Craftsmanship, the Mecca of Fashion

Madrid, Aug 13 (EFE).- From international catwalks to local markets, craftsmanship has become a symbol of authenticity, sustainability and creativity, in garments that opt ​​for a return to handmade products using traditional techniques that adapt to contemporary trends.

With the help of the slow fashion movement, which is committed to exalting garments designed to last in the closet and made with quality materials in sustainable manufacturing processes, craftsmanship is gaining momentum as a way of revaluing ancestral techniques with a trendy finish.

Crochet, a reinvented classic

One of the most prominent artisan techniques of this season is crochet, in garments worn by everyone from Kendall Jenner to Rihanna and Dua Lipa and which brands such as Victoria Beckham use in their latest collections.

This technique, which involves crocheting with a hook, has been rediscovered by renowned designers who are incorporating it into their summer collections. Brands such as Zimmermann, Ulla Johnson and Jacquemus present crochet garments ranging from dresses and tops to swimwear and accessories.

Characterized by its versatility and by allowing the creation of unique pieces with intricate textures and patterns, artisans from around the world use cotton, linen and other natural fiber threads to create these garments, promoting sustainability.

In countries such as Spain, Mexico and Brazil, where the crochet tradition is deeply rooted, small artisan workshops have re-emerged due to the demand for their products.

Macramé, the elegance of the knot

Another technique that is attracting attention in fashion is macramé, made with knots, which is used to create a variety of garments and accessories.
Designers such as Stella McCartney and Dior have incorporated macramé into their collections to add a bohemian and sophisticated touch to any look, while brands such as Paloma Wool incorporate it into large-capacity bags.

Macramé is made by hand, knotting threads of different materials such as cotton, jute or hemp, to form decorative and functional patterns. This technique, which requires great manual dexterity, has become a symbol of slow fashion, contrary to the mass and rapid production of traditional industry.

In destinations such as Ibiza (Spain), Tulum (Mexico) and Bali (Indonesia), macramé is an integral part of the local lifestyle and fashion, with artisans spending hours creating detailed, custom pieces.

Traditional embroidery

Embroidery has also positioned itself as a key artisanal technique in collections, especially in the summer. Brands such as Valentino, Gucci and Chloé have highlighted the value of traditional embroidery in their designs, incorporating floral, geometric and cultural motifs in their garments.

In regions such as Andalusia (Spain), Chiapas (Mexico) and Gujarat (India), embroidery is an ancient practice, passed down from generation to generation. Hand-embroidered garments are not only a testament to the skill and creativity of artisans, but also a manifestation of local cultural identity and heritage.

Palomo Spain and Juan Carlos Pajares are some of the Spanish designers who use this technique, which is carried out by their local teams of embroiderers, applying techniques that are learned from generation to generation of embroiderers, thus maintaining this cultural heritage.

The return of natural dyes

The trend towards natural and sustainable products is also reflected in the use of natural dyes. Techniques such as Japanese shibori or Indonesian ikat, which use dyes extracted from plants and minerals, are adopted by designers looking for ecological alternatives to industrial dyeing processes.

Brands such as Eileen Fisher and Patagonia have led the way in this trend, creating garments dyed using natural methods that do not harm the environment through this process, in which pigments from insects, leaves, bark and roots are used to obtain a range of colours that goes from indigo to vibrant yellows or reds.

Maria Munoz Rivera