AthensWears

the Circus Issue

2010-08-06T14:16:00.007+03:00

The first issue of the bookazine series by Herznote Publishing is released on September 14. It’s all about fashion. But don't think of the usual stuff. Bloggers from all over the world worked exclusively for CIRCUS Fashion. They took a look at the hidden stories of the fashion world – far away from top model shows, beauty tips and brandmania.

The Athenswears team has contributed to this issue with an article about the parent-child relationship and how they influence each other in terms of personal style and fashion. We interviewed mothers and their daughters as well as fathers with their sons and focused on their inner code for style. Do they share the same beliefs or not? How important is individual style and what does their style say about them?

More coming soon..

To order the Circus Issue visit http://circus-bookazine.com/shop/

Daphne near Syntagma Square

2010-07-01T00:51:00.005+03:00

Daphne works as a journalist and a copy editor. She likes fashion but not shopping. She always goes to the shops alone and with a plan in mind.

"Shopping with other women can be problematic. They get confused searching for the perfect outfit and can spend hours thinking about it. I, on the contrary make quick decisions. I shop two or three times a year when I want to renew my wardrobe. I go to specific shops that sell clothes that fit my personal style. I prefer small boutiques with professional employees that will help me to put together the right outfits. It is a pity that such shops seem to go extinct.

Generally, I prefer to wear clothes that are comfortable as well as stylish. I like eccentric details and I am not afraid to combine bright colours with floral prints.
I like long skirts because they give me the freedom to move. I wear jumpsuits for the same reason. I don't like to attract attention so I dress simply and sometimes I add one piece of clothing or an accessory that makes a difference; but it’s only one piece. For example, I never wear high heels with my long skirt. It is my personal rule.

I usually don't spend a lot of money on clothing. Today, I am wearing a Zara jumpsuit, a pair of shoes I bought in Rome and my beloved large summer bag. I wear a belt, originally belonging to a pair of jeans, in an attempt to match it with my denim shoes.”

Confront your fears with a cobalt blue Jumpsuit

2010-05-18T23:06:00.006+03:00

Stella is an architect and a mother of a cute four-year old girl. Her style is unique and she stands out in the crowd because she has a flair for putting together outfits that look like they were made for her.

"I wear uniforms, that's all. I always had my issues and that’s why a uniform enables me to choose outfits that I know for sure they will work on me. That way, I conceal my insecurities." When I asked her what is it that she wants to hide behind a uniform, she referred me to Marina Abramovitz's video performance The Onion. " In that video Marina Abramovitz speaks on behalf of me."

In this photo, Stella wears a necklace by Christina Darra and plastic Marni shoes. "They are so comfortable", she says, "I've spent all last summer wearing as I was going in and out of the sea."

Marina Abramović, The Onion , 1996 – 20:00 mins

The first shot is a close up of Abramović looking upward and holding a large onion. Her fingernails are painted bright red, just like her lips. Slowly she brings the onion closer to her mouth, taking a large bite from it and beginning to chew. Her voice-over keeps repeating the following as she devours the onion: ‘I’m tired of changing planes so often, waiting in the waiting rooms, bus stations, train stations, airports. I am tired of waiting for endless passport controls. Fast shopping in shopping malls. I am tired of more career decisions: museum and gallery openings, endless receptions, standing around with a glass of plain water, pretending that I am interested in conversation. I am tired of my migraine attacks. Lonely hotel room, room service, long distance telephone calls, bad TV movies. I am tired of always falling in love with the wrong man. I am tired of being ashamed of my nose being too big, of my ass being too large, ashamed about the war in Yugoslavia. I want to go away. Somewhere so far that I’m unreachable, by telephone or fax. I want to get old, really, really old, so that nothing matters any more. I want to understand and see clearly what is behind all of us. I want not to want anymore.’

source: http://wmuvideo.wordpress.com

two girls and a fedora hat

2010-05-12T11:36:00.006+03:00

Sometimes I meet people that want to talk about fashion but they do not like being exposed.However, I recently met two girls who were willing to do so creatively. They stroke a pose and concealed their faces behind a fedora hat.

