Top-to-toe white with crochet trim is one of Chanel design head Karl Lagerfeld's strongest fashion statements for the season. Here in Jamaica, designer Elaine Ellington applauds this thrust, but is quick to add that her stylish clients: Dr Marion Bullock du Casse, Donna Parchment, Jacqui Tyson, Aloun Assamba, Ruby Martin, Dr Carol Ball, Sheila Kerr, Joan Shaw Dyer and Pinky Bowers, to name a few, have long understood the effect this distinct look has.

ON THE COVER: Interesting crochet play: halter top and hip-hugging skirt

Ellington, who has been in the crochet world for nearly 20 years and whose one-of-a-kind creations are worn by discerning fashionistas in Jordan, Australia, Milan and Paris is, however, like the House of Chanel, kept current by the children of her clients.

"The younger set," shares Ellington, "are not necessarily into making the same kind of classic statement as their mothers, so I'm working with jeans and white tees adding cuffs, trims and even crochet bows. The feedback has been overwhelming with requests now coming in for floppy crochet hats."

Ellington, who works not just in white but also in crochet threads of chocolate and champagne, is naturally keen to have more women making crochet fashion statements.

Crochet formal in chocolate (Photos: Bryan Cummings)

"Fact is," shares Ellington, "it's a distinct look. Women who wear crochet are admired by all. It's a look-at-me kind of fashion statement sought after by the confident woman who wants to be seen whenever she enters a room."

There's no arguing this point and judging by the many favourable comments her pieces drew, one suspects that one or even two of these items will find their way into many more wardrobes both here and abroad. Plus, let's hope for a resurgence in the crochet industry. It would be nice to see the "deft of hand" getting their crochet hooks out to create their own.

Make your own crochet statement:
. Jazz up cropped white pants with a crochet border.
. Add crochet to the neckline of a close-fitting white tee.
. Add asymmetrical lines of crochet to long sleeves.
. Add a crochet bag and floppy crochet hat to spruce up a pair of jeans.
. Add crochet pockets to a plain white dress, skirt or tee.

Make-up Delores Brown
Model Reshima Hemmings appears courtesy of Pulse International.
All Designs by Elaine Ellington for Elaine Elegance available at Devon House

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