Macrame fashion is ethical, sustainable, and trendy as hell! See some of our best picks, below
By Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi
Most of us have already embraced macrame fashion without even knowing it. Yep, that’s right: those sweet little friendship bracelets we wore as kids were made from the stuff!
It was big in the 70’s, too, when you could see Woodstock rock stars sporting the trend. Think: Janis Joplin and her macrame vests, for example.
But macrame fashion actually has a much longer history than the hippy 70s. It is thought to have originated way back in ancient times, when the Babylonians and Assyrians were around.
And guess what? The first serious macramers were….men! Yep, really.
The Surprising History Of Macrame
Specifically, sailors, who had already mastered making nautical knots aboard their vessels and would channel their expertise into other items during their long excursions. Not only would they knot rope to make ladders or pulls, but they would create decorative pieces and sell them in harbors wherever they landed, spreading the art of macrame from the Orient to the Occident.
And the earliest maritime explorers who handled this art were the Arabs. The Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula — which occurred in 711 to 788 — had the Umayyad people invade Spain by land and water. Aboard the vessels that traversed the Ebro river, we can trace the earliest examples of macrame made by sailors.
The Moors introduced their Arabic knot-tying technique to Spain, which was widely used until the 15th century, and spread also to France and Italy. This technique also arrived in the United Kingdom, around the late 17th century. It conquered royalty to the point that Queen Mary II taught her ladies-in-waiting how to macrame. Two centuries later, this craft was so popular during the Victorian Era that it could be found on everything from curtains, table linens and bedspreads.
More Modern Macrame
Of course, as mentioned, the modern craze for macrame exploded during the groovy Seventies. Voluminous and flowy shapes would fluctuate on bodies providing that boho and hippie look, typical of the era. This fun and stylish technique conquered couture as much as furniture design. For example? The biggest home decorating fad of this decade was the macramé owl. The owl was a tribute to nature and an homage to the Woodsy Owl mascot of the U.S. Forest Service, raising ecological awareness and encouraging the masses to fight pollution.
Perhaps one reason macrame is coming back now is for its eco friendly traits. It’s usually made from hemp, jute or cotton. Furthermore, this ancient technique empowers artisans, because true macrame is not done with machines, but by hand.
Ready to check out the hottest trend for summer and beyond? Just look below for macrame fashion we love, from belts to bras.
Image below: FreePeople
We’re Loving This Macrame Fashion!
1. Classic Bags
Women’s bags are basically an extension of their persona, since they carry inside a woman’s entire world. Rabane has created a beautiful handbag that’s spacious inside and looks magnificent on the outside, thanks to the brass embellishments. This is bound to be a hit for the summer look!
Sustainability: Made from natural woven raffia intertwined with the label’s signature chainmail hardware, this ethically made bag is eternally chic.
Price: Around $900
Ideal Macrame Fashion For: Every summer from now on.
2. Fringe Dresses
Worried macrame fashion will be itchy? Nope! This stunning fringe dress has beautiful macrame detailing made from soft, natural cotton so it will sculpt to your curves. Perfect for all your summer events, this can be dressed up with some heels, throw on some chic sandals for a beach getaway, or pair with chunky boots for a festival!
Sustainability: Made from 100% cotton, this dress will be every bit as comfortable as it looks stylish
Price: $39
Ideal Macrame Fashion For: Date nights.
3. Sweet Tops
How gorgeous is this macrame vest? Intricate crochet makes this extra-cropped tank absolutely spell-binding. Made from all natural fibres, this has a homemade, hippy look that’s perfect for casual summer vibes.
Sustainability: Made from 84% cotton and 16% linen.
Price: Around $50
Ideal Macrame Fashion For: Summer in the city.
4. The Hippy Top
Dress to impress this summer with this chic 70s inspired halter top! Crafted with an open-structure macrame finish, the vest clings to the body and then the fringes below swish. This is a versatile top you can wear in so many different ways. It looks fab paired with some jeans and a blazer for a stylish work look. It’s a total vibe!
Sustainability: Made from 100% cotton. & Other Stories also offers full transparency regarding where the cotton was sourced, the factory it was sourced from and how many workers are there.
Price: Around $110
Ideal Macrame Fashion For: Festivals.
5. Statement Belts
Olistic is a brand that oozes the effortless appeal of bohemian fashion. And this gorgeous macrame belt is the perfect, eternally on trend accessory. Woven with organic cotton threads and a raffia buckle, you can tie this round the waist of your favourite jeans, some linen trousers or even a sexy silk number.
Sustainability: Made from 100% organic cotton
Price: Around $300. Too pricey? Make your own!
Ideal Macrame Fashion For: Wearing all year round.
6. Summer Sliders
Whether you’re lazing round the pool or hopping on a yacht, these summer sliders will be the perfect shoe for all your summer outfits. The chunky rope design looks lovely over the feet while the lined footbed makes them comfortable to wear. They’re available in four different colours so there’s a pair for all your outfits.
Sustainability: Made from cotton and rubber.
Price: $80
Ideal Macrame Fashion For: The beach!
7. The Midi Dress
Featuring a complex pattern, this midi dress has been lovingly handcrafted with a beautiful macrame fringe at its base. That means a swishy entrance! It looks especially fabulous when paired with gold accessories.
Sustainability: This gorgeous, 80’s vintage inspired dress is made from pure silk.
Price: Around $700
Ideal Macrame Fashion For: Big nights out.
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