KiKi Kanella is a natural born creative. From a degree in graphic design to a dalliance with photography and illustration to eventually finding her design home in Fashion; it seems KiKi has always tread the path of creativity. And while it could be argued that perhaps moving from one design industry to another is not a huge pivot, for KiKi, it felt something deep inside needed to change.
“After I graduated, I felt like something was missing, and I started thinking more about what truly inspired me. I remembered my childhood, especially spending time at my grandmother’s house with the blossom garden that I can smell until now. She was a tailor, and she always had fabrics and a sewing machine around. I used to play with those fabrics, creating outfits inspired by TV series and acting out characters with my cousin playing different roles as well.”
Many areas of art and design will cross over but there is a reason they are separated as individual disciplines. When it comes to embracing the world of design, it is generally used as a means to express a feeling or tell a story. Creative people have an inescapable urge to get their ideas out, making the means by which it is done vital to the authenticity of their art.
“My interest in fashion started quite early. I’ve always been drawn to creativity and self-expression, and fashion felt like a natural way to express ideas and identity. I was inspired by how different styles can tell a story or reflect culture and personality.”
KiKi saw how fashion design uses textures, silhouettes and styles to communicate with the world and to exorcise those stirrings that swirl inside the designer’s mind. It is a liquid medium that is probably the most collaborative of all. Even when a collection is complete, has been released into the world and is on the bodies of the masses, people will style clothes alongside other designers, accessories and in many different ways. 
“I chose the academy because I was looking for a place where I could really develop my creativity and explore fashion in a more practical and artistic way. The program stood out to me because it combines both conceptual learning and hands-on experience, which is exactly what I was looking for.”
Other benefits of studying with the Academy are of course the flexible study options and the fact that KiKi did not need a fashion design portfolio to enrol. Many design institutes demand a portfolio as a prerequisite for consideration. But the British Academy of Fashion Design equips students with the skills to generate a professional level portfolio to take with them out into the real world.
“At the time, I was feeling very upset and confused because none of the other universities would accept me without a fashion design portfolio. My counsellor found the academy online and did some research, understanding that it (the Academy) offered a high-level program in London, a city I’ve always loved.”
No portfolio is complete until a hands-on dive into history, current trends and the business of fashion has been explored. Anyone who has even dabbled in portfolio preparation knows that it is far more than a repository of images. A portfolio is a well-researched, and carefully curated, cohesive display of the talent, skill and individuality of the designer. This is not something that can be thrown together and takes time, focus and energy. KiKi arrived at her fashion studies with an idea of what to expect, but soon her eyes were graciously opened to the profound, layered creativity that goes into every design. She began to appreciate how personal identity is entrenched in every drawing and every design. Even the wearer’s identity is expressed in how they choose to wear their clothes.
“I’ve learned to pay attention to details, concepts, and how trends and culture influence design. My experience in graphic design helped me appreciate visual communication, and now I understand how to combine that with fashion to create meaningful and original work. Overall, my direction hasn’t changed completely, but my understanding of fashion has deepened, and I’m now more focused on using creativity and ideas to communicate through design.”
And none of it was done alone. KiKi is constantly managing her ADHD which can be challenging when organising studies, projects and assignments, but her “tutor, Sophie, was amazing, she understood how I think and express myself through creativity, which made a huge difference”.
Now living in Cyprus and working for KIKO Milano, KiKi gets to occasionally flex her design muscles in visual merchandising, while keeping her connected with fashion.
She is keen to return to London and explore the larger more dynamic fashion scene. KiKi is always looking ahead
“In five years, I see myself building my own luxury fashion brand, living between London and France. My goal is to create a globally recognized brand that is wearable for all ages and truly unique, with a strong personality that makes it memorable.”
With her artistic curiosity and an insatiable appetite to create, it is one of life’s certainties that KiKi will continue to design her life, and the lives of others.
“I want my designs to do more than just clothe people. I want to make people feel beautiful through my art and evoke deep emotions. My brand would combine creativity, art, and experience, turning each piece into a story that inspires self-expression and touches people on an emotional level.”
