The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

WITH Summer fresh in the air, hot new clothing styles are coming out from every creative lane. And this season, it looks as if crochet fashions are taking over.

Both international and local designers are redefining the age-old craft. But one Bahamian designer is doing it with island flare.

Leah Eneas, is the creative mind behind “Late Bloomer” , a line of crotchet beachwear, which debuted on the Compass Point catwalk, Sunday.

There is nothing usual about Late Bloomer designs - nothing like the crochet table cloths, blankets and shawls your grandmother used to make. This new brand of crocheted fabrics offer fashionistas hand-made, luxury beachwear with the most stylish cuts and seams.

Treating her customers to a fashion show at Compass Point Beach Resort last Sunday, Leah showcased her latest designs ranging from razor back hoodies and dresses to cover ups, umbrellas and hats.

Speaking with Tribune Entertainment, Leah said it was a very straight forward event. Patrons danced to the sounds of music and enjoyed drinks before the show began.

She said the pieces that were displayed on Sunday were all beach cover ups. “ Beach cover ups are fun outfits to wear over your swim suits on the beach or around the pool,” she said.

Leah said her clothing pieces are one of a kind simply because they are custom crocheted to fit the customer. Every crochet piece has a different style and look to it, she said the outfits can also be worn over a camisole and a pair of jeans, to translate into everyday or evening wear.

One fan, who enjoyed the styles of “Late Bloomer” on Sunday, said the blue razor back hoodie caught her eye. Perfect for the beach, the thigh high outfit has shades of blue, grey, and purple mixed into the design. Even though the model completed the outfit with a pair of jean shorts, she said she would prefer to wear it with her swim suit alone.

“ The crochet cover ups are really hot right now, you would find that a lot of designers are coming out with crochet apparel and I like what Leah has been doing with hers. I think it is really cool that she turned a hobby into a career opportunity. It is not the usual knit look you would normally see; she had razor backs and she really went out of the box with her styles. It opened my eyes to seeing what people can do,” she said.

Another woman, who attended the show said she has never been so impressed by crochet designs in her entire life.

She said: “The whole show was pretty decent, everyone seemed to be just as impressed as I was. I must say that was some of the most amazing crochet work I have ever seen, and I am a fashion lover, so I’ve seen a whole lot. I saw where she created an umbrella out of crochet material, I was pleasantly surprised.”

Leah said it is her love for the beach that inspires her bright coloured and fun outfits this summer.

“ I like to be prepared for the beach at all times so if I’m wearing one of my pieces over a camisole and shorts, I would have my bathing suit in my bag. Should there be a random beaching adventure, I can put on my swim suit and just throw my piece on over the suit. It’s very easy to transition into,” said Leah.

Not only did the adults enjoy the show, there were crochet fashion styles for children to appreciate as well. Coming out in a colourful crochet dress tied around the neck and a one strap crochet bag, was the young model, Maia, who rocked the style well. She was definitely ready for the beach with her swimsuit worn underneath.

Leah said the crowd was very supportive and very interested in the crochet pieces. Since the show, she has received quite a few custom orders for a number of outfits. She said patrons had a lot of interesting questions and stayed afterwards to make sure they got photos of and with the models. “ There were a few inquiries about men’s wear in the near future and I agreed to include men’s wear into my winter line. The audience was also impressed with my crochet umbrellas,” she said.

Shaunie and Shy were the two models that came out in the “Late Bloomer” umbrella styles. Shaunie rocking the cream coloured umbrella and Shy rocking the Bahamian coloured umbrella.

While Leah does not have a store or a website up and running as yet, she said everything is custom made and potential customers can reach her via cell phone at 455.0125 or through email at LateBloomer1982@gmail.com. Pictures of her work are also available on Facebook and Twitter.