ANTONIA KARRA | A precious heritage
Antonia Karra has a lot to say and that's someone can tell just by looking at her creations. Learn more about the designer and her thoughts in our exclusive interview.
You have managed to turn your hobby and passion into a full time job, leading to a success story. How do you feel about that?
The passion for creation, my love for jewellery and the know-how of setting up a company (due to my studies in marketing), are the recipe for happiness! And I’m using the word “happiness” because, what I have created, makes me happy; as for the success story, I’d rather let the others do the talking.
Your collections are inspired by the Greek tradition as well as by an amalgam of cultures. How is this multiculturalism reflected in your collections?
For me, the endless source of inspiration is the world, our planet. I am fascinated by the multitude of cultures and the history of each place. All these are reflected historically in the artistry of jewellery making, so I like to borrow elements and mix them with our own culture, with references to the ancient Greek jewellery, the colours of Greece, the sea, the sunset.
Having studied in Saint Martins and interacted with the international scene, what do you think makes Greek creativity stand out?
Our difference is our trump card; the fresh look and the craftsmanship which is pretty rare nowadays and is coming back in full force, in a world where mass production reigns. In addition, there are references to the greek element, folk art, embroidery, and unique jewellery that stand out from antiquity till the present day.
For you, the jewellery creation is a legacy. When were you fully aware that you want to get involved in this field?
The truth is that my mother's family used to import fashion jewellery from Italy many decades ago. I still have wonderful vintage pieces from that era, which are a huge inspiration! I've always loved jewellery and I have a passion for making things in a different way. So, one day I started this hobby that eventually evolved naturally into a brand and I am very happy for all the repercussion! What I love most is that, what I had as an idea, came true; and then I stumble upon it while it is worn by a woman on the street, on a plane, in a photo! It is an image that completes the puzzle, as I always try to imagine the type of woman who would wear each design and how she can combine it.
If Antonia Karra hadn't been involved in jewellery, what else could she have done?
Everything that includes art, fashion and emotion!
What advice would you give to young creators who want to communicate their creations to the general public, locally and abroad?
To be true to themselves and honest with what they are planning to do, to communicate this truth, not just based on "formulas". In theory everything seems is good, but in practice everyone's identity is different. They can't just copy recipes for success, expecting the same result when the factors are different. Authenticity and storytelling is what makes the consumer identify, dream and love a product that thrills him.
The passion for creation, my love for jewellery and the know-how of setting up a company (due to my studies in marketing), are the recipe for happiness! And I’m using the word “happiness” because, what I have created, makes me happy; as for the success story, I’d rather let the others do the talking.
Your collections are inspired by the Greek tradition as well as by an amalgam of cultures. How is this multiculturalism reflected in your collections?
For me, the endless source of inspiration is the world, our planet. I am fascinated by the multitude of cultures and the history of each place. All these are reflected historically in the artistry of jewellery making, so I like to borrow elements and mix them with our own culture, with references to the ancient Greek jewellery, the colours of Greece, the sea, the sunset.
Having studied in Saint Martins and interacted with the international scene, what do you think makes Greek creativity stand out?
Our difference is our trump card; the fresh look and the craftsmanship which is pretty rare nowadays and is coming back in full force, in a world where mass production reigns. In addition, there are references to the greek element, folk art, embroidery, and unique jewellery that stand out from antiquity till the present day.
For you, the jewellery creation is a legacy. When were you fully aware that you want to get involved in this field?
The truth is that my mother's family used to import fashion jewellery from Italy many decades ago. I still have wonderful vintage pieces from that era, which are a huge inspiration! I've always loved jewellery and I have a passion for making things in a different way. So, one day I started this hobby that eventually evolved naturally into a brand and I am very happy for all the repercussion! What I love most is that, what I had as an idea, came true; and then I stumble upon it while it is worn by a woman on the street, on a plane, in a photo! It is an image that completes the puzzle, as I always try to imagine the type of woman who would wear each design and how she can combine it.
If Antonia Karra hadn't been involved in jewellery, what else could she have done?
Everything that includes art, fashion and emotion!
What advice would you give to young creators who want to communicate their creations to the general public, locally and abroad?
To be true to themselves and honest with what they are planning to do, to communicate this truth, not just based on "formulas". In theory everything seems is good, but in practice everyone's identity is different. They can't just copy recipes for success, expecting the same result when the factors are different. Authenticity and storytelling is what makes the consumer identify, dream and love a product that thrills him.
