Dedicated followers of fashion • January 2015
Greek is chic: Athens’ fashion revival
Athens may still be clambering its way out of a financial conundrum, but the city’s creative scene is thriving. In more prosperous times, Athenians favoured established fashion houses such as Gucci and Fendi – but now local talent is stealing the limelight. Fashion writer Lizzy Wilkinson reports on the people and places helping the revolution
The style bible: Nomas
Written and printed in Greece, Nomas is a recently launched biannual magazine with a ‘traveller’s soul’. From perfectly executed interviews to forward-thinking fashion editorials in moody monochrome shades, it is the perfect way to showcase Greece’s creative talent. As publisher Yannis Bournias explains, “For those of us who create it, the magazine has been a way out of the crisis.” The second issue is available now.
The talent: hot new designers
Sure, you’ll find boutiques by European heavyweights Prada and Louis Vuitton in Kolonaki, Athens’ most elegant and trendy neighbourhood, but a growing number of pop-up stores and Greek designers have been making their mark in recent years, such as Sotiris Georgiou, Yiorgos Eleftheriades and Dimitris Petrou. Even if you only window shop, this area is worth a visit.
The hangout: Six d.o.g.s.
This popular café-bar (above) – and the narrow streets surrounding it – is the city’s new hipster hangout and hosts gigs, performances, exhibitions, shows and parties. After picking up style tips from its trendy regulars, make your way to Rock & Balls, a meatballs-only bar a street away, for a taste of New York City in the heart of Europe.
The luxury chain: Soho-Soho
With several stores dotted around Athens, and a flagship in Mykonos’ old town, Soho-Soho is now one of Greece’s leading designer boutiques. From Alexander Wang and Nicholas Kirkwood to Rag & Bone and Thakoon, its modern labels reflect Athenians’ changing attitudes toward fashion.
The vintage shop: Guadeloupe
If vintage fashion finds and immersive shopping experiences are your thing, head to Guadeloupe (above) in the Psirri neighbourhood of Athens for an afternoon of rummaging. This retro boutique is packed with men’s and women’s clothes from the 1950s to the 1970s: think thick flannel shirts and vibrant printed dresses.
The concept store: Graffito
One of the city’s newest concept stores, Graffito brings together beautiful products from both local and international design talent in a flawlessly curated setting. From statement wooden sunglasses and clutch bags to olive-oil soaps and contemporary homeware, it’s hard to leave without picking up a few unique pieces. Unwind in the in-house café with a cup of organic chamomile tea and vegan sweet treats.
The hip hotel: New Hotel
New Hotel (above) is a style enthusiast’s dream. The brainchild of Brazilian design duo Fernando and Humberto Campana, the 79-room hotel is guaranteed to become a hotspot for fashion and art fans alike. Expect energetic staff, daring interior design and beautiful custom-made furniture.
This article has been tagged Fashion + Style, Destination