For those in search of the latest in knit design, look no further than our own local Miami designer Karelle Levy’s Krelwear line. On February 4, 2004 Chroma boutique on South Beach in association with Legal Art hosted a designer trunk show featuring her latest line of hand made knits.

“My inspiration is as basic as the yarn, material and color, Levy describes. “It’s all hand knit, hand machine and industrial. I go into a factory and convert the machines into making tubular knits.”

But, these are definitely not your typical tubular knits. Many of the pieces are distorted, frayed and include holes. The style is aggressive, gritty and definitely unique.

“It’s all about the process,” Levy says. “Just doing it is the process. Each piece is one of a kind. No seams, it is one piece of fabric, one thread. Once it comes off the machine it’s complete. There is a start, the beginning of the piece. There is a finish, ending the piece.”

However, the design process and finished product are only the beginning of Levy’s artistic process. The pieces are also utilized rather interestingly in her performance art based showcases displaying them.

I got to see this first hand when amidst the champagne, hors d’oeuvres and stylish crowd, Levy herself begin to writhe and contort her body while emerging from one of her hand spun knits.

When I asked her about the origins or meaning of this movement in relationship to her designs, she stated, “it’s more of something I’ve done for a long time. I never went farther than 16 in studying dance, I wanted go skateboarding.”

“After studying textile design however, I developed costumes or big tubes that hide all movement. It’s a different way to shape the body; a distortion of the body. Hiding the body forces you to push yourself much father in. It’s a nice progression, and then they become performances.”

Owner of Chroma, Bonnie Engelstein comments that, “we try to have a mix of emerging designers with staple designers as well. It’s more of an attitude in dressing; playful, fresher, edgy chic. We want to give customers an extra edge.”
Krelwear certainly offers an extra edge, indeed.

Whether, you’re interested in hand spun tubular knits with attitude or eyebrow raising bodily flailing, Krelwear offers an alternative to typical knitwear and fashion period. And if you don’t believe me, just check out one of Levy’s next trunk shows or performances, you won’t be disappointed.

For more information, please visit www.krelwear.com