Hole Lotta Love

Runway image courtesy Jonathan Simkhai

LOEWE hammock bag $2,990 from BROWNS FASHION

The most precious pieces of clothing I own are those handed down to me. This is especially true when it comes to a certain white crochet top, covered in tiny purple beads to form small flowers, which my mum made when I was young. I distinctly remember her crocheting it during the long summer evenings in London. A few years ago, she casually asked if I would like to have it. I was thrilled. It fits perfectly and feels just right for Hawai‘i.

That’s not the only reason I’m excited about crochet getting a cool update and making a statement for Spring/Summer 2020. At a time when there’s so much chatter about fast fashion, and how the industry can become more sustainable, it’s refreshing to see this slow, handmade technique appear on the runway. Crochet has a similar feel to a knit, but the former’s holey temperament is perfect for warm weather, so it’s much easier for us in Hawai‘i to embrace. Several designers took this often granny-looking craft and created some seriously gorgeous clothes.

Best of all were the delightful new crochet dresses. Johnathan Simkhai’s mint midi (pictured on the right) was unexpectedly sexy and instantly made the top of my wish list.

Cinq á Sept, Ulla Johnson and Kate Spade all wove delightful styles, too.

Even those who didn’t go for a full head-to-toe look, like the indie label Eckhaus Latta, showed off crochet separates or added pieces of crochet to their styles. (If you like this look, but aren’t sure how it would work on you, try out some humongous crochet earrings, like those seen at Stella McCartney.)

Many of these looks came with a hint of the 1970s, a decade that seems to provide designers with unlimited inspiration and continues to be an ongoing theme though many of the season’s trends. Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen handmade fabrications trending; those who follow fashion closely will remember recent one-season wonders like patchwork and tie-dye. But I’m thinking this yarn will continue to run. So if you’re thinking about rejuvenating your summer wardrobe, this is the way forward: Buy, borrow, or get your craft on and make.

In case you’re wondering: Yes, I do regularly wear my mum’s top. I’m now wondering if I should perhaps pack it up and preserve it as a special family heirloom. Or maybe not! Repeating and revamping with a handmade item will help keep my closet sustainable. It could do the same for yours.

Kim Smith has been a professional wardrobe stylist in Honolulu since 2004. Born a true Londoner, Smith had a successful career in public relations in the fashion industry in London for more than eight years before moving to Hawai‘i in 2002. Smith’s work spans a vast array of magazines, retailers and television as well as working with individual clients on their specific style needs. See her work at kimsmithstyle.com.