Pune Mirror

By Anjali Shetty

Posted On Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Crochet somehow has an endearing old-world retro charm. For a long time it suited the tastes and likes only of the 50s and 60s. Hollywood and Bollywood hotties like Vanessa Hudgens, Rihanna and Kareena Kapoor have brought this fabric back into the fashion scene and how! Designers Babita Malkani, Priyadarshini Rao and Aniket Satam feel it is here to stay and tell us why.

Why Crochet?

Crochet is very feminine and has its own delicate charm believes Babita. “We can create lots of different techniques out of it, especially at the back of a garment creating a zest and a vibrant look which has its own charm.”

An interesting fabric to work with Aniket states that the intricate patterns created in crochet are intricate yet they have an organic appeal which transcend into a classic design element in any form of ensembles.

To this Priyadarshini says, “It is a territory that needs to be tread with caution. Not used effectively, it can look very tacky.”

How to Wear:

So, what are the clothes that look great with crochet? “The pattern of crochet turns chic when incorporated subtly with dresses or tops. Also as solo solid outfit excelling the look of anything. One could opt for a crochet shawl which is an incredible accessory for any occasion.

Teaming it up with tops or as a whole works well. The crochet shawl channelises very well a wrap around on a windy night,” adds Babita. “As it has a very prairie style appeal which works for great summer dressing or rather day look styles.

Crochet vests,shrugs works fabulously with blocked tanks inside. Crochet jewellery is hitting big this season in form of multicolour tribal patterned bracelets,” points Aniket.

Priyadarshini chooses to differ here as she mentions, “I don’t think it matters whether its daywear or nightwear, nor related to the age of the wearer. What’s important is the pattern and styling of the garment or the crochet.”

Day or night Wear?

Babita answers, “Crochet is great as a day wear but similarly interesting in the night, depending on the treatment and the dyeing technique given to it. Crochet works best for the day as it has a great layering value.

Aniket adds, “The intricate patterns form a nice peek-a-boo effect for day dressing layering.” Priyadarshini says, “When used on clothing it needs to be dyed to match perfectly with the garment. I’m not a huge proponent of contrast crochet.”

Designs on you

For Aniket, crochet means, “I experiment with stoles made out of waste strips of fine Georgette and it creates an interesting texture textile.”

Age bar

Is crochet for a particular age group? As Priyadarshini puts it, “Used judiciously it can work, else it can look like your aunts frumpy frock.” But Babita differs and states, “Generally crochet is for the age group between 16-60 years of age. Crochet is classic and ageless.”

Trinket Magic

Poorti Patwardhan who outlets her mother’s fabulous collection of crochet trinkets can’t stop gushing about the delicate filigree. What started as a simple experiment at home, today, takes up half of her time.

“My mother Swati loves knitting and she has been doing it for years now. Crochet jewellery was her idea and her creation. I just gave it a boost by turning it into a venture.

She started making earrings, key-chains, charms and all. I started gifting those to my cousins and friends. Over a period of time I realised that this is something no one else does and it could be a hit. This is how “the yellow hook” was born,” says Poorti.

In other words, go exclusive!

Photographs: Nikhil Ghorpade, Styling & Accessories By Poorti Patwardhan (the yellow hook), Model: Harsha Shroff