube to learn how to make something yourself, embracing
1Clark, M. (2021, March 12). Ella Emhoff is making Crochet happen, and we’re here for it. 2 Ibid. crochet fashion is sure to warm you up after a long, COVIDdampened winter. While sweaters are an obvious choice, crochet pants have also been extremely coveted this season. Bright colors and patterns combined with flare silhouettes gives a nod to seventies nostalgia. Pants composed of varying colored “granny squares,” a basic crochet technique, is one just style seen everywhere from online shops to trending YouTube tutorials.
On the Today Show this past February, Harry Styles wowed in JW Anderson’s Color Block Patchwork Cardigan / Knit Pattern.34 The designer piece cost a lofty $1,600, however, fans have not let this high price stop them from recreating the look.5 The sweater trended on TikTok, as people flaunted their DIY versions, some of which were impressively similar. Styles’ popular look is also evidence of how this trend is entirely androgynous.
3 Nesvig, K. (2020, June 18). TikTok users are recreating HARRY Styles’s “TODAY SHOW” CARDIGAN. 4 JW Anderson| shop the official online boutique. (n.d.). 5 Nesvig, K. (2020, June 18). TikTok users are recreating HARRY Styles’s “TODAY SHOW” CARDIGAN. Embracing crochet is certainly not limited to clothing. Accessories, including hats, bags, and hair scarfs, are an extremely fun way to incorporate this crafty trend into your look. Popular Instagram influencers have paved the way for this, including Mia Regan (@ mimimoocher), who frequently flaunts a fun crochet strawberry hat from POC & woman owned brand bubblycrochetbylisa (@ bubblycrochetbylisa) in her posts. Additionally, Emma Chamberlain (@emmachamberlain) has shown off a green and white plaid crochet bag by homemade brand, Liming Shop (@liming_shop). If you are interested in learning this hobby yourself, a tote bag is the perfect beginner endeavor that will ultimately leave you with a one-of-a-kind accessory.
The versatility and limitless possibilities of crochet are what make this huge spring trend so exciting. Fashion that doubles as a do-it-yourself activity will never go out of style, and I’m sure I’m not alone when I say learning how to crochet is high on my bucket list for this summer. ■
