A lot has been said about the therapeutic powers of working with your hands lately, whether to combat cabin fever or to cope with the stress of living in a time of great uncertainty. In quarantine, people have taken to baking bread, gardening, and learning how to tie-dye. And while the latter is undoubtedly the most popular fashion trend to have come out of shelter-in-place orders, DIY fashion kits have also seen a demand from fashion-lovers looking to pass time while trying their hand at design.
With interest for at-home activities at an all-time high, fashion designers have been happy to do their part by releasing DIY fashion kits that allow their customers to do everything, from make their own jacket to craft a one-of-a-kind necklace. “We wanted to give people something joyful and mindless to do,” says Roxanne Assoulin on offering kits that allow to recreate her eponymous label’s Instagram-beloved enamel bracelets at home, as well as releasing coloring pages. “There is no wrong way to color in a page or arrange beads. It’s a quick escape for your mind and your eyes and your heart.”
Ahead, eight fashion brands that will allow you to just that, with jewelry kits, embroidery workshops, coloring pages, and more.
In the absence of Roxanne Assoulin’s in-person workshops, you can now make your own candy-colored bracelet or necklace using its at-home kits. The jewelry brand also offers free downloadable versions of the popular enamel bracelets which you can color in, cut to your size, and wear as a way to change up your look daily.
Roxanne Assoulin Candy Necklace Kit, $, available at Roxanne Assoulin
If you have not yet gotten on the tie-dye train, you may want to now with this fully stocked kit from DANNIJO, the New York-based statement jewelry and clothing brand. The set contains everything you need, from 12 bottles of dye to rubber bands and gloves, to transform the included tote bag, bandana, and white scrunchie… in addition to anything else in your closet.
DANNIJO Deluxe DIY Tie Dye Kit II, $, available at DANNIJO
In the midst of the pandemic and stores canceling designer orders, Reese Cooper found himself with an excess of fabric. Now you can find that fabric (pre-cut) along with instructions, a pattern, and patches to make your own version of the brand’s popular Chore jacket.
Reese Cooper RCI Chore Coat Kit with Red Cotton Canvas, $, available at Reese Cooper
The friendship bracelet trend is making a comeback in an adult way — even Meghan Markle is a fan! This kit from contemporary jewelry designer Vanessa Arizaga includes everything you need to make two styles (for you and your BFF naturally) that you can adorn with alphabet letters, symbols, and the cutest tropical charms.
Vanessa Arizaga “SAY ANYTHING” DIY BRACELET SET KIT (TROPICAL VACATION), $, available at Vanessa Arizaga
The cashmere sweater brand, known for emblazoning its styles with hand-stitched quotes, has taken its embroidery classes online. While the cost may seem high, the package includes a sustainably sourced, fair-trade cashmere sweater, an embroidery kit, and the virtual class which will result in a personalized style with a sentiment that you’ll want to wear on your chest.
Lingua Franca Virtual Embroidery Workshop, $, available at Lingua Franca
While not a kit per se, these coloring pages from Manolo Blahnik will have you playing shoe designer in no time. Created in support of the luxury brand’s partnership with the Mental Health Foundation and free to download, the pages feature Blahnik’s original sketches. Use #ManoloBlahnikSmiles to get inspired or to share your own final design.
Manolo Blahnik Coloring Book Pages, $, available at manolo blahnik
This embroidery kit from knit-your-own fashion brand Wool and the Gang is a Madewell-exclusive — which means you now have an excuse to buy a jean jacket or chambray shirt from the retailer if you don’t have one at home. If knitting is what you’re interested in, Wool and the Gang offers a large assortment of knitting and crocheting kits for all levels and in a variety of styles.
Wool and the Gang Wool & The Gang™ Girl Embroidery Kit, $, available at Madewell
Everyone’s favorite quirky beaded handbag and jewelry designer, Susan Alexandra is offering a kit to make your own can’t miss bauble. With video instructions from the designer herself, making a bead bracelet, anklet, or necklace is foolproof.
