Hanifia, 27, and Trisnaharti’s, 32, work at Égon can be distinguished by their uniquely colourful crochet compositions. Created in collaboration with Yogyakarta-based jewelry brand UglyBijoux, the pair’s latest collection is made up of fully-lined, hand-crocheted shells adorned by pearly chains and twinkling pendants for a playful yet poised look. Uncanny bubbly bags come equipped with seashells and agate or rosequartz stone bead ornamentations that can be adapted to become bracelets and necklaces, giving the wearer full creative flexibility. Dubbed ‘Two Times A Charm'’ it's a versatile selection of accessories presented in a perfectly peculiar campaign cast against bright blue skies and a vibrant emerald hillside.

The two “antic-chic” designer’s spoke to Coeval for a conversation touching on their experience working together, launching Égon and the current popularity of crochet collections, together with what’s to come in the future for the Indonesia-based brand.

Hi Hanifia and Trisnaharti! Could you please give us a brief description of Égon and what inspired the brand?

It was started as a project to stimulate our imagination. Where Trish would be able to pursue her secret desire as a director, while Fia could cultivate her passion in making handmade products. In our day job everything is dictated, so Égon was our escapism.

How did you two become friends –Abby and Fia –and how did you get into crochet and eventually decide to launch Égon together?

We met back then in 2017 when Fiaentered the same retail company as Trish, both as product designers for children. Fia got into crochet because of her grandma -and she always liked the idea of making textile from scratch. Trish saw this and was the one with the idea of selling the final pieces under a brand.

How was your experience collaborating with UglyBijoux for the latest collection?

It’s a lot more fun when you can do work with friends! We did all our meetings by zoom -and it was easy because we love the finesse of UglyBijoux’s Arya and Kome.

What are some standout pieces from the ‘Two Times a Charm’ collection?

The Minerva Bag! It’s sold out in less than a week. The bag is Egon’s new comer called Panier, adorned with a three-way necklace / bag charm. We love the combination of blood red and steel blue nylon yarn, meeting withpearls and metals.

How do you usually find inspiration for your designs? Can you describe your creative process?

It varies -but most of the time, we started it by researching through books, movies or gathering random images, even objects we saw in our dreams. Then it’s sampling time and after it's done, the product goes through a trial time.

Why do you think crochet is so popular right now? And on top of this, how has this growth in demand affected your business?

It is a rather easy and therapeutic activity to do! It helps you to breathe and slow down, especially during these unprecedented times. We also teach a few crocheting workshops, so it's nice to see people who are into crafts (or not) gathering together and teaching one another to do a stitch. What we’ve been seeing right now is that the demand for handmade products is growing because people are starting to learn how to make them! They appreciate the process and the story that goes behind it.

What kind of materials do you use and where do you source them from?

We use cotton, polyester, and nylon - our yarn vendors are all local, we have one in Jakarta and another in Surabaya. Fia is a big Miuccia & Miyake fan - for her it affects more on the way she dresses and the latter is for his innovative thinking in fashion technology. Meanwhile Trish get stuck in her favourite vintage stuffs from Courrèges.

Who are your favourite people in fashion and how do they inform your work?

Fia is a big Miuccia & Miyake fan. For her it affects more on the way she dresses, and the latter is for his innovative thinking in fashion technology. Trish (apa bep).

What’s in store for the future of Egon?

We want Égon to keep spreading joy for everyone; for the people who make, see, or wear the product. A few collaborative projects are also on schedule, introducing one audience to another, what a way to make friends!