We know that there is a connection between the catwalk and interior design, and that what happens on the catwalk affects interior decor. But add to that relationship a downturned economy and you have an interesting mix and as result, newfound respect for handmade.
There seems to be a greater appreciation for crafts these days, people value the devotion, love and effort that goes into creating something from scratch. Just think of the huge success programmes like Master Chef enjoyed here in South Africa.
The economy has forced us to re-think our spending, we had to adapt our buying habits and inadvertently it affected how we take care of those purchases. We put some thought into buying a gift and would rather buy something that says “I thought of you” than “Kapow! Look at me, bling, flash, flash”. You now buy something of exclusive value rater than status symbols.
Buying a handmade product from an artist or crafter rather than from a chain store also takes on a whole new meaning. The chain store product most likely started off on a different continent, made probably under undesirable conditions by someone you will never meet. Whilst buying from a local artisan, there is a direct link between you and the maker. You also buy something unique and individual, rather than a production line item.
And then, if you give something to someone you made yourself you take it to a whole new level. Receiving a handmade gift must be one of the “coziest” feelings, knowing that you where special enough, worthy of the effort.
Just by making something for a special person we build that relationship, as you work on the project, you start a relationship with that product and as you build the relationship with what you are creating, you build the relationship with the recipient.
The Craft Gap
We currently live in a society that did not have crafting as an integral part of their lives, call it the craft gap if you like. This generation did not have the benefit of home economics at school and were exposed to cooler things, such as TV, Computers and interactive games. Crafting was just no cool enough. But lately we have heard of many craft groups or clubs springing up everywhere. These groups replaced book-clubs, where gals (and guys) get together and share their crafts, skills and knowledge. Several shops specialising in handmade goods also present craft classes, ranging from crochet to paper-coiling. When we asked these girls why they want to learn these skills now, the answer is alway the same; “My gran (mother, aunty, friend of a friend) wanted to teach me this craft and I just was not into it, it wasn’t cool enough. Now I feel like something is amiss and I have a need to create something”.
Craft is back, albeit with a modern spin, the “Craft-Gappers” are not only mastering the old crafts but they are putting a modern and creative new spin on it. And as the catwalk and decor symbiosis grow so does the craft and catwalk relationship. This past year we saw princesses getting married in crochet dresses and models parading in granny square frocks and oversized knitted scarfs.
The hunger for handmade was also evident the past year in several handmade markets popping up at churches, schools and exclusive neighbourhoods.
As handmade is growing in popularity so does the gap in our wallets and crafting grow smaller. South Africa has a diverse and extensive arts and crafts heritage and this industry has the potential to generate significant economic and social benefits for our country.
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