Corrine Anestopoulos is the mastermind behind Toronto’s increasingly popular jewellery line Biko. Recently spotted on, oh, the sides of streetcars, Anestopoulos spoke to us about which local designers she hopes to collaborate with, her big-ticket item and her favourite things to do in the city.
The modern friendship bracelets have been extremely popular. What is it about them that has really captured people’s interest? Have you found that your generation in particular has really connected with them?
I think the modern friendship bracelets bring people back to their childhood days, when bright, embroidered arm candy was all the rage. This nostalgic element, paired with ‘grown-up’ materials, seems to be the perfect combination for a fun and modern bracelet. I’m surprised to say that even the generation older than mine is in love with these updated friendship bracelets.
Can we expect to see an updated friendship bracelet for spring/summer 2012?
Yes, think more mixed materials and different types of chain incorporated.
The materials you’re using for the spring/summer 2012 collection seem to have more of a tribal feel to them. Could you tell us a bit about what you have in store for next season and the inspiration behind it?
There will be more African tribal elements, paired with bright pops of colour and geometric, industrial hardware.
What is your preferred material to work with?
I love brass, old and new. It makes me feel warm and safe. Of course, I do love to mix brass with many other materials, creating an interesting juxtaposition between colours and textures.
You made a seemingly seamless transition from student to full-time business owner/designer. To what do you attribute your success?
There was nothing to lose at the time, so I just jumped right in. I believe that the ability to take risks and not fearing the outcome is one of the main reasons I am where I am today.
Despite the snowball effect of Biko, you’re still making appearances at events like the One of a Kind Show and the Queen West Art Crawl. Why does this customer interaction remain important to you?
It’s important to me to have one-on-one time with customers. This allows for feedback directly from the end user of my product. It also helps to remind me of the type of customer I’m designing for, as well as get an insight into where the industry might be heading next.
Are there any particular jewellery designers you look up to, past or present?
I have a great respect for jewellery designers who have created a new way of doing things; Coco Chanel was the first to popularize the idea of costume jewellery, making it chic and desirable. More recently, Alexis Bittar has inspired me in his use of lucite and paint to create beautiful textural and colourful pieces. The list can go on and on.
Accessories can make or break runway shows. Have you worked with any designers? Do you have any future collaborations up your sleeve?
I have collaborated with fashion designers such as Common Cloth in the past, but haven’t done so recently. Within the next couple of years, I would love to work with Ken Chow of Krane or Rita Liefhebber.
On the Biko blog, you’re often posting images that you find inspiring; is there any photographer whose work you’re particularly smitten with?
This is a tough one. There are many, but most recently I’ve become obsessed with the film, fashion, and video projects of Jason Last.
You’ve a born ‘n’ bred Toronto gal. What’s your favourite thing to do in the city?
I love going for dinner with my girlfriends at several of the new restaurants around the city. I also love relaxing in [Trinity] Bellwoods park and biking along the waterfront towards the beaches east and west of downtown.
