Mikaella Kasinou is an actress, scenographer, and designer. She is also the owner of Mi.Ka designs and Mi.Ka scenography. She graduated from Brighton University (MDes, 3D Design and Craft) and she studied Drama.
At the beginning of her career, her work was mostly based on utilizing traditional Cypriot crafts in a new context by using a great variety of materials such as wood, resin and neoprene.
She was inspired by ‘Lefkaritiko embroidery’. ‘Lefkaritiko’ is within Unesco’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. With ‘Lefkaritiko’ Mikaella has created a series of women’s shoes. Mikaela writes ‘‘Lefkara Lace is the most renowned traditional embroidery from Cyprus. The main characteristics of the Lefkara Lace are its neutral colour, both sides of the embroidery look the same and cannot be separated, the designs create shadows and are inspired from the nature and the environment and there are characteristic symbols such as the sun and daisies.
This project gives me the chance to experiment with my own cultural heritage, present it in a new context and perspective and make it known outside the borders of Cyprus. I chose to work with feminine shoes (high heels) because the Lefkaritiko embroidery was an exclusive female business. It was made by a woman for a woman.’’
Currently she is working as a scenographer, set design, stylist and prop master for various tv, film and theatre productions. She also studied theatre (acting) and is also working in tv productions and with various independent theatrical groups.
Mikaella Kasinou in her studio in Old Town of Nicosia, photo by Omnia
Collection of shoes with ‘Lefkaritiko lace’ by Mikaella Kasinou
Source: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.849160245113365&type=3
Mikaella Kasinou, photo by Mikaella Kasinou
Costume design by Mikaella Kasinou, photos by Mikaella Kasinou
