Faced with growing expectations from luxury customers in terms of eco-responsibility and authenticity, many luxury brands are featuring crochet details in their fashion collections. This is as much about capitalizing on the underlying Do It Yourself (DIY) trend, a consequence of the quest for more conscious consumption advocated by the younger generations, as it is about celebrating craftsmanship once again.
Net bags, tops, oversized sweaters, long dresses: the crochet trend, which has been everywhere this summer, from clothing to fashion accessories, is continuing into the fall.
This shows that crochet is no longer just for making doilies. Today, crochet is opening up to creativity and color. The only limit seems to be the imagination.
A community that is far from old school
Crochet takes its name from the needle used, which has a notch and a curved end. It differs from knitting, which requires two straight needles, and the type of stitch produced and the final appearance of the fabric are not the same.
While the method had its heyday in the 1970s, it is making a comeback that is more colorful and imaginative than ever, as seen in the crochet patterns on Happy Wool, in line with the boho-chic trend.
For new aficionados, most of whom discovered this ancient technique during the COVID years, it’s as much about creating unique pieces that reflect their personality as it is about relieving everyday stress.
Crocheting is a healthy activity that helps improve self-esteem, reduces anxiety, and stimulates creativity. Crochet also brings together a whole community of enthusiasts who share tutorials, tips, and patterns with each other on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. These DIY creations then grace social media with unwavering success, as evidenced by #Crochet on TikTok, which has racked up 9.8 million views to date.
Crocheting is not limited to the home, so special sessions are organized in movie theaters around films that are more contemplative than talkative, as concentration is required.
Bohemian and retro
If crocheting has become more visible on beaches this year, it’s because the catwalks have rolled out the red carpet for it. The bohemian chic trend that has been in vogue for two years is fueling the desire of ever younger consumers.
Its openwork knit, similar to lace and playing on the hidden-revealed effect, allows for a sexier treatment, close to semi-transparent, and brands have understood this well.
Already present in the spring-summer 2021 collections at Dior, Anna Sui, and Gabriela Hearst, it made a strong comeback this summer and will be there this fall, both at the beach and in the city.
For Chanel, crochet is featured in long dresses, while Australian brand Zimmerman uses it to embellish tops and Lebanese designer Elie Saab uses it to enhance skirts and dresses. Chloé, the iconic bohemian chic fashion house since its creation in 1952, is no exception, offering a reinterpretation of its shorts and cardigan sets.
The colors are openly natural and the fibers deliberately chosen for their sustainability, such as organic cotton, bamboo, recycled fibers, and linen.
A bohemian attribute, crochet plays the ultra-feminine card, evoking carefree, warm summer evenings. This year’s key pieces are the sleeveless cardigan, the maxi dress, and the flared-sleeve sweater. The skirt, or rather its Gen Z counterpart, the skort—a kind of skirt-shorts hybrid designed to combat the male gaze—could well take pole position.
This style is easy to complement with mules or flat sandals and, in terms of accessories, a simple wicker bag. The important thing is to keep it simple, artisanal, and above all, effortless.
And the trend doesn’t stop at individual style: crochet is also conquering interior design. The range extends from cushions to vase covers and plant pot covers, as well as animal-shaped doorstops.
Read also > [Luxus Magazine] Spring-Summer 2025: boho chic for all!
Featured photo: Wesley Davi/Pexels
