Spotlight on fashion
By Lottie Kilraine
lottie@slpmedia.co.uk
Almost one year after launching an Instagram page to post photographs of her lockdown hobby, Abigail Oyabambi from New Cross has created a successful business.
The 23-year-old designer crochets beautiful handmade clothing under the name Bambicita – a merge of her Nigerian surname Oyabambi (Bambi) and her Spanish influences.
Her bright bikinis are an ideal statement piece that can be worn to the beach or paired with a high-waisted skirt or trousers.
She said: “I absolutely love creating summer wear. If I had the choice, I would happily make them forever but living in London we all know that isn’t possible with the weather.
“Growing up in South-east London has influenced and inspired me in ways that I could not imagine.
“It is such a multicultural and diverse area that has allowed me to find freedom in my creativity. I now create personalised flag-inspired bikinis so people can wear something and feel connected to their culture.”
Her love of crochet, a textile process of interlocking loops of yarn using a crochet hook, was encouraged by her mother who is also a keen crocheter.
She said: “When I was doing textiles as a GCSE I was interested in different textile techniques and one of them was crocheting.
“I found it so fascinating how one hook, a ball of yarn and the magic movement of your hands can transform into anything you want.
“My mum gave me an insight about the world of crocheting and even subscribed to a monthly crochet magazine that came with a step-by-step guide.
“I only learnt the basics and after a period of time crocheting became something I neglected, mainly because I didn’t have the time to spend developing that specific skill.
“Occasionally, while studying interior design at university I would crochet now and then, making bralettes and outfits for my holidays and also including some crochet elements in my interior design projects.”
It wasn’t until last year when the UK was forced into a national lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic that Bambicita became a reality.
Abigail said: “I grew a deep passion and obsession with crocheting – and I mean an obsession.
“I would crochet almost every single day, from morning to night. It was something that kept me sane during lockdown.
“Doing the same stitch over and over again may sound boring but when I crochet it’s a time for me to escape reality. It is my form of meditation.”
Currently there is no machine that can crochet, meaning everything is done by hand.
The process of crocheting takes a long time and a lot of patience and concentration is needed to create the perfect outcome.
“Bikinis and Bralettes can take anywhere between three to six hours to make or more, but it all depends on how complex the design is,” she added.
“The most time-consuming item I’ve made recently was a bralette and skirt co-ord set. I’m not sure exactly how long it took me, I would say roughly a couple of days. That of course includes sleep.”
Despite dedicating a lot of time and patience, Abigail has never been more confident in her style of crochet and it shows.
From starting out as a hobby to racking up over 1k followers on Instagram and selling products in stores including in Deptford Does Art, based in Deptford High Street, Bambicita is one to watch.
For conscious shoppers, buying from a business like Bambicita can also do wonders for your carbon footprint as well as your wardrobe.
She said: “Many of us are aware that fast fashion is becoming more of a bigger problem.
“It is because many people are opting for more affordable and cheaper fashion styles which unfortunately is having a huge consequence on our planet.
“Fast fashion brands leave an enormous environmental footprint through both its production and its disposal stage.
“Garment production requires a lot of energy and resources but when it comes to crocheting, no energy is required as it is all handmade.
“The main material used is just yarn which makes it one of the most sustainable and ethical ways to create a garment.
“Also, and most importantly, handmade items have something that fast fashion does not offer which is dedication and love from the start to finish of each product.”
You can shop Bambicita’s designs via her Instagram @Bambicita or email Bambicita123@gmail.com
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