Interviewed by Alexander Mays / alexandermays

Nikolas Theodorou exhibits a collection of necklaces at Homi in Milan where each piece opens a dialogue on the act of creation. Arthemis and the role of women, hardened vulnerability and split personality females have faced: woman and creator, woman and mother, attraction and love. 

Alexander: First of all, I'd like to ask you if you could tell me a bit about yourself...a bit of backstory.

Nikolas: I am from Cyprus...Nicosia. The only divided country in the world because it has been occupied 45 years ago, just in one night from the Turkish army. They had to go without nothing, just run to survive there. There was a war unfortunately, in 1974 and my mother and my father were from the occupied part. I was an actor for 10 years. I played theater… just theater, not TV shows, or TV. Ancient tragedy in ancient theaters. I write lyrics and plays and I paint and design. That's how I started after a decade. I started with my own atelier, my own workshop, my own place, so that I succeed more and more to get to my target. Then I discovered exhibitions and we have started visiting ever since. My collection is only necklaces, not earrings...just necklaces. 

Alexander: Genderless?

Nikolas: I make my clothes sometimes with models in mind. Flesh and human models...I believe this fashion is something different. One step beyond. “One step beyond beyond our years” we say that Greece, not sure if in English is correct…. And even men, yes. They like to try them. 

Alexander: How do you pick up your silk? 

Nikokas: My silk is recycled and for each necklace I try to create an individual story.

Alexander: What is the story?

 Nikokas: It depends…I want each wearer to take something different from the necklace. Something personal. 

Alexander: Do you try and imagine that type of customer or do you sell to anyone that wants to buy?

Nikolas: I know who are my customers. Even up to 75 years old! We have so much experience because we haven't mentioned yet that Nikolas has already two shops in a very touristic island in Greece next to Santorini, Santorini is very famous. Next to Santorini there is a smaller island which is called Ios. You can search it if you want on Google. The chic ladies from Italy buy easily... Italian ladies. I can see them and I can smell them when they pass by my shop. Everyday I sell a lot for sure. Let's say 20 pieces... 15 at least are sold to Italian and five to a Greek lady.

Alexander: What do you think is the future of handcrafted design?

Nikolas: People still prefer quality and support handcrafted items... I believe that it will be better soon.

It is a come back of the craft in the luxury market. 

Alexander: Where do you see yourself let’s say in two years time?

Having a boutique in Italy and taking it all to an international level. It’s a way to go, but it all started with a dream and let’s say a good deal of passione!

BY NIKOLAS will be exhibiting at HOMI FASHION&JEWELS EXHIBITION 11 - 14 March 2022
A dedication to sustainability, craftsmanship, design and manufacturing with the ultimate accuracy. HOMI FASHION&JEWELS EXHIBITION explores a cultural challenge, is sustainability an utopian fantasy or a possibility?