Baked-good berets
ELLENI CANARIS MAKES WOOLLEN HEADWEAR WITH A CHERRY ON TOP.
Tell us a bit about yourself. Hi! My name is Elleni and I’m a bit of a fairy princess – but the rebellious kind who never wanted to be a princess. I’m a tea enthusiast who loves food, colour, dogs and anything peculiar. Brisbane-born, I’m currently based in London, missing the sun but loving the sandwiches.
How did Elleni the Label come to be? I’ve always adored fashion and known I was weird, quirky, colourful and creative. I’m not me unless I’m creating something, so Elleni the Label was a little inevitable.
What made you choose a beret as your canvas? I wanted some colourful berets to wear and simply decided they were too plain! I made a couple to style a small clothing collection I’d created, and they took off from there. The Cutie Pie Beret, which is the classic red cherry pie, was my very first bakery design. She’s the starter dessert.
Do you have a favourite so far? That’s like asking a mother to choose her favourite child. They are little sparkles in my brain that turn into tangible cuteness and I love them all for different reasons. But I look at them so much that sometimes I hate them all, too, so it really is like family.
Talk us through some of the techniques you use. Everything is hand-baked with love and takes some time to perfect. Sometimes I know how I want a little whipped cream puff to look before I know how to make the entire hat resemble a cake, and sometimes the vision is clear, but I need time to make a piece of fruit look really sweet. It’s a mixing bowl of research, trial and error. They’re all family recipes, though, and the steps are only documented on a handwritten, strawberry-stained piece of parchment hidden in the attic.
Did you have to sample a lot of pies and cakes as research? I’m just going to say yes and use that as an excuse as to why I never stop eating. But research is definitely key, as I’d never send something out half-baked. I have a number of hidden Pinterest boards that are solely food-based, and I can often be found googling cake – but let’s be honest, that was happening before the hats, too.
Which dessert would you like to turn into a hat next? A really extra, Katherine Sabbath-esque monstrosity. Lollipops, upside-down ice-cream cones, and hundreds and thousands coming out the wazoo. Though I might have to swap out a beret for a top hat, and it may only appeal to those with an exceptional centre of balance.
What kinds of people wear your pieces? Dolls who are unapologetically themselves, embrace their weirdness and enjoy seeing the kook in others. No particular age range, gender or background – they just appreciate a little quirk, a little cuteness and a little joy.
How important is it to you to channel your creativity into fashion? Fashion has always been my outlet; it’s so important, but so effortless. But I’m also not saving lives – I’m just making hats that look like pies. The idea is to leave someone with a smile every day. Baking the world a happier place.
Where can we see more of your sweet goodies? ellenithelabel.com or on Instagram at @ellenithelabel.