Zora's crochet retro bikinis a hit

Zora Popovich is using Facebook as a business opportunity to sell her crochet creations.

Supplied

A CLASSIC 70s style crochet bikini has become the inspiration for a new business opportunity for one enterprising mum.

Zora Popovich, a former Rockhampton model, is now based in Melbourne, but through the use of Facebook has been selling her hand-made bikinis all around Australia, including her former home town.

As a child Zora remembers her mum would crochet and her grandmother would knit, sitting side by side and working away.

“I wanted to learn too, so that’s where it started.”

At the time she was just nine years old, but the skills she learnt back then have never left her.

She added to her fashion knowledge in the 90s, not only working as a model but also through a fashion design workshop in Brisbane through the Sydney-based Whitehouse School.

And as a fan of 70s styles, an authentic vintage bikini pattern of her mum’s was a great way to start her business.

“I love that whole retro look.”

But it doesn’t end there.

Zora also creates other items such as beanies, scarves and fingerless gloves and is now tackling a one-piece bathing suit with a matching coat.

She also makes items for a friend who has started a fashion label.

Although it takes about three days to make one bikini, including the lining and detailing, Zora said it could even take a whole week, working around being a busy mum for four boys.

“Everything in them is hand sewn; I use no machinery whatsoever.

“Every piece is made out of my love and passion for the craft of crochet.”

Some of her pieces feature extra detail motifs like cherries and butterflies, which she also makes herself, as shown on her Facebook page Zora Lily Crocheted Craze.

“It seems every time I put a pair on there, they go, so there really hasn’t been a need at the moment to sell them anywhere else.

“Who knows though where they may end up. The sky is the limit!”