I'm Victoria Close, the founder and designer/creator, social media manager, website designer, accountant and chief kimono-sourcer.
So where did the concept of Bikudesigns come from?
The concept is based around 4 key elements that came from my own life as a mum and business owner.
1. Time-saving
Back in the day, I used to feel rushed to get to work in the morning and later on (when kids were added to the equation), I had no time to feel put together on the school run. I needed pop-on a statement pieces so that I didn't have to think too long about my wardrobe but still feel ready for my day.
2. Comfortable
And more to the point, I got annoyed by cumbersome and uncomfortable jewellery. I loved statement pieces but they always seemed to require a neck brace or physiotherapy after a day's wear. I needed to feel confident and in control of my life, and feeling put together was an important part of how I approached my day.
3. Adaptable
So I began to design statement pieces as blasts of confidence for the wearer from the unique style, to the bold design and colour combinations. I wanted jewellery that I could wear with a tee and jeans or that could be dressed up for dinner in the evening. Each piece of jewellery works for any occasion.
4. Sustainable
As a family we are trying hard to reduce our plastic consumption and our carbon footprint in general, so it was important to me that my jewellery brand was based on a sustainable material. And seeing so many kimono left unused and decaying in homes and antique shops all around Japan made me feel sad. I wanted to breathe new life into these forgotten and damaged fabrics.
So where did the concept of Bikudesigns come from?
The concept is based around 4 key elements that came from my own life as a mum and business owner.
1. Time-saving
Back in the day, I used to feel rushed to get to work in the morning and later on (when kids were added to the equation), I had no time to feel put together on the school run. I needed pop-on a statement pieces so that I didn't have to think too long about my wardrobe but still feel ready for my day.
2. Comfortable
And more to the point, I got annoyed by cumbersome and uncomfortable jewellery. I loved statement pieces but they always seemed to require a neck brace or physiotherapy after a day's wear. I needed to feel confident and in control of my life, and feeling put together was an important part of how I approached my day.
3. Adaptable
So I began to design statement pieces as blasts of confidence for the wearer from the unique style, to the bold design and colour combinations. I wanted jewellery that I could wear with a tee and jeans or that could be dressed up for dinner in the evening. Each piece of jewellery works for any occasion.
4. Sustainable
As a family we are trying hard to reduce our plastic consumption and our carbon footprint in general, so it was important to me that my jewellery brand was based on a sustainable material. And seeing so many kimono left unused and decaying in homes and antique shops all around Japan made me feel sad. I wanted to breathe new life into these forgotten and damaged fabrics.
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7 things about Victoria...
1. I’m what people consider a ‘self-taught jeweller’, even though I have trained in diamond setting, enamelling, granulation, wax casting, repoussé and chasing (etc.) The ‘self-taught’ bit comes in because I don’t have a degree in Metalsmithing (my degree is in Philosophy and English- very useful for designing jewellery!) 2. I live in Shimokitazawa in Tokyo, the place that provided the inspiration behind my brand. After WWII this area was well-known for the black market in American goods. To this day, a hangover from its past, it is known for its vintage and antique shops. 3. I come from a family of female entrepreneurs (both my grandmothers and my mum were shop-owners). 4. I started a jewellery business when I was 15 years old selling vintage bead jewellery. 5. One of my grandmothers was a milliner and one was a talented seamstress. 6. I recently found out that in the 19th Century, my ancestors were silk weavers, which totally blew my mind. 7. I re-purpose forgotten things because unused objects make me sad. My aim is to give them a new life. |
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