The handcrafted movement is here to stay. It sprouted last spring, when runway collections ushered in high-fashion artisan-created pieces ranging from crochet to appliqué. In December, Dallas welcomed the Colombian brand Agua by Agua Bendita to Highland Park Village, where the resortwear company made its North American debut. Deeply rooted in sustainability and craftsmanship, the luxury brand is inspired by cofounders Mariana Hinestroza and Catalina Álvarez’s fondness for nature.
The pop-up, which runs through the end of March, has offerings from the Spring 2024 collection, including swimsuits made of recycled fabric and hand-embroidered and crocheted separates—ensembles that can take weeks to complete. The Carlota Pacifico (pictured at left, $410) and Zilia Caracola ($1,200) cropped tops took eight and 62 hours respectively to embroider by hand. Now that’s a labor of love.
But how does one style these intricate pieces? We chatted with Liz Thrash, director of Highland Park Village’s personal shopping services, to learn more.
What is crochet? Crochet is a type of needlework where one uses a series of stitches to weave yard into a pattern. It’s similar to knitting, but crocheted garments are “definitely more of an artistic look,” Thrash says. “It’s all about the weave and how it’s done.”
What’s the difference between embroidery and appliqué? Embroidery is an embellishment stitched onto a fabric or garment, unlike crochet and knitting, which create a fabric using yarn. Be it beaded or threadwork, embroidery is a great way to elevate a look or make a statement on a handbag or an article of clothing, Thrash says. “It could be sparkles; it could be embellishments; it could be a stitching that’s done [or] lace embroidery,” Thrash says. “We see all different kinds of embroideries, but I love it because it makes some really special pieces.”
Appliqué is an embellishment created separately that is later attached onto the garment or accessory. It can be embroidery, patchwork, or even crochet.
Handcrafts such as crochet are trending right now, but are they really such a new thing? Crochet is nothing new, Thrash says. It’s typically seen on runways and in contemporary stores every year. “It’s a great, timeless piece to add to your wardrobe,” she says, especially in the spring and summer, when it typically appears more in fashion trends. “It’s just a great way, I think, to add a little fun to your closet.”
So how do I style crochet in my wardrobe? The easiest way to style crochet is with resortwear, Thrash says. “Crochet is awesome to pack because it doesn’t wrinkle.” A crochet tote makes a great beach bag, or wear an open-weave crocheted garment over a swimsuit. “I love a beautiful cover up or skirt that’s tied that’s all crochet,” she says. “You still see your beautiful details of the swimsuit, but you have like a real artistic creative look that’s put with it.”
Additionally, crochet can add an interesting texture to your look while on vacation or at home. Thrash loves a crochet dress for a luncheon and a long crochet sweater paired with a simple tank and jeans for a “really cool summer look.”
How else can I style crochet? “It’s also great for layering,” Thrash says. “Here in the summertime, you know, it gets so hot, but you go in places [such as] restaurants, and it’s cold.” Throw on a crochet sweater when you go inside, and you’ll “still look summery and fresh” without freezing.
Because crochet often has an open weave, what can I do to keep my look PG? If a crocheted piece, such as a dress or skirt, doesn’t come with a lining, Thrash suggests wearing a slip underneath. She’s a big fan of the slip dresses from SKIMS. “It’s so easy to throw one of those on under an open-weave piece, and it looks appropriate,” she says. And while you could opt for a contrasting-colored slip for underneath your piece, she prefers tone-on-tone. “I love a monochromatic look,” she says.
How do I avoid looking like a doily? “You let the crochet be your look, and everything else with it needs to be more understated,” Thrash says. If you wear too many statement-making pieces, it can look messy. To give your crochet dress its moment, pair it with a simple sandal and bag.
How can I stay on trend without completely replacing my wardrobe every season? “The fun thing with fashion is you can try all different things,” Thrash says. She prefers to invest in classic basics and then work in trends through styling. “Adding accessories that are more [trendy] is a great way to get an updated look,” she says. “So they can take their beautiful, classic pieces they’ve had for 10 years in their closet, add the newest trend in shoes and handbags, and it just updates their look.”
This story originally appeared in the March issue of D Magazine with the headline “Double Stitch.” Write to [email protected].
