BSVII
Meet Nadia Valavanis, founder and creator of BSVII (BS- seven)
How did you become a hat lover?
The best part about being a hat person is that hats instantly transform any look. It is one of the simplest and quickest ways to take your outfit to the next level.
I've loved wearing hats since I was a child - three years ago, I jumped from a hat lover to a hatmaker - my love of hats comes from the passion of craftsmanship and making someone feel special through my art.
I realised that hat making was somewhat of a lost art, and the thought of continuing this tradition of craftsmanship really excited me. I rolled the dice with no risk, no reward, no expectations. It just found me, like I was divinely inspired.
How has living in Sydney, Australia influenced your craft?
I was born and raised in Greece; at age 21, I moved to Sydney. I fell in love with the city. The weather is consistent and generally warm, which keeps me inspired. Also, having family close by gives me a sense of calm and grounding. The pace of the city motivates me to achieve and manifest new creative goals. I feel so lucky to be here; this place boosts my artistry daily.
Describe your creative process.
The process of commissioning a BSVII ( BS_SEVEN) bespoke hat is so fun! I start the process with a private consultation; the customer comes into the studio with a conceptional idea; in our meetings, I will take their measurements, choose the colour, shape and mainly talk about their hat "story". Then based on all this info, the hat-making process begins.
Every hat has its own story, name, and artwork, which gets printed on the inner hat liner. The hat story then gets printed on a handmade booklet, paired with a customised hatbox.
BSVII’s Creative Process
What do you love most about making things with your hands?
Making things with my hands is a large part of finding my flow, and flow is highly correlated with happiness. Creating something out of nothing transforms, connects and empowers me. The act of creating is an act of faith.
Tell us about your favourite hat.
That's a tough one. I'd say my latest favourite hat is the one I made myself for my 30th birthday. I'm currently wearing it now as we speak (side note I barely have time to make hats for myself). I loved the feeling I had creating it. I immersed myself in abstract spontaneity. I shaped a light grey pork pie crown with a wide flat brim, then I picked a few colours to paint with, and then I just got carried away in the moment. The mystery of the unknown is empowering, unafraid to change direction if something isn't working, unattached to the outcome, and perfectly content on the journey. This hat is my favourite because it reminds me to let go of the outcome and be curious and adventurous. To stay present and always turn fear into passion and courage. A combination of structure and abstract.
There's something quite romantic about your creations, like a Romeo and Juliet tale. Where do you get your inspiration?
That's true. The brand is the expression of my creativity, inspired by what I see and feel around me. My biggest inspiration is people, my customers and their stories. I want my customers to escape to a happy place when they wear my hats. My label is all about originality. I like to think that I don't just design hats, I design with confidence, and I believe there is no better way to make a statement than with a hat.
When I was younger, I wanted to be a psychologist to help people, hear their stories and make sense of their thoughts. So, I found a way to combine my curiosity for psychology and my craftsmanship. Making my customers feel special knowing that their story matters. I find this very romantic and thoughtful. I love connecting with people, and my brand allows me to do that.
What project has made you the proudest?
Every hat I create is an exciting project. Connecting with people to make a hat that resonates with their world is very inspiring, and I'm very proud of each piece. However, I'd say a compelling project I did with the jewellery designer Fealofani Elisara from "Courtesy of The Artist" was one of my recent favourites.
We named the collection "The Armoured Crowns". In which you can see the clear testimony of our shared love of artisanal craftsmanship. Each "crown" tells its own story of love, power, honour, wisdom, protection, strength and truth that went beyond the world of 'fashion'. The collection is in seven earthly tones, representing the varying landscapes of Australia. From a cowboy rustling up their cattle in the outback to a single mum working her way up the corporate ladder, we created each piece to enthrone any King or Queen of their domain.
Your fantastic Armoured Crowns Exhibition has a unique hat display. Tell us more about this event and the idea behind the creation.
I appreciate that. Yes, this hat display is unique. We wanted to find a creative way to display the hats so the viewer could see them from every angle. The story of each hat was printed on a linen fabric then attached to the wood frame.
This display was designed by Cesar Cueva, the founder of "Courtesy of the Artis". Each display was hand-built by my exceptionally talented brother Chris Valavanis, an incredible craftsman. We chose wood that complimented the brand's aesthetic, and then we burnt it. I'm highly addicted to the wood-burning technique.
How has social media influenced your business journey?
Social media has been a fantastic tool to aid in brand awareness, connecting with people from all over the world and engaging with the users and fans of my brand. It has offered great opportunities for brand growth and sales.
What projects are on the horizon?
I'm currently working on so many projects! One of the most exciting that I can share is a collection called "Pantherinae". Wildlife, rainforest and jungle cats inspire it.
This ready-to-wear collection includes various shapes and fabrications, including fur felts, beanies, berets and baseball caps. I'm very excited to show the world and everyone to be part of it.
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