I'm thrilled to shine a spotlight on Annika Thomas this month, the creative force behind The Finest Stack, a fine jewelry brand that merges artistry with emotion. Annika’s love for bold design, vibrant color, and meaningful craftsmanship mirrors her personal style, which is beautifully reflected in her extensive collection of Alexis Co. knits.
As a longtime supporter and friend of Alexis Co., Annika blends her knitwear into her day-to-day life, from travel wear to cozy, statement-making ensembles. I met Annika well over a decade ago, even before I opened my boutique in Sewickley, PA, when I was just starting out as a jewelry designer. I remember her asking me to make her a custom piece of wooden beads and jasper that was so long by request, I couldn't imagine she was serious; I made it, and it has been one of my favorite pieces of jewelry I've created, ever. She wore it as a choker, necklace, and wrap bracelet - layers and layers and layers of tiny jasper and wooden beads with pops of turquoise.
In this Muse Story, we dive into Annika’s journey as a designer, her passion for creating timeless jewelry, and how she uses both art and fashion to tell her unique story. And be sure to check out her website, The Finest Stack, and explore her jewelry collection and artistic expression - if you're a fan of Alexis Co. then I assure you, you will LOVE her website. And before we delve into Annika's story, I'd like to mention that she is having a one-week pop-up in Sewickley, PA beginning November 10th.
What are you passionate about?
Art and music. Any kind of art and all kinds of music. I love art, I love music, I love fashion, I love drawing, I love writing, I love decorating, I love color, I love how people put things together and how people see the world, I love openness, and I strongly dislike judgment.
Can you tell us a little bit about the artwork in your house?
Some of the artwork in my house I have done, but most of my pieces are by local artists from the lowcountry of South Carolina, because that is home to me. Sullivan's Island has a beautiful art gallery and my husband and I make a pilgrimage there pretty much every year. My one friend Alison runs Charleston Artist Collective, and she has put together a beautiful collection of pieces by local artists.
Please share the story of your fine jewelry collection you launchd this month, The Finest Stack? I love your designs and how authentic they are, almost like each piece is a piece of artwork. What is the background?
I have always had markers and crayons and pencils and I have always drawn and created since I was a little girl. My story, like everyone's, is filled with adversity, lots of ups and downs. I underwent hip surgery at age 6, missed most of first grade, and had to relearn how to walk, but in my bed I always had my crayons and my drawings. I have always created and wanted to create for others!! For me, engaging in art is a transformative process - we can turn pain into something beautiful - whether the medium is paint, music, pieces of jewelry, and what not.
What are some of the vibes behind your brand The Finest Stack that you want others to know?
My jewelry designs are filled with emotion and edge. Each piece offers a nonverbal release of emotions that may be hard or scary to express. I hope to find a community of us who can feel supported and be proud of overcoming adversity together. Because at our essence, the way we come together, form relationships, and support each other is through our stories that we stack up over time, shaped by our own fucked up, insecure, neurotic, and emotionally unavailable (FINE) selves!!!! THE FINEST STACK!
I have always loved your style, you are always authentic to yourself in how you dress. Can you share a little bit about your personal wardrobe with us?
What you see is what you get with me. If I am sad, I cannot hide it. If I am happy, I cannot hide it and may say some crazy stuff. Whatever I feel like wearing, I will wear. Whether it's silk shorts with a thick wool sweater and a hat, or my knee-high cold weather shearling boots with jean shorts and a t-shirt.
How long have you been following and shopping at Alexis Co.? What is your favorite piece in your collection and why?
Good Lord... forever. Since it was born!! The cropped chunky knit sweater with a big red heart on it because I wear my heart on my sleeve. My husband bought it for me for that reason... and he put that in the card he wrote to me!!!
Is there a memory you have made that is tied to one of your knits?
My closest friends whom I have known the longest all live in South Carolina. I see them lots during the year. Every time I see my one friend, Lizzie, she asks me if I am ready to give to her HER favorite Lex and Lynne sweater that I own. It is a chunky knit, creamish-gray marled, cropped crewneck sweater and one of the oldest ones I own. Every time I look at that sweater, I think about her and laugh. I will give it to her one day!!
Do you travel in your Alexis Co.? How are they a part of your lifestyle?
I pretty much live in my Alexis Co. stuff -- these pieces are my pajamas, my bathing suits cover-ups, my travel wear, and my outerwear!!!
Tell us about meeting Lex...
Darcy and I came from lunch together. We walked into the store and standing there were two beautiful girls: Alexis and Lindsay, Lex's sister. I remember laughing a lot and trying on lots of DVF dresses and talking to Lindsay about photographing rock stars... I was in awe!!!!
Tell us about the first time you walked in to Lex & Lynne...
I can't even remember it was so long ago, but I remember loving the beaded necklaces and the uniqueness of what was in there... and I wanted one of those leather duffel bags.
What about Alexis Co. has you coming back each season?
The uniqueness of the clothing and accessories and that I love Alexis.
Do you have a hack for how you wear your Alexis Co. pieces?
I've worn lots of my sweaters as scarves with a slip dress!
What is the oldest piece in your collection?
A cream-colored crochet dress.
What is the newest piece in your collection?
My Lilac Crop Sweater with the pink heart on it! It is one of a kind.
How do you give back to your community?
I volunteer for the Community Food Bank and 412 Food Rescue. I am a physical therapist by trade and I have helped Catholic Charities choose the best footwear for underprivileged children and the homeless. I was super proud to DJ for 412 Food Rescue at its banquet honoring their corporate sponsors!!!
{ Annika is wearing the Drop Waist Maxi Skirt and Peasant Top in Dusty Rose, the Tie Top in White, Drop Waist Maxi Skirt in White, Distressed Sweater in Pink, and a Halter Tank. Her models are wearing the Festival Duster, Nomad Duster, and Distressed Sweater in Ivory }
{ The Drop Waist Maxi Skirt is currently available in Olive and Turquoise and our Signature Maxi Skirt is available in Dusty Rose }
{ Photography by Alexis Corry Kappel and Christina Stein }