"I am a dentist. I have to wear specific clothes to work; a white robe etc, but I replaced the white clogs with colorful crocks so I made this outfit mine. When I am not working, I dress casually but never conservatively. The essential piece of clothing in my wardrobe would have to be the pants. I have a large variety of pants from which I accessorize with others items. They all are unique designs and I like them to be comfortable on me as I don’t like them to outline my body.

I like 80's fashion and fluorescent colors. On a special occasion, I would wear a dress but only something that is unique because I like to be different. I say no to mini skirts, heels and in general whatever limits my comfort, my movement. I like accesories, I will always add something to my outfit, like this hat for example. I wear rings, usually on my right hand, but I keep it simple. Often, I would wear something that reminds me of a person in my life, like a ring I wore for years that belonged to my grandmother."

The other girl I spoke to is a student at the school of fine Arts. " I don't think much about fashion" she says "you ask me if I wear accesories and I said no, but I cannot think of a reason why I don’t. Actually it's the first time I think about it. Probably it’s because I would rather spend my money on other things. I dress depending on my mood. I like colors and when I am in a good mood I indulge wearing lots of colors. I like the romantic style, dresses with floral patterns. At school I wear jumpsuits because they make me feel comfortable."

installations and performance at TAF

2010-05-11T02:32:00.006+03:00

WhiteBox & Eva Pyr: Female Desires
11-25.5.2010
TAF (the art foundation) and the WhiteBox in collaboration with the performer Eva Pyr present the installation-performance, Female Desires. The performance explores the variety of expression of different types of women, through fashion design.
The exhibition - happening takes place within the ground rooms of TAF where each designer- artist presents her own female prototype in the form of an installation, construction, clothing or object. Simultaneously, Eva Pyr directs a fashion performance (Female Desires), in which the female prototypes shown within the rooms act and move in a way as to justify their uniqueness within the public space of TAF.

The Art Foundation
info@theartfoundation.gr, www.theartfoundation.gr

Athena Promachos

2010-05-07T15:01:00.015+03:00

When I interview people about fashion, I try to focus on their personalities. I concentrate on specific things they say that make them differ from the mass and I've come to the conclusion that every idividual is unique. Fashion is just a way of expression, like art, like political commentary. These days, when I talk to people in Greece, in their words I sense indignation and desperation. Individualism seems to have dissappeared, people are united by fear and anger. Since I focus on peoples' feelings and thoughts, and since a picture speaks a thousand words, I would like to share some photos from the demonstration of multitudes that took place on the 5th of May 2010 in Athens in protest of the strict measures taken by the goverment that will worsen the lives of many. One can only hope for a better future and that every crisis is an opportunity for change.

The wonderful photos are courtesy of Stratos Safioleas

back to the future

2010-04-28T14:27:00.006+02:00

Giorgos and Charalambos @ Thisseio

Blue hair, spike collar, deathly T-shirt illustrations and a cool attitude.
That was my first impression of Giorgos and Charalambos, two guys who are not afraid to speak the truth.

"I always trust my personal instincts when I choose my outfits." Giorgos declared. " I have no conventions, I choose and mix my clothes depending on my mood, I experiment and I treat it like a game. It’s like wearing a costume where I play a role depending on my mood. I do not believe in labels, most of my clothes come from women's stores like the jacket I am wearing today. I believe being yourself is the norm and I use clothes to express myself. The way I dress, attracts like-minded people and keeps conventional minded people at bay. Generally, I mix and match but I also love the style of Comme des Garçons and Digitaria, an innovative fashion label by designer Eleftheria Arapoglou. "

When asked about the way Greeks dress, he said that "the majority of Greeks show a lack of confidence in fashion and in themselves. They do not feel secure enough to express themselves and I believe that this kind of behavior is deeply rooted in a wrongful interpretation of society values and the strong influence of family and religion. I find their dress style dull, boring and miserable and I don't see them changing in the near future."

