SouthFlorida.com | City Link Magazine

Although it is rather small and at the moment occupied by only two people, Karelle Levy's design studio in Miami's Wynwood Art District is buzzing with activity. Behind a Passap Automatic 80 knitting machine, Levy moves from side to side, working on samples for a new dress. Her intern, Hilary Loftus, sits nearby, making dolls from scraps of yarn. Spools of multicolored thread line the shelves, while fashion bibles such as Lucky and InStyle sit in piles on the floor. Racks of Levy's dresses and shirts fill the room, waiting to be picked up and worn to the next hot soir�e.

And the phone � The phone. Never. Stops. Ringing.

Yet this is a good thing, because each new phone call could mean an order for Levy's Krelwear design company. Levy, who grew up in North Miami Beach, has been designing clothing for nine years; she is now one of several designers bringing national attention to South Florida's garment industry. Her line, which consists exclusively of knitted pieces, includes women's shirts, dresses, hats, scarves and purses.

"I started designing because I was addicted to knitting," the 30-year-old says. "My line is sexy, clingy and funky all at the same time. But my stuff is not for people who aren't comfortable showing their curves."

In some pieces, Levy will put an intentional run or pull, details she believes give her clothing character. "We totally embrace our flaws. A sleeve that falls off a knitting machine can easily become a hat," Levy explains. "But there are really no mistakes. It makes every piece that much more unique."

Right now, Levy creates two lines: Krelwear, a ready-to-wear line priced from $70 to $250, and Krel, a black-label, one-of-a-kind line whose pieces cost $150 to $500. "I don't really want to mass-market, because I don't want to produce outside of the country," Levy says. "I like to produce my stuff at [the factory] Flamingo Trimmings II in Hialeah. I pride myself on having everything made in Miami."

Levy's distinct, hometown style has caught the attention of some high-profile clients. Actress Christina Ricci has purchased three of Levy's pieces, and Alanis Morissette wore a Krelwear dress last June during a performance in Miami Beach. Levy's designs were also featured in an episode of the new Jennifer Lopez-produced UPN TV show South Beach.

Although her work is gaining popularity across the country, Levy says she will never forget her Miami roots. She has no plan to leave Miami and is passionate about helping other local designers make a name for themselves. Last summer, she co-organized The Independent Fashion Trade Show at the Sanctuary Hotel in Miami, which featured the work of South Florida designers. In addition to Krelwear, Levy also makes costumes for the Mad Cat Theatre Company. "I like changing the human form through costume," she relates.

As if she weren't busy enough, Levy wants to turn her studio into an underground boutique to help showcase other designers' work. "We won't be doing any advertising. It would be strictly word of mouth, and it would really be a place where art meets fashion," Levy explains. "I'd definitely carry more experimental pieces." When that happens, she may want to consider carrying a second phone line, as well.

Levy's studio, which is open to the public weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., is located at 180 N.W. 25th St., in Miami. Call 305/576-7465 or visit Krelwear.com.