Ilyang Ilyang IS HERE TO PROVE That Crochet Isn’t Just for Grannies Anymore
You may have noticed crocheted cardigans, hats, tops, etc. trending all over social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram recently. For generations, the craft has become more than just a lola’s hobby or a past time. With the pandemic urging everyone to stay at home, it was natural for many people to look back to their old hobbies, pushed back to their creative works, and some may have even decided to venture out into different businesses while doing what they love and enjoy.
Early 2020, Daphne (the one-woman team at Ilyang Ilyang), took back her love for crocheting and created @ilyang.ilyang in late 2020. In the process of figuring out a name for the account, Daphne shared that it was pretty taxing trying to find something elaborate to associate the brand with. But after a while, as far as aesthetics go, Ilyang Ilyang was decided to be named after her late great grandmother who was known to be a “badass crochet queen”. The account started as an avenue for Daphne to share her experiments and connect with the crochet community on Instagram while hoping to produce and find profitability from her works at the same time. Starting with what interested her the most, she went ahead with making hats and bikini tops. While she spent weeks working on her one pattern for the hats, Daphne chose to explore and experiment more on genderless designs so she could cater to a bigger audience while also making stuff for her own pleasure. “I’ve always loved fashion and crafting, though I never thought that crochet would be the medium that merges the two for me.”
When asked, “What is your favorite crochet piece you've made so far?”, Daphne mentioned how difficult this was to answer since she all loves them for different reasons. But she considers the Midi Dress as her recent favorite piece. A stretchy crochet midi dress that adjusts itself to hug sizes from small to large. She thinks that covering at least three sizes in one piece is definitely a great step towards inclusivity.
In the long run, the brand aspires to see more crochet pieces in the streetwear scene, may it be through subtle accessories or big pieces. Crocheting is certainly no longer just for grannies, festivals, or boho-themed parties — as much as possible, Ilyang Ilyang tries to produce designs that are inclusive and genderless and at the same time, a sustainable form of art and fashion.
“Crochet has been here for centuries and the pandemic birthed thousands of crochet artists.” The brand believes they aren’t much different from the others because what hasn’t been done? Instead, Ilyang Ilyang firmly continues in trying to make whatever they like for their own pleasure since that’s how they started. Keeping on the production of pieces that provide inspiration and joy; pieces that individuals simply want to see exist. Through this, the brand found its crowd of crochet fandom, who they happily enjoy exchanging ideas and stories with.
There’s no clear destination as to where Ilyang Ilyang is headed yet. But the brand for sure will continue to explore and experiment more on crochet techniques and designs while keeping it light and fun for everyone. “Just know that the “ridiculously unconventional shit” is here to stay,” Daphne adds.
Crochet requires a lot of patience. To say that I adore crochet is an understatement. Craft and art intersecting are what makes this whole thing amazing. Therefore to turn a piece of yarn into something you can wear (sustainably), requires a great amount of talent and skill, that’s why I give out so much respect to all the designers out there.
The ability to create anything you want from a piece of yarn and to explore and experiment whenever is what makes crocheting different. Crochet is one of the crafting activities that cater a channel for people to create and express themselves freely.
The course itself comforts one’s mind off the reality of our everyday life, especially during these hard times.
Shop for more crochet pieces on Ilyang Ilyang’s Instagram page: @ilyang.ilyang.