Binge-Worthy, SS25 is all about Crocheted Pastels
Knitting has had a resurgence; from yarn bombing, knitted graffiti where knotted and crocheted pieces are incorporated into public space to knitting at meetings or while on public transport, or the pink pussy hat which was launched at the 2017 Women’s March. Knitting has also become a feminist symbol. For design duo Barbara Bremer and Carolina Herrera, knitting and crafting have been part of their world since childhood. Alongside a dedication to sustainability, they co-founded the made-to-order brand Binge Knitting, where they have shifted from knitting their lines, usually made from upcycled or recycled materials, to collaborating with female artisans in and around Mexico City to produce their stylish sculptural wears.
In what ways does your newest Spring/Summer Collection comprise knitting? The bags are gorgeous.
Barbara: Our new SS collection is all using crochet techniques, made with recycled cotton and scrumptious pastel colors.
Who designed them?
Barbara: Carolina is the lead designer behind all our collections. I am involved in the process by helping in the prototyping and technical development of the pieces.
Why knits?
Carolina: Since I was a young girl I loved crafting with my hands, and once I was studying fashion design, I became fascinated with experimenting with textiles that were handcrafted, rather than fabrics you could buy at a store. Binge is a reflection of a deep craving to create with our hands, and the need for self expression through intentional design and craftsmanship. Knitting means setting a time for myself to experiment without boundaries, allowing myself to get into a flow state and slow down the clock (and mind). It is such a therapeutic process that I recur to not only when designing, but as a daily practice.
Barbara: Knitting is about empowerment, especially in public or activist contexts like yarn bombing it is a way of claiming space, making a statement, and raising a voice. When you put your craft out into the world and see it resonate or create impact, it’s deeply empowering.
The bags are so beautiful, both sculptural and architectural—what forms and design inspired them?
Carolina: Both art and architecture have always played an important role in our design inspiration. We love the concept of incorporating structural forms into our silhouettes because it’s something unexpected when you first think of knits. In every mood board we prepare for a collection, you’ll find a variety of interiorism, architectural, and sculptural elements. We then reference these shapes when defining the final silhouette of a new design. In order to sustain their original and structural shape, the materials we choose play a crucial role; we go for ones that have a certain structure to them, enabling our designs to maintain their original silhouette, even after years of use.
How do you work with and determine colors for your designs?
Carolina: This is one of my favorite stages of the design process, colors give our designs life. I start by researching the season’s color forecasts, and curate it to the concept for each collection and our design aesthetic. It is also a very intuitive selection; even though I keep in mind the key colors for each season, I always go for hues that speak to me and resonate with our vision for each collection.
You met in New York while studying at Parsons. How did you come to collaborate and what is your working style?
Barbara: When we were students at Parsons—Carolina studying Fashion Design and myself in Design & Management—we were fortunate to be part of a growing conversation around slow fashion and ethical production. I remember it as an exciting time, with a real shift in how consumers engaged with sustainability, and a rising sense of responsibility among young designers. Alongside that, we shared a strong urge to build something of our own with meaning.
Carolina: These shared values allowed us to create a brand with a strong core that continues to this day and allows us to keep evolving as a brand, designers, and people. Our working style is a free and explorative space where we both can thrive in our distinctive areas, allowing both of our perspectives to be seen, shared, and celebrated.
Thinking about sustainability, what is something you wish everyone would do?
Carolina: To be more curious and conscious of what they consume.
What does it mean to be a smaller design brand trying to make it in the New York market? And, what is the difference from the Mexican market?
Carolina: It could initially be seen as challenging and intimidating, but honestly we have such faith in what we create and what stands us out that we see it as an opportunity to highlight and celebrate our differences from bigger brands. As for the Mexican market, you´d be surprised, but at times it has been harder to tap into because people tend to lean towards designer brands and are less likely to be open to emerging designers. Fortunately, we see more and more aperture beginning to take place in Mexico.
Is fashion art? Why, why not?
Barbara: Absolutely, I think what we choose to wear is a powerful form of self-expression. As designers, we create from inspiration, emotion, and imagination, turning ideas into tangible pieces. That process for me is artistic. Just like painting or sculpture, fashion is about crafting meaning, identity and beauty through form, color, and texture.
Shop Binge Knitting’s Spring Summer Collection on their website.
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