Cuchara
JEWELLERY THAT PUTS THE BRIGHT IN YOUR LIFE
Story by Kate Gadiyeva
Photos provided by Cuchara
Edilou Canedo started her Cuchara jewellery line in Victoria, British Columbia. Two years ago she decided to pack up her bags and move to Toronto to expand her business, and to attend George Brown College’s Fashion program. While in school she met her friend and business partner, Tomas Hucal, who had also moved away from his hometown of Edmonton to study fashion.
The bold looks in the Cuchara line reflect the changes in Canedo’s life; the pieces have a western-meets-beach feel, mixed with an edginess that she draws from the city. Canedo works on the line in her Parkdale studio, and the pieces are perfect to wear with any outfit from a t-shirt and jeans to a little black dress.
Here, Canedo and Hucal share their plans for the line (plus a few of their favourite things).
Why did you decide to focus on jewellery?
Canedo: I really enjoy it. You can make original pieces without a huge development process. Also, you don’t have to create a pattern or outsource. It’s really easy to make things [that are] original and unique. I started Cuchara as a side creative project in Victoria [B.C.], and I got lots of compliments so I decided to try it out. I’ve always been into accessories.
Hucal: She is the accessories queen. I’ve had to borrow accessories for school projects and she had everything.
How do you develop your pieces from start to finish?
Canedo: We will go shopping, and pick out vintage pieces that we both like. Then I will spread it out across my desk and start mixing the vintage pieces with beads and chains and add other random things, and out of this mess something will come out looking really good. The process is never really organized; sometimes I start making three things at once – that way I don’t forget things.
Hucal: We also have a Tumblr account where we post inspirational pictures. Right now we are really into ’90s pop culture, celebrities, and grunge things. The blog is a big source for our inspiration.
Do you have a common thread in all of your work? Do you make it evident?
Canedo: I don’t think I really know what it is, but I think it’s recognizable.
Hucal: I think all of the pieces are very beachy, and they are very relaxed. They don’t look contrived.
What is the biggest challenge you face?
Hucal: There is a lot of competition and getting our name out is very hard. We want to be recognized as something different, genuine and not contrived. We want people to find out what we are all about. We are always brainstorming [about] how we can gain more followers and more traffic to the website. We are trying to find our place and voice in social media.
What is your favorite bar in Toronto?
Canedo: The Red Light; The Beaver is also fun.
Hucal: Bambi’s.
What is your favorite place to get food?
Canedo: Golden Turtle and Stampede.
Hucal: Lee.
What’s your favourite way to spend a Sunday afternoon?
Canedo: I like really going for a bike ride along the west end waterway around Sunnyside Beach.
Hucal: I like sleeping in, and if I have money, then shopping.
