KIKI ATHANASIOU 

Being original is not obtained by simply setting oneself apart from the crowd.  According to Kiki Athanasiou, an accessories designer and manager of the London Fashion Forum Boutique at Kingly Court off Carnaby Street, it is just as important to keep people from copying the fruits of your creativity.

Like a chef guarding a secret recipe, Kiki never dishes out the recipe that has given her success.  Kiki designs a collection of jewellery, brooches, hair bands, and belts.  All of her creations bare the signature beading that Kiki believes makes her work unique.  “People never stop telling me how different it is,”  Kiki said.  “People wonder how I get (the beads) to stick out.  They ask me all the time, but of course I never tell them,” she said.

Since her protruding beads are her trademark, Kiki knows they must grace the cover of every item she creates – even if it means getting tired of her own product.  “I am slightly bored of it, but because of people’s positive reaction, I will continue because it has obviously proven to be successful.”

All of the beading is hand finished by Kiki, which she said contributes to the value of her pieces.  “(My products) are basically high end,” she said.  “That’s the kind of customers I want to attract…I work with leather and expensive material…You pay for what you’re getting.”

Although Kiki is short in stature, she makes up for any lack of height with a dominating personality and a fist full of confidence.  Perhaps, it is her strong sense of self that keeps her on her own path and no one else’s.

“There isn’t anyone I aspire to be like,” she said with a shrug.  â€œI just want to be successful.  She also dreams of having her own clothing label.  Kiki realises that the fashion world has its faults. “I don’t like the competition and the back stabbing bitchiness that goes on behind the scenes,” she admitted.  However, like a true must-have guru, she loves the products the industry produces.  “I enjoy the clothes,” said said.  “I like getting dressed up…I like the buzz.

Kiki also claims to have a fetish for accessories.  “I go for bags and shoes; they are my weakness.”  Despite her passion, Kiki said she did not always aspire to work in the fashion industry.  “I just knew I wanted to do something creative,” she said.

Dasia Abel

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