We talk to jewellery designer, Eleni Koumara, about her life as a budding designer and her plans
Eleni Koumara, will soon be making her way to the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate where she will make her debut at the British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF).
BCTF is the largest and most well-established event of its kind, focusing exclusively on high quality, British made artisan products across categories which include handmade ceramics, porcelain, fashion accessories and jewellery, glass, metalwork, woodwork, textiles, greetings cards and fine art.
For the first time ever in 2020, to celebrate the new decade, BCTF will open to the public for one day only on Saturday April 4, ahead of the trade show opening on Sunday April 5 – Tuesday April 7. Visitors will have the chance to browse and buy from an unrivalled selection of products, straight from authentic British designer-makers and small independent companies.
Speaking about life as a designer-maker and what the future holds, Eleni said:
I am the founder of Eni Jewellery, launched in London 2016. Each collection is developed and designed by me.
Design and manufacture have conducted me on a path of continuous research that starts by a shape or a life experience and ends up in a creation of some sort, often never quite anticipated. The process of giving life to an idea, milling it with fire and hammer, leaves me always pleasantly surprised.
I started my Jewellery training in Greece over 10 years ago and improved my skills at Central Saint Martin, London. I have collaborated with the Etsy London Local team and I have showcased my collections in several fairs, exhibitions and events in Greece, Denmark, Berlin and the UK.
Since 2016 I have incorporated an eco friendly philosophy, using eco and recycled silver and recycled promoting materials. I am proud to have signed up to be one of the jewellers certified to work with Fairtrade gold.
The brand’s jewellery is sculptural, modern and handmade, with a distinct style.
Soon, I am planning to launch my latest collection, inspired by the goddess of war and destruction in Classical Greek mythology, called Enyo.
I’ll be showcasing Enyo collection for the first time at Bctf, and I am really looking forward to it.
Eni Jewellery
BCTF stand number: N2
Enijewellery.com
+447511377818
+306948935332
BCTF organiser, Margeret Bunn, says: “We are delighted to welcome Eleni to the exhibition for the first time this year. She is an exceptionally talented designer and one of many from the UK who are participating in the show. There are many indications that people want to support more local, sustainable businesses and are seeking beautifully designed British products which they know are of sound provenance. Research is backed up by strong anecdotal feedback we are receiving from retailers visiting the show and followers on our social media sites. If ever there was a time to support our heritage industries and independent designer-makers, then this is it!”
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) will showcase the very best of British crafts across a huge variety of product categories, including: Jewellery, glassware, metalwork, fine art, greetings cards, ceramics, fashion accessories and homewares. This is the perfect event for retailers seeking exciting British designed products with sound provenance and strong heritage values. No public admittance as It’s a trade-only event, and free of charge.
Heading into its 46th year in 2020, BCTF will host hundreds of creative designer-makers in a fabulous state of the art venue, the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate, from April 4th -7th
Trade prices for the unique handmade works on display will start from just a few pounds so something for everyone and all exhibitors are guaranteed to be working from Great Britain and Ireland.
The annual BCTF Awards will be held on Monday April 6 at 6.00pm at the Yorkshire Event Centre, after the show closes. Sponsors include: Pyramid Gallery (York) which will sponsor the BCTF Award for Excellence; Heart Gallery (Hebden Bridge) sponsor of the Best Newcomer Award; ACID (Anti Copying in Design) will sponsor the Post Newcomer Award; The Giftware Association is sponsoring The Giftware Association Award for Excellence; the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), sponsoring the Award for Excellence in Jewellery; Greetings Today magazine, sponsor of the Greeting Card Award, Platform Gallery (Clitheroe) sponsors of the PlatForm and Function Award and DesignGap/ArtGap, which sponsors the Wow Factor Award, with the winner of which is traditionally decided by exhibitor votes made during the show.
For more information about BCTF visit: www.bctf.co.uk
For more information on Eleni Koumara visit: enijewellery.com
