Trendlet Alert: Macrame

By Jen Smith
February 22, 2011

macrame

Spring 2011 fashion runways: Salvatore Ferragamo (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Gucci (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Catherine Malandrino (Photo by Randy Brooke/Contributor)

The art of macramé, an age-old form of textile making using knotting (instead of weaving or knitting), is believed to have been introduced around the world by sailors who made macramé designs during their down time while at sea and then sold or bartered them when they came ashore. After the Victorian Era, when macramé was wildly en vogue, it largely disappeared from fashion trend popularity, save for the 1970s, when it took on a post-hippie hip factor in interior design and jewelry like macramé bracelets. In Spring 2011, as seventies fashion trends experience a major resurgence, macrame is coming along with it—in both fashion (it was seen on the Spring runways at Gucci, Pucci, Malandrino, Roberto Cavalli, Christian Dior, and Ferragamo) and at home. The focus this century is less kitsch, more subtle and sophisticated... Although who can resist the charming macramé owls and macramé plant hangers left over from the Age of Aquarius?

Macramé is in abundance on eBay, where online auction listings are up 22 percent and online sales are up a whopping 90 percent in a recent 30-day period compared to a 30-day period approximately one year prior. Jute, hemp, wood and ceramic beads, how to macramé instruction books, macramé bags, belts, jewelry, shoes, plant hangers, owls, walls, pet supplies—all can be unearthed in eBay’s pages, from both macramé crafters and vintage sellers. You can make something yourself using the supplies for sale, or buy a lovingly created piece. Whether folksy and charming, nautical or intricate and luxurious, macramé patterns once again speak to a searching generation.

Here, the results of our browse-athon.

Macrame Chair

Vintage Macrame Folding Lawn Chair

(starting bid, $29.99)

A crazy crafter patio chair is almost too pretty to sit on.

Macrame Hammock

Nicaraguan Cotton Hammock

(buy it now price, $95)

The frills on this hammock give it a festive vibe.

Macrame Dog Leash

Hempmania Eco Hemp Dog Leash

(buy it now price, $17)

Fido can sport sea dog style if you knot him a matching collar.

Macrame Plant Hanger

Hand Made Macrame Plant Holder

(buy it now price, $130)

We can’t help but wonder how many man hours went in to meticulously weaving this wall- and- plant –holder- in -one.

Macrame Lamp

Vintage Macrame Hanging Lamp

(buy it now price, $59.99)

Go au naturel with rustic Mediterranean lighting.

Macrame Sweater

Yohji Yamamoto 1980s Black Macrame Cotton Knit Sweater

(starting bid price, $599.99)

Layer this sexy pullover over a crochet bikini or wear with worn-in cut-offs.

Macrame Owl

Vintage Macrame Hanging Owl

(buy it now price, $23)

eBay has a menagerie of macrame creatures ,but this owl would add a touch of California mid-century vibe to clean white walls.

Macrame Necklace

Sodalite Gemstone Macrame Pendant

(buy it now price, $3.99)

A waxed leather pendant that captures the feel of surf washing through a fisherman’s net.

Macrame Photo

1970 Movie Still Photo

(buy it now price, $12.95)

This movie promotional photo still was the kind included in press packages sent to newspapers, magazines and movie stills back on the '70s.

Macrame Shawl

Handmade Ivory Silk Macrame Shawl

(buy it now price, $85)

Cover your shoulders with a sweet Stevie Nicks-style witchy woman shawl.

Macrame Marni

Marni Crafted Piece Beige Macrame Necklace

(buy it now price, $249)

Hippie Bag

Vintage '60s Hippie Oversized Macrame Tote

(buy it now price, $39.99)

Take a closer look at this oversized macramé bag. It’s amazing and you can fit a whole weekend into it.

Macrame Dress

Diane von Furstenberg Macrame Liza Dress

(buy it now price, $125.99)

You will often find crochet (loops) mixed with macramé (knots). This dress says sweet and sexy without going overboard.

Macrame Art

Poster Young Models Wearing Macrame Clothing

(buy it now price, $4.99)

This poster exemplifies 1970's macrame chic.

Macrame Plant Holder

Hand Made Macrame Plant Holder

(buy it now price, $130)

We can’t help but wonder how many man hours went in to meticulously weaving this wall- and- plant –holder- in -one.

Macrame Book

1926 Macrame Book, Beginner Basics

(buy it now price, $14.92)

eBay has tons of pattern books, some dating as far back as the Civil War and Victorian eras.