There's always a certain excitement when we welcome new brands to Beach Cafe. What is their story? Their greatest inspiration & how did they come to design?
The more we read up on Anna Kosturova the more we admired her nature, resonated with her experience & felt compelled to share her journey.
We begin our interview series with the Queen consort of crochet, who transcended an ordinary life to hang out with crochet and tie dye artisans, push the boundaries of contemporary design & transform her love of the sea into a romantic & intricate collection, one intended to be kept as an heirloom, which acculumates value over time.
Here's Anna on her inspiration, her favourite holiday hotspots & life's turning points...
1. Inspiration behind the collection
It’s never just one thing, my travels are always a big part of the inspiration – people, nature, colors, textures and patterns seen around me while travelling are always reflected in the design.
Seduced by the sea follows the story of a woman in love surrounded by a magical seaside paradise.Beach walks; ocean dips, and sand naps make this love affair so much more unforgettable.
2. Do you remember the turning point that made you ditch the daily grind & begin your dream of starting your own collection?
Ditching the daily grind part wasn’t as tough for me as the first part - that part when you are supposed to figure out who you are, what is it that you are passionate about and what do you want to do with your life.
I’m a late bloomer in everything, so this took me a while. I was 27 when I finally realized that being a fashion designer is what I was born to do. This realization was personally the biggest achievement and mental relief I have ever experienced. It is the toughest part of being a human to figure our who you are, building a business, or getting a job that reflects exactly that, is then just a technicality IMHO.
3. A book that changed your life
Every book I read I guess somewhat adds to my life… I read more factual books than fiction so for me the most intriguing read is anything by Malcom Gladwell. He makes me think about things long after I’m done with the book. I like his way of seeing things interconnected, and that has definitely influenced my way of viewing the world around me.
4. Three favourite holiday destinations & why.
Give me palm trees, ocean view, and a drink in my hand and I’m happy anywhere. I love small boutique hotels over big resorts.
Mexico. Any coast, they’re all beautiful. It’s easy and fast to get there from Vancouver.
Bali, because it’s a magical place. Out of all the places I’ve ever been to I was most impressed by Bali. The people, the visuals, whether the nature, architecture or art in general are like nowhere else.
Australia, love that country. Clean, friendly, amazing food. It’s where I came up with the idea to start my swimwear business so I really have a soft spot for this country.
5. What is it about Crochet?
Endless possibilities… I love the way knits and crochet fit on the body, I like to possess the topic in its entirety.
I can choose how open or close the stitch will be, I can make it look lacy or geometrical etc. Also I always thought that crochet technique is such an underachiever, and was generally looked down on as something less precious.
Back in early 2000’s when I started my company the only association people had with crochet was a memory of the 70’s cheap soggy bum bikini’s made by hippies or doilies made by retired ladies.It’s 2016 and crochet is unstoppable! It’s not just a trend wave; it became a classic, an equally important and respected craft as knits. I pretty much dedicated my life to promoting and developing this art. So it feels good to see this change.
6. Why Rocky Barnes & Juliana Herz? Do you feel they captured the spirit of the collection? (huge seal of approval from us!)
Aw thank you! Yes definitely. Both models, smart and dreamy beautiful women, the kind that you just keep staring at because you just cant get enough…there is just so much to explore visually. Also, they both have an amazing sense of style, you wanna hang out with them and swap outfit ideas...
6. If you could give one bit of advice to your 14 girl old self what would it be & why?
Don’t feel bad about being messy and all over the place. There is nothing wrong with you. You don’t have to be perfect. Nobody is. You can always just hire or surround yourself with those people that will help you to compensate for your shortcomings…
Also a big one would be - don’t beat yourself over not being good at something right away on the first try. Nobody is born knowing it all. You have to work at it, just have to put some time into it and you get better at it.
7. Plans for the future?
Personally I want to add more travels and fun to my life. More pool parties, more underwater explorations and more surfing or just leisurely floating In the ocean….I’m also excited to work on new additions to our collection – we are expending into accessories (bags and shoes) and home décor.
Anna is living proof that the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
With fans including Jennifer Aniston, Anna Kosturova is set to be the brand of the Summer - find her stunning new collection online now.
Campaign shot in Tulum, Mexico by Dove Shore