Charalambos however, is more optimistic." I think there is hope. The new generation is more open-minded since they travel more than they used to and are influenced by other cultures. As a fashion designer, I hope to change old habits. My designs feature futuristic elements and I try to visualize the new style I am dreaming of."

costume exhibition @ Benaki Museum

2010-04-24T22:14:00.007+02:00

To Dress

The Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation is organizing a costume exhibition at the Benaki Museum, from the 24th of March until the 23rd of May, titled: “Endyesthai (To Dress). Towards a Costume Culture Musuem”. The scope of the exhibition is to display the important costume collection of the Foundation and to underline the necessity of the creation of a Costume Culture Museum in Greece.

The exhibition aims to present to the public a global consideration of the act of dressing and to examine it through as different aspects as possible. The exhibits will be organized following two parallel and complementary concepts: the main one will show the evolution of dress, mainly in the West, starting from body painting in primitive cultures up to the extravagances presented on the modern catwalks. Parallel to this, there will be a series of smaller units, extensions of the main one, which will approach costume following its function, such as ceremonial garments, traditional costumes, uniforms, disposable garments, theatre costumes, etc.

The costume collections of the P.F.F. are no longer confined to Greek regional costume but are continually enriched with fashion pieces. It remains the only organized collection of haute couture and prêt-à- porter in Greece. At present, the collection consists of 5,500 pieces and includes examples of work by Mariano Fortuny, Jeanne Lanvin, Christian Dior, Issey Miyake, Paul Poiret, Paco Rabanne & other as well as Greek designers, known internationally like, Yannis Evangelidis, Jean Dessès, James Galanos, Dimis Kritsas, George Stavropoulos, Yannis Tseklenis, Sophia Kokosalaki & other.

If you want to see the exhibition through the creative eyes of a fashion pro
you just have to check the following dates:

Saturday 24 April, 12:30 p.m. Vaso Konsola
Sunday 25 April, 12:30 p.m. Yannis Tseklenis
Friday 30 April, 7:00 p.m. Ioanna Papantoniou (curator of the exhibition)
Friday 7 May, 7:00 p.m. Ioanna Papantoniou
Saturday 8 May, 12:30 p.m. Erifili Nikolopoulou
Sunday 9 May, 12:30 p.m. Erifili Nikolopoulou
Friday 14 May, 7:00 p.m. Ioanna Papantoniou
Saturday 15 May, 12:30 p.m. Vaso Konsola
Sunday 16 May, 12:30 p.m. Markellos Niktas

(photo courtesy of the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation)

the laughter yoga teacher

2010-04-18T22:04:00.006+02:00

Eleni Skrekou, laughter yoga teacher

We met Eleni in Thisseio and were attracted to her by her big smile and positive energy. A lively, spirited person, she is working as a laughter yoga teacher and also is participating in the Free Hugs campaign. We actually show her in action and shared a warm hug as well.

We asked her about fahion and the things she likes to wear. She said that she likes comfortable, colourful, joyful clothes, things that represent her mood. Her aim is to give a pleasant and positive image, to make people smile. "Colours represent our mood," she added "and I don't like the way in Athens wear so much black; especially in winter it's like seeing crowds of darkness walking around. I like to be a splash of colour in the crowd! Even on these black trousers I'm wearing I've sewn on happy words like 'love' in colourful threads to break the blackness."

We asked her if she has favourite clothes or accessories and replied that she loves Anna Theoharakis' jewellery, an artist based on Aegina island. "She makes everything by hand and uses fabrics and threads. I probably have been very affected by her work, her combination of colours, and now I can't live without her jewellery! When I go out without wearing colourful jewellery I feel as if something is missing. If I'm in a flat mood I find I don't feel like wearing any jewellery at all. Also I have a very comfortable jean-skirt that's hand-made and has colourful details and is below the knee. I like loose trousers like I'm wearing today and tops in bright block colours, rather than items that have lots of colours together. Several times I've been told that I look Indian because of my physical features but also because of the way I dress - and that was before I ever went to India too."

Her opinion about greek everyday fashion is that people should be more daring. "Although we live busy lives and taking time to choose what clothes to wear can be demanding, perhaps people should spend less time watching television and more on focussing on their personal expression. My mood is very affected by my clothes and I wish people would dare more to be themselves. Sometimes I like to feel like a rainbow in the way I dress and overdo it, but so what?!"

