DIAS Designs spinning sexy summer crochet must-haves

ARMED WITH a love for crochet, upand-coming designer Danae Solomon creates pieces that twist the classic thread with modern themes, and is making a splash this summer. From dresses to cover-ups and swimsuits – her brand, DIAS Designs, spins the wooled textile into sultry couture.

The 19-year-old creative-turnedentrepreneur developed a deep crush on crochet four summers back. In an almost instantaneous way, it made Solomon want to pick up the slow-living activity and make it hers. “I was overseas, with nothing to do, and after seeing the uniqueness of crochet outfits online, I went out and bought the materials then began teaching myself,” she told Flair. “Self-expression and creating with my hands means everything to me, and I always go for what I want. It’s the best decision I have ever made,” Solomon continued.

The first pieces she created and sold were crop tops, but it took her some time to get there. “The very first one I made was messy, and the stitches were untidy, so before taking the step towards retail, I practised because I wanted quality products. The first crop top I sold was much more attractive and neatly done in comparison,”she said.

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

DIAS Designs sees crochet intrinsically linked to the way of life that the younger generation is getting into. Solomon pointed out, “Most young people will learn from their grandmothers (or someone older) or will remember them as table dollies or runners, but crochet can be made into some of the skimpiest outfits ... after all, crochet is done with string, so there are endless possibilities.”

She added, “I don’t think people have really seen how versatile crochet is. The majority of the time, any clothing item constructed of cloth can be done in crochet. And when I do a custommade outfit for a customer, no matter what it is, the modern-day woman will feel excited, sexy and confident.”

The United Kingdom, Nigeria and the diversity of the designers in the two countries have inspired her, but she also looks home – even as she explores the ‘university of YouTube’ and the digital space – for ideas. “I feel like crochet will always be on the fashion scene, and I take advantage of this by using it as inspiration to recreate what I have seen or just go ahead and create my own forwardthinking designs. But until the website is up and running, persons will have to order via Instagram @dias_designs.”

Although not obsessing over trends, DIAS Designs is riding off crochet’s wave in the global fashion space for Spring/ Summer 2021 with brands like Valentino,

Anna Sui, Fendi, Zimmerman and Kate Spade. She aspires to make extravagant and intricately detailed designs for the runway, but for now, she is readied up for the beach with swimsuit designs, as well as dresses, which are sexy and maybe grandma won’t approve of, but are perfectly summery.

Designer Danae Solomon wears one of her own creations, a peach ombré dress which she says is the hardest piece she has ever made and took her over two weeks to complete.

To lengthen the life of a crochet outfit, it should be hand washed carefully, squeezed between a towel to absorb most of the water, and then laid flat in a cool area to dry, just like this starfish bikini and skirt seen here.

Whether paired with a bikini bottom or denim shorts, this designer is giving her customers the confidence to break the rules. In fact, this summer there are none when it comes to fashion. There are also adorable handbags.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Who says mothers can’t be sexy and still look like the responsible matriarch? Check out this mommy-daughter design that will change those close-minded opinions.

Crochet monokinis are the perfect pieces to add colour and texture to your summer wardrobe.

From playful ombré and rainbow to edgy chequered designs, this brand has plenty of crochet inspiration to share.

Three-piece crochet sets by DIAS Designs are in demand.