"It was a bit of a fluke,? says Corrine Anestopoulos in response to how she began designing jewelry. "I fell into the business, as friends kept borrowing all my pieces and coming back with the most flattering compliments. It was at this point that I realized I should get this out to the public".

Flattering would certainly be an understatement as her line of jewelry--ranging from necklaces to earrings and other accessories--exhibits a penchant for sophistication, simplicity, and versatility in a market flooded with tacky designers and logo-heavy aesthetic. Operating under the moniker of Biko Designs, Corrine speaks grandiosely of her vision, seeing it as being a "destination and not just a jewelry supplier".

Biko Designs motto is short and to the point: "Keep it simple, but with a twist", she said, adding "Sometimes less is so much more and the little details are very important. Often, the use of colour in my work is its accent feature, while at times, a lack of colour (as in the use of all gold vintage charms) is the bolder statement I like to create. I try to remind myself of these key ideas any time I am coming up with new designs." But Biko is never quick to pigeonhole itself in any specific style, as her line mixes vintage pieces with new materials such as semi-precious stones, while other pieces utilize raw metals such as brass and base metal with mother-of-pearl, bone or coral.

Versatility in her design is equally paramount. For example, Biko's Lariat necklaces can be worn in a variety of ways: long and sleek, short and classic (folded in half and worn like a scarf), or can even be tied around the waist like a belt. Such adaptability is key to Biko's design, as Corrine notes, " Each style is stunning, and has a unique quality that brings out one's personal style in a very different way. I feel this characteristic of Biko jewelry brings it across any existent style boundaries and, in essence, makes my jewelry available to more people".

Although a native of Toronto, expanding her line across Canada and beyond has always been the long-term goal. But don't get it twisted, Corrine isn't necessarily hip to the idea of over saturating the market with her product. Therefore, she's highly selective of who carries her designs, always making sure they reflect her personal tastes and sensibilities, noting, "It's about the quality of a store, not quantity. While it would be great for everyone and their mother to wear my designs, I feel this keeps the label special".

Much like her jewelry line's design aesthetic, Corrine is frank and honest. Upon asking her impressions of Vancouver and its fashion potential, she expresses: "I find Vancouver in particular to be like a loving friend with open arms. There is nothing even close to Biko Designs here, and you Vancouverites have been eating up (not literally) my jewelry since the day I got here!? adding, "You need Biko, and Biko is now here for you!"

Running through sprinklers. Scraping your knee. Eating freezies. Lying in the grass with your best friend, talking about boys, braiding friendship bracelets?

These are the hazy summer memories Mila Franovic wants to evoke with ?Phonecall?, her latest line of accessories.

Her deep tan gives her away, she?s in love with summer and worships the sun.
Her style is free, comfortable and undoubtedly artsy.She is the embodiment of the woman she describes as her ideal customer; ?A well traveled eclectic fashionista who mixes basics, vintage classics with unique accent pieces.?

Mila has an air of little girl innocence masking a glamorous Eastern European woman who smokes too much, tans too much and makes no excuses about it.
She?s an effortless mixture of two extremes and it?s no surprise that her handiworks should reflect that.

Mila Franovic has drawn inspirations from her Serbian roots and coupled that with her formal Emily Carr education. The results are beautiful and wearable crafts with a contemporary sensibility.

Her multi-coloured necklaces are quirky, fun to wear, like grown-up versions of friendship bracelets.

<p>Biko Designs words by Matthew Owchar, 24 July 2006<br /> Phonecall words and photos by Aigin Larki, 24 July 2006</p> <p>Biko Designs available now at <a href="http://www.chalkedup.com/view_guide.php?guide_id=58">Goon Pack</a>. Check <a href="http://www.bikodesigns.ca">Biko Design's</a> website for a list of other retailers carrying her line.</p> <p>Phonecall available this autumn at <a href="http://www.chalkedup.com/view_guide.php?guide_id=14">El Kartel</a> &amp; other downtown consignment boutiques (Price range: $15-$45). For more information, contact Mila at: miloshka@kaiviti.com.</p>