ROCHET TALES
CROCHET REIMAGINED
Rebirth of the Reef
Designed & Executed by: Reena Polydore of Rochet Creations
Client: Maya Higa
Founder and Executive Director of Alveus Sanctuary
Green Carpet: The Nat Gala 2026
Theme: Water is Life
For the NAT Gala, the theme was simple, yet profound: Water Is Life.
The story led us beneath the surface, to the coral reefs and the ocean. Inspired by time spent snorkeling around Champagne Beach within the Soufrière-Scotts Head Marine Reserve, the concept grew from an appreciation of these incredible ecosystem. The reef became our inspiration.
The aim was to bring awareness to coral bleaching and the challenges facing marine ecosystems, Its delicate structures, unusual forms, and remarkable diversity were translated into this masterpiece inspired by sea fans, tube coral, fire coral, brain coral, and staghorn coral.
The idea of rebirth is reflected in the dress itself.
The Bleached Bodice
It begins in white, representing a reef affected by bleaching — stripped of the color and life that once surrounded it.
The bodice symbolizes the skeletal beauty
of bleached coral reefs. Handcrafted in off-white yarn, pearl and bone crochet, its
branching structure becomes the
foundation from which new life emerges.
Sea hip Fans
Inspired by Caribbean sea fans, these sculptural crochet panels define the waist while creating elegant movement and couture volume. Their lace-like texture echoes living reef formations.
The Reef
As the dress moves downward, the story begins to change. Color gradually returns, moving from softer shades into the deep blues of the ocean, before coming alive with the vibrant colors of coral. Beginning with soft and turquoise, the gown blossoms into vibrant branching
coral, tube coral, brain coral, and sea
anemones. The hem tells the story of reef
restoration through color and texture.
Captured in the waters of Dominica
We call Earth our home, yet much of the world beneath its surface remains unseen and easily
forgotten. Coral reefs may exist in a different realm from the one we inhabit, but they are
deeply connected to our lives, our oceans, our communities, and the ecosystems that sustain
us. Rebirth of the Reef is a reflection on beauty, loss, resilience, and renewal and a reminder that what happens beneath the surface does not remain beneath the surface forever.
The reef is part of our home too. May this piece inspire us to look beneath the surface, to recognize what is at risk, and to reflect on what we can do together to protect and restore the ecosystems that sustain life.
Behind-the-scenes vlog coming soon. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more from the making of Rebirth of the Reef.
We call Earth our home, yet much of the world beneath its surface remains unseen and easily
forgotten. Coral reefs may exist in a different realm from the one we inhabit, but they are deeply connected to our lives, our oceans, our communities, and the ecosystems that sustain us. Rebirth of the Reef is a reflection on beauty, loss, resilience, and renewal and a reminder that what happens beneath the surface does not remain beneath the surface forever.
The reef is part of our home too. May this piece inspire us to look beneath the surface, to recognize what is at risk, and to reflect on what we can do together to protect and restore the ecosystems that sustain life.
Cosmic Bloom
Cosmic Bloom emerged as a celebration of spring, renewal, and feminine power. Each petal was carefully crocheted by hand using yarn and sculpted with gardening wire, allowing the florals to curve, lift, and move as if they were growing in real time. The top and waist adornment were designed as one continuous garden—wrapping the body in vines, blossoms, and intention.
Set against the flowing waters of Jacko Falls, the design found its natural home. The softness of the stream contrasted with the structure of the wire, echoing the balance between delicacy and strength that defines my creative process. Pink blooms symbolized rebirth and joy, while green vines represented grounding, growth, and connection to the earth.
Photography: Ambo Visuals
Designed & Executed by: Rochet Creations
Model: Reena Polydore
Dominican Flag Dress
Culture breathes through every thread.
The Dominica Flag Dress is a handmade crocheted masterpiece that pays homage to Dominica, its landscapes, its people, and the spirit that defines the Nature Isle.
Photography: FUSION PHOTOGRAPHY
Designed & Executed by: Rochet Creations
Model: Reena Polydore
Every color woven into the garment carries meaning. Green echoes the island's lush rainforests and fertile mountains. Yellow radiates the warmth of Caribbean sunshine, the abundance of citrus and bananas, and honors the enduring heritage of the Kalinago people. Black speaks to the richness of our volcanic soil and the strength of our African ancestry. White flows like Dominica's rivers and waterfalls—pure, life-giving, and ever moving. At its heart, red burns with purpose, symbolizing courage, justice, resilience, and the sacrifices that continue to shape our nation.
Crowning the design is the Sisserou Parrot, soaring as a symbol of hope, freedom, and the pursuit of greater heights. Endemic to Dominica, it reminds us that true identity is found in embracing where we come from while daring to imagine what lies ahead.
Consciouss Sennsé
With The Sennsé, I set out to reimagine one of Dominica's most iconic cultural figures through the language of contemporary fashion. Rather than recreating tradition as it once was, this piece explores what happens when heritage is viewed through a modern lens—honoring the past while allowing it to evolve. Photographed at Dominica's Old Market, the story comes full circle. A place once marked by struggle and resilience becomes the backdrop for creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural pride. The contrast is intentional: a reminder that history is not confined to museums or memories. It continues to live through the art we create and the stories we choose to tell.
Time moves forward, and change is inevitable. Yet history never truly disappears. It lives in the places we gather, in the roots beneath our feet, and in the traditions that continue to shape who we are.
As generations embrace an ever-evolving world, cultural traditions can quietly fade into the background. But culture is not something to outgrow—it is identity, memory, and belonging. It reminds us where we've come from and inspires where we're going.
It is a conversation between generations. A tribute to those who came before us. An invitation for those who come next to see tradition not as something distant, but as something they can wear, reinterpret, and carry forward.
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Photography: CRWN IMAGES
Designed & Executed by: Rochet Creations
Model: Reena Polydore
