Most people picked up a hobby or two during the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020. Suddenly, we all had both the need for an escape and the extra time to pursue it. For many, it was a light during a dark time; if you couldn’t visit friends and family, at least you could learn how to bake banana bread. Some abandoned their budding interests when the world reopened, and some, like St. Petersburg fashion designer Bari Weinreich, doubled down. Bari, who is known online by her brand Helena Beetle, joined our local art community in 2022. Originally from Rhode Island, she moved to Tampa in 2017 to attend the University of South Florida.
Bari traces her interest in fashion design to her early childhood. She recalls how much she loved the coloring sheets her preschool teacher used to give to the class: outlines of blank white dresses presenting endless possibilities for her young imagination. A few years later, Bari joined an after-school knitting club run by her elementary school’s librarian. Students in the club shared tea and pastries while the librarian instructed them on the basics of knitting. Bari carried these skills with her into adulthood, but still wanted to expand her knowledge of fiber arts. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, she decided to use the time spent at home to experiment with new design ideas.
After dusting off her old knitting needles, Bari decided to try and make a bikini.
“I started off creating pieces by thinking about the geometry [of the pieces]. Thinking about shapes, not thinking about the end goal.”
Using her knowledge of how to knit simple shapes, she was able to craft garments such as the aforementioned bikini, which was a success. There was one downside, however – knitting the clothes by hand was extremely time-consuming. Bari spent some time watching videos online, namely of artists who crochet their pieces. After realizing crochet would allow her to create more efficiently, she began studying the technique and using it for her new projects.
“Knitting is row-by-row, and crochet is stitch-by-stitch. [Crocheting] gives you a little more freedom to change direction.”
She explained, when asked about differences between the techniques. Originality is an important aspect of Helena Beetle designs, and Bari prefers to experiment rather than trying to emulate what other artists are doing. As a result, the clothing often takes an abstract form and functions as a sort of wearable sculpture. The Mohair + Bamboo set, which I photographed during the 411 WearHaus fashion show in March of this year, is a great example. The crop top combines angular shapes with the rounded folds of a ruffle, while loosely crocheted threads cascade from the mini skirt.
A variety of imaginative designs can be found on the Helena Beetle website, including clothing made for everyday wear. The latest collection IN BLOOM, which was released in May, features tops, bottoms and dresses with botanical designs and earthy colors. Bari also accepts commissions for custom pieces; inquiries can be submitted via direct message on Instagram (@Helena.Beetle).
One might say Bari Weinreich and her brand represent the future of art and fashion in St. Petersburg. The young people of today are creating in spite of the chaos, and sometimes because of it.
“I do believe the world is shifting to a space where we can all find something we love doing.”
She said, while discussing her career and past employment. As an artist, the path to success may not be clear, but those who truly love art will always find a way to create.
