Q + A with Dominique Calvillo

Get to know her below:

LM:  How did you get introduced to crochet?

DC: “I discovered crochet because of my paternal grandmother. She was a Mexican-Catholic woman, who had 12 kids and still found time to be creative. Though she had 30 grandkids vying for her attention, she often took me to her church crochet club famously named “The Happy Hookers.” I started to really get into crochet design when she passed. Part of me thinks she transferred some of her creative energy to me. Either way, I am very grateful to have had her as my inspiration.”

LM:  Crochet has been trending lately and yet remains a timeless classic… how would you describe your crochet style?

DC: “Because I didn’t have much training to learn how to properly crochet or read crochet patterns, I developed a very free-style technique. I love taking traditional lace patterns and flipping them into something modern to give them a new life. It’s the combination of the ancient lace and modern shape that make my pieces so unique.”

LM:  Have you always lived in LA?  How does LA influence your designs?

DC: “I briefly lived in Nashville, TN for a year and a half. Other than that, I have been an LA girl through and through. Multiple generations of my family on both sides have been Angelenos, and I think the spirit of this town greatly influences my design. From the California native wild flowers, to the coast, and even the concrete jungle of downtown, all of it lives in my design and brand.”

LM:  How does one take care of and clean a crochet piece?

DC: “I love how easy crochet is. I almost feel guilty when I do a runway show because I don’t have to fuss with steaming or sewing the way other designers do. I can just throw everything in a suitcase and not worry about wrinkles or that the garment will lose its shape. To clean them, I soak them in hot water and Woolite. It’s amazing how much I can put a piece through for a photo shoot and then it comes out good as new after a good soak.”

LM:  Did anyone teach you how to design and create pieces?

DC: “My journey to designing was a lonely one. I started to design while struggling with anxiety after working with survivors of human trafficking in Southeast Asia. Crochet has relaxed me and gave me a way to meditate. I started to design clothes mostly because I needed something complicated to focus my mind on. I didn’t think I would necessarily make anything wearable, and I certainly never thought it would lead me to having an entire fashion brand. But, here we are...”

LM:  What inspires you when you are creating a new piece?

DC: “I draw much of my inspiration from sacred geometry patterns, architecture, nature, and of course, the female body. My Ode to Frida dress is a perfect example of a time I immersed myself into an aesthetic in order to convey the right vibe. I watched documentaries on Frida Kahlo on repeat and obsessed over Mexican aesthetic from tiles to traditional embroidery patterns.”

LM:  Do you have any favorite hidden gems in LA to add to my comprehensive LA guide?

DC: “My favorite place in LA is this place called the Hippie Kitchen on Skid Row. It’s a beautiful hidden garden, where the homeless can play games and eat a hot meal. There are beautiful tile mosaics everywhere, and it is very close to the chili market my grandfather owned. I guess it’s kind of a metaphor for me that no matter what the circumstances are, beauty can always be found and cultivated.”

LM:  Aside from your own creations, what are your go to wardrobe staples?

DC: “I’m a lover of long dresses, kimonos and vintage jewelry. I guess I would call my style boho-chic.”

LM: Finish this sentence:  I like to wear a crochet top with .…

DC:  “Long skirts, jeans or shorts— really anything.”