There were embellishments galore on the catwalk for autumn/winter 2017- many of them appearing at Gucci, which embraced the sentiment of more is more with some abandon.
Tassels, fringing, pompoms, lace and feathers were all left hanging at hems and cuffs- see more at my article Spotlight: Dangly Bits (here).
The fabric of garments was also given a little something extra through the use of a wide range of crafts – embroidery, appliqué, bows and ribbons, sequins, jewels, bobbles and beading- which were used to create quite diverse effects.
Pretty Vintage: Embroidered and appliqued birds and flowers gave a 1940s/50s feel to garments at Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, MaxMara and Markus Lupfer, while Boutique Moschino featured mini bows and Givenchy used classic pearls as a subtle inset at the neckline.
Clockwise, from top left: Givenchy Pearl Embellished Sweater (here), MaxMara Wool and Alpaca Cardigan (here), Dolce & Gabbana Embroidered Wool Jumper (here), Miu Miu Pointelle Trimmed Cashmere Sweater (here), Markus Lupfer Embellished Bird Sweater (here)., Boutique Moschino Bow Detail Cardigan (here).
Traditional stitching: There was a nod to the history of needlework at Alexander McQueen in their sampler style embroidery, while Andrew Gn was inspired by central American traditional patterning in his monochrome, geometric embroidery. Sonia Rykiel also used simple stitching in contrast colours as a decorative highlight on garments that celebrated the history of Aran knitwear.
From left: Alexander McQueen Samplers Embroidered Cardigan (here), Sonia Rykiel Embroidered Aran Knit Sleeves (here), Andrew Gn Flared Sleeve Embroidered Sweater (here).
A little bit quirky: Embellishments also added a less traditional, playful edge: cute embroidered monsters and slogans adorned sweaters at Mira Mikati, graphic sticker appliques featured at Louis Vuitton, and hearts and stars were rendered in rainbow thread at Valentino. Chloe and Alice + Olivia showcased a multitude of multi-coloured bobbles and mini-pompoms, while Etro and Escada featured sprawling tiger and peacock designs.
Clockwise from top left: Mira Mikati Embroidered Monster Aran Sweater (here), Etro Embroidered Tiger Motif (here), Valentino Embroidered Frill Knit Sweater (here), Chloe Bobble Sweater (here), Louis Vuitton Sweater with Embroidered Stickers (here).
Gucci: Gucci fully embraced the art of embellishment. From relatively demure sequinned collars and ribbon neckties, to the fairly muted tones of detailed nature studies in embroidered appliqué, to the zany psychedelia of giant embroidered motifs of rabbits, tigers and cats, offset against multi-coloured stripes.
Clockwise, from top left: All at Gucci (here)– Embroidered Wool Hooded Sweatshirt (here), Embroidered Multicolor Knitted Top (here), Embroidered Wool Knitted Top (here), Cashmere Silk Knitted Top with Detachable Collar (here).
Knit-inspiration: Embellishments can easily be added to an old sweater or a newly completed cardigan to change the look or complement the existing garment. There are numerous tutorials available free online and Craftsy has some great classes – see here.
TEXTURED EMBELLISHMENT: Studio Pullover by Cirilia Rose (here)– This worsted weight jumper is emblazoned with a geometric heart made using colourfully dyed curly locks applied using a fibre-hooking technique. Intended as an homage to the designer’s love of wool, the heart brings a wow factor to an otherwise simple sweater.
APPLIQUÉD EMBROIDERY: Windsor Tank by Maureen Clark (here)– A simple, sleeveless pullover is a straightforward knit- (made in pieces and then seamed together)- but is given a pretty, vintage edge with the appliquéd embroidered flowers at the neckline.
APPLIQUÉD LACE: Lamella by Wondrlanding (here) – Striking appliqued lace runs down the back of this simple, raglan 4-ply/fingering weight sweater. The pattern includes options for both a pullover and dress, as well as two back variants.
RIBBONS: #06 Turtleneck by Elena Malo (here) – This chunky/bulky weight, ribbed sweater features a bold intarsia heart motif at its centre, outlined by woven ribbon that also borders the bottom of the body and sleeves.
EMBROIDERY: Henrietta Maria Cardigan by Elizabeth Wolden (here) – Contrast coloured embroidery adds a pretty, playful edge to this vintage-style, worsted weight, cropped cardigan with an all-over brocade texture.
BEADING: Frost at Midnight by Kate Davies (here) – Shimmering, beaded trees surround the yoke on this lace weight sweater, forming a necklace like decoration of over a thousand glass beads. Knitted from bottom up, the sweater also includes short rows to shape the neckline in a scoop that frames the face and neck.
Over to you: what do you think of these embellishments? Do you relish the sparkly, shiny extras or does it all seem a bit too fussy? Do you have any suggestions for embellished garments to knit?
knitting through the back loop 
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