Was it a childhood dream to become an interior designer?
My mother is an interior designer and my father’s background was in textile engineering, so of course I have been influenced by the environment I grew up in and dreamt of being creative, as well. I remember making collages from my mother’s World of Interiors and AD magazines. Being surrounded by these influences instilled a curiosity in me to take a course in textile design, while studying architecture. It wasn’t until I attended Central Saint Martins that my upbringing started influencing my designs. I nurtured my appreciation for the filtered beauty found in design and shaped my work as a fashion designer.
How did launching your own name company come along?
I grew up around design but not around fashion. It was only when I moved to London that fashion presented itself to me. I went into my MA at Central Saint Martins with a very limited knowledge of fashion, and was surrounded by peers who had already worked in the industry and wanted to start their own label. It was exciting playing catch up with decades of fashion history. I had incredible mentors such as Professor Louise Wilson at Central Saint Martins, who encouraged me to build my own brand.
Can you pinpoint key turning points in your life?
Motherhood has definitely been a key turning point. Being a mom for the very first time has changed my perspective. Creativity wise, I feel more in sync with the childlike curiosity that we sometimes suppress as adults. I have a deeper understanding of the magical nature of women and what we are capable of. I have also become much more protective of my time and my decision making has become more instinctive. My son has given me a new set of eyes to look at the world and every day with him is another new lesson.
“Creativity wise, I feel more in sync with the childlike curiosity that we sometimes suppress as adults.”
Proudest moment?
There have been many moments throughout my career that were important for me and made me feel proud. One of them was our S/S 2020 show at the Temple of Poseidon, in Greece, for the 30 years of Elpida! This show was so meaningful and vitally important to me because it was not just about designing beautiful clothes, but the opportunity to communicate the values of our cultural heritage. We dedicated this show to raising funds and awareness for an amazing charity called ELPIDA, Association of Friends of Children with Cancer. Together, I believe, we managed to send a message of hope and humanity from Greece to the world.
How is juggling motherhood with running a design label?
The welcoming of my son seemed quite challenging at the beginning, but it made me feel more creative and decisive than ever. Motherhood and career progression are two aspects of our lives as women that we need to juggle in order to find a balance that works best. Having a strong support system both from my family but also from my team at work has made this new chapter in my life a lot easier and smoother to handle. I get to spend a lot of time with our son and being around him is a source of inspiration that drives me creatively, too.
Any words of wisdom?
“No is just the beginning of yes!” is my favourite quote. It is important to surround yourself with people who have a growth mindset and support your vision, even when it seems impossible to achieve.
Any advice for budding designers?
I would give them the advice I’d give to my younger self. Always follow your instinct! As you evolve as a designer you can start doubting your own decisions, but you have to have the strength of your own conviction. The fashion industry is a tough environment that requires razor sharp focus and admirable work ethic and drive. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of what is considered desirable now, as fashion is ever changing.
Your prints, textures and designs are unique. How would you describe your style?
My work has always been thematic. Narrative is very important and it’s translated through print, textile innovation, precision cut silhouettes and the harmony that is created between them. My style is feminine, bold, artistic and timeless. It’s never trend-driven. Fashion, to me, is a projection of our personality and a means of self expression.
“Inspiration can be found everywhere, even in the most diverse things; design, film, nature, art or everyday objects”
What inspires you?
Inspiration can be found everywhere, even in the most diverse things; design, film, nature, art or everyday objects. The one unchanging factor though is my curiosity and love of alchemy. I love to obsess over one idea, dissecting the inspiration to reassemble a collage of contrasting references and create unexpected narrative arcs for each collection we do.
Any ‘cheats’ to update your interiors easily?
To be honest, I tend to do a lot of research before buying anything with permanence, so even these “cheats” are decided after a lot of thought. What I often do is add new details. From soft furnishings, to a new rug, a ceramic decorative piece...elements that will shift how I feel in a room without the need of any structural change. Rearranging my furniture is also something I do when I feel like I need a change. Moving certain objects to a different part of the house gives them a new look and makes the space look refreshed but still familiar.
“Rearranging my furniture is also something I do when I feel like I need a change.”
How do you think you make a house a home?
For me, home is the place where I feel most comfortable, safe and surrounded by the people that I love the most. To make a house a home all we need is family, our loved ones and of course some personal touches that reflect our personality and aesthetic. Recently, in our home in Athens, we added my new favourite “Feather Marble” carpet, from our collaboration with the Rug Company, and it made our family room more personal. I also always have freshly cut gardenia flowers, a scent that always takes me back to my childhood memories and feels very much like home.