Top Trend: Crochet

Over the years crochet has established itself as a summer high fashion staple as seasonal as sunscreen.  Indeed, it never fails to return every year around the same time as Coachella, mostly in the shape of bralettes and bikinis, which abruptly invade stores only to disappear as soon as we feel the first chills of Fall.

Luxury brands, on the other hand, didn’t fully take hold of the trend until Spring/Summer 18 but trust me, the wait was worth it and every single crochet outfit made me think that I should actually say yes the next time my grandmother offers to teach me how to knit. That is just how awesome SS18 crochet is.

Ayni

Saint Laurent

Céline

Ayni delivered the summer outfit you didn’t even dare to dream of: light enough to be worn by day, covered up enough to keep it on for night. It is composed of a matching sleeveless top and midi skirt crafted in beautifully knitted white crochet. The cut is pretty simple and casual, it is the pattern of the crochet that makes a statement, simply paired with white tassel earrings.

Saint Laurent’s interpretation of crochet also emanates some pretty serious holiday vibes with this black and white cool bohemian outfit. A see through white crochet top is worn with basic black shorts and laced-up heeled sandals, embellished with feathers.

Céline offered us a low-key version of the coveted knit, subtly adding yokes of crochet along the v-shaped neckline of this sleek, black maxi dress, as well as on the side and bottom of the gown. The very thinly knitted black crochet de-dramatizes the dress by showing some skin, and also adds a feminine touch by bringing attention to both neck and waist lines.

Naeem Khan as well chose to work with black crochet for its spectacular evening dress. This long-sleeved, floor-length dress is not only entirely knitted in a geometrical body hugging crochet, it also also embellished by some silvery threads that make the dress shimmer when in motion. To complete the look, the model wore flowers in her hear and some statement jewelry: big silver earrings and a prominent nose ring.

Jonathan Simkhai

Pringle Of Scotland

Ulla Johnson

Although this trend  is remarkably well suited for festive garments, Jonathan Simkhai proved us that casual crochet is also a thing with his gorgeous, monochrome nude silhouette that skips the fuss and sticks to the essentials: a crochet knitted loose jumpsuit, a lightweight jacket and some sneakers. No accessories, not even a pop of color in the makeup, this crochet piece is all it takes to look great.

We saw another outstanding casual crochet look at the Pringle Of Scotland show. Here, the combination of a basic white tank top and chunky white sandals is upgraded by the addition of knitted crème midi skirt with long fringes swaying at the bottom. Et voilà, what could have been a bland, almost “tourist on vacation” outfit turned out undeniably retro and sophisticated yet effortless.

Designer Ulla Johnson showcased crochet in its startling look: super feminine ruffled dress, pointy flats and the element of surprise: a short sleeved top worn under the dress, knitted in a heavy, thick crochet. This addition brings boldness to this originally very delicate silhouette.

Quit the clichés: crochet isn’t just for old ladies or teenage girls. These examples of runway looks prove it has much more to offer, ranging from art and crafts-y and bohemian to refined, dressy, retro or casual and cocooning-ready. Crochet is what you make of it so roll up your sleeves, get crafty and find the knit that’ll make you look neat!

Marta Indeka

After studying Marketing at ESSEC Business School, Marta has recently joined Launchmetrics driven by the desire to engage in what thrills her most : fashion. When not scrolling through runway pictures or debating about prospective trends, she enjoys exploring new places in search of hidden gems.