For 22-year-old founder of Jcro, Jean Cameron, building a brand of colourful crochet pieces all started when her younger sister taught her the basics. “She really inspired me to get started! I’m interested in fashion and thought it would be interesting to explore my potential with this technique!”, she says speaking to FEMME MAG, “I practised making tops and a couple of friends were willing to pay for it. I got really excited and decided to start my own brand: Jcro”.
Since its launch in 2020, all pieces are carefully handmade by Jean herself who is currently studying textiles. “ Hand-making something wearable is such a sweet gesture and crocheting is a sustainable method of creating for fashion. It’s been a great journey discovering new techniques for designing clothing using crochet that I hadn’t realised was possible before”. We caught up with the designer for a 120-second conversation about sustainability, what inspires Gen Z and Millenial women’s style choices and her design process.
On Her Design Process
It really depends on what I am making tbh! If it’s something simple, like a top, for example, that can take up to 3-5 days. Something a bit more complex, like a dress, can take up to a week or so.
For custom pieces, I start off by finding out the customer’s measurements, colour(s) and style they want. I buy the amount of yarn needed and get to work with my crochet needle :). I have a cuteee little bag that has my crochet needle and everything I need to create my pieces.
For certain styles that I want to try out, I make sure I give myself a longer period to draw up a design and find tutorials to help with techniques. Depending on how busy I am, I make those within a month then.
On What Fuels Her Creativity
I’m a beach babe, so I love summer and hot weather. I really love breathable, lightweight pieces that are versatile and can be layered. The crochet brand Akoia Swim is a big inspiration for me because they emulate those “beachy” vibes I love.
I’m someone who also craves comfort when I look for clothing, so with the pieces I make, I like to create something comfortable. My designs right now are simple and can be layered. I make sure I pay attention to the details of each piece though! Whether it’s the colour combo or the lining, I want it to have an added touch.
On What’s Influencing Gen Z and Millenial Shoppers
I think Gen Z and younger millennials right now are looking for unique trends and brands that carry an element of nostalgia. I feel like there’s this surge of individual style and many different categories and subcategories within fashion, where there’s something for everyone.
On How Studying Textiles Influences Her Work
I think it’s really helped me to think carefully about sustainability when it comes to producing my pieces and be more conscious of the materials I use. In school, we study different fabrics and materials and how we can create something innovative, so the knowledge I am gaining is definitely pouring back into my brand.
On What’s Next For JCro
I’m looking into developing a collection made with cotton or bamboo yarn! Further down the line, I see JCro working with interiors, creating understated, Afrocentric and timeless pieces. It’s all very exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing how far I can grow this brand!
