Behind the Design - A Alicia

Good morning everyone! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. When I say all, I mean those who are sticking through the rather dull posts lately until my wedding is over and I am back to my more creative and inspired self again!

This week we have a Behind the Design feature with Anna from A Alicia, creator of beautiful, handmade fashion accessories.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I studied Art History, so of course that's been a huge influence. Japanese craft in particular inspires my work - particularly the level of skill and detail, combined with a kind of pared down simplicity, visible in so many of the Japanese crafts.

Do you have a spot you like to go that helps you feel creative?

The bath (I don't actually work there, but I find it's a good place for thinking!)

Where do you do most of your work?

The sofa. I do have a studio room, but the sofa tends to be more comfy for hours and hours of sewing!

How did you come up with the name for your business?

It's a variation of my first and middle name (Anna Alicia) - I've always liked my middle name, but never had much of a use for it, now I do!

Your favorite thing to make?

New experiments

What is your all time favorite design from past or current collections?

Hmm, that's tricky....I think overall it would be the Pale Gold Mix Corsage Brooch. I love those classic colours like pale beige, black or navy, and especially when combined with a bit of shimmer. Plus for some reason it makes me think of Christmas!

You couldn't run your business without _______?

Digital camera/laptop/good scissors

What advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?

Don't use your middle name as the company name because everyone will think it's your first name!

Coffee or tea?

Green tea

Favorite magazine/blog/daily read?

Vogue

If you could follow one person around for a day, who would it be?

That's really tough...Maybe an accessories buyer for an amazing shop (like Liberty, London), so I can see where they hang out and then leave a few strategically placed brooches around the place.

Do you have any hobbies or creative outlets other than your work?

I don't have time!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, money and time being no object, where would you go and why?

Is time-travel also no object? If so, I'd like to revisit the Florida of a childhood summer holiday - it was the late 80's and everything was neon (my t-shirts, sunglasses, flip-flops, etc), I even remember the sunsets in neon, and all I remember eating was donuts and ice cream, and I hung out every day in the pool. Coming from dull suburban South East England, that trip had a huge influence on me.

If you had to spend one year on a deserted island, what 5 things would you take with you?

Is there internet? I guess probably not. In that case, scissors, needle, thread, fabric, a copy of War and Peace. I'd make the most amazingly intricate embroidery about my life on the island. I love reading, but I know I'll never ordinarily get round to the whole War and Peace, so seems like a good opportunity for that.

Thank you Anna for participating in this week's Behind the Design.

Photos courtesy of Anna

Anna can be found at:
Etsy shop
Big Cartel shop
Wedding shop