We Met the April Market @ Gazi

2010-04-12T21:43:00.018+02:00

stylish couple @ Meet the Market

Fotini posing for us

Lovely Kim

The April's Meet the Market took place at Technopolis in Gazi, the ex Gas factory. The industrial sourounding made the exhibition even more interesting, where colorful clothes, accessories and people moving around contrasted the cold metal structure of the building.

Easter @ Athens

2010-04-06T12:43:00.003+02:00

Arwen, Sellas Cafe, Exarcheia

Arwen Curley Pandeleiakis is an Artist and Interior Decorator who lives on the island of Andros. We met her at the Sellas cafe, in Exarcheia, on a sunny day during Easter and talked about many things, among them fashion and her feelings about it. That day she was wearing her favourite all-purpose winter-to-summer dress and this is how she explained it to us:

"In winter I wear it with a roll-neck and thick stockings and in summer without. With it I'm wearing my favourite silk coat. The scarf is because I'm in Athens and I feel it protects me. I can play with it when I'm annoyed, or I can cover my neck when I feel threatened. It's from Zara; my advice is to never buy anything that costs more than 40 euros, unless it's a beautiful coat or something else really worth while."

When asked about her sense of style she replied: "When I was 13, I discovered Goth, and since then there are always elements of that in my wardrobe. I love the combination of Goth-romantic and minimal.

I choose what I am going to wear each day according to how I'd like my day to go. It's like setting the atmosphere according to how you clothe your body. For example, I love Autumn and Spring and so sometimes I wear clothes that will bring on the atmosphere of that season in my life.

My favourite clothes are my pyjamas! By the way, I'd like to say that I never ever ever buy something just because it's in fashion, and I think no one should - everyone should try to find their own style. Just because you see it in a magazine, it doesn't mean it suits you. I still have things that I bought 10 years ago which I continue to wear to this very day!"

@ Exarchia square

2010-03-29T00:00:00.000+02:00

Exarchia square, Varvara

Varvara is 28 years old and works in a private company. She
lives in Marousi (a northern suburb). She has a dress code for
work, and for every day outfits she prefers comfortable clothes,
that don’t draw too much attention. She describes herself as
simple and conservative and feels that’s reflected in the way
she dresses. She is inspired by Latin music and her travels to
other countries. That day she wore earrings she had bought
during her trip to Brazil and her top was bought from Thailand.
She likes accessories and experiments with them. She buys
her clothes from Zara and similar chain-stores and also from
small boutiques in the suburbs, near her house. When shopping
she thinks practical and prefers to give more money for
high-quality items that last longer (for example good leather
boots). She has specific items in mind when shopping but
rarely finds them in the shops around her. It’s difficult for her to
follow fashion trends and she usually likes trends when they’ve
faded out and she’s managed to adapt to them.

2010-03-22T12:50:00.006+02:00

Panemistimiou st, Aliki

Aliki works as a graphic designer and owns her own creative office, called Meetoo. Loves fashion and likes expressing her creativity through clothes. She shops without a plan and goes for items that attract her attention. She loves to wear out her clothes she owns, like the ballerina shoes she bought from Rebet while visiting Paris.

She learns about fashion from magazines, the internet and from what she sees in other people. She points out Balmain as this season’s favorite fashion designer and adds that she found a T-shirt in Zara that reminded her of his collection. She commented that Zara and the other “affordable” chain-stores offer everybody the opportunity to own a piece of high design since they create quite good imitations of designer clothes at low prices, remarking that this is a result of the industrial revolution in fashion, but that the bad side of this is that you may end up wearing a kind of uniform.

She also comments that clothing reveals one’s personality, aesthetics; for example a handsome man in army uniform could look ugly if he dresses with bad taste in everyday life.

Place: near the Academy of Athens and the University (Law school)

Voukourestiou st, Maria and Panagiotis

I moved on to Kolonaki, 10 minutes walk from Sintagma, and headed to Voukourestiou st, the high class shopping area. Gucci, Prada, Hermes, top-end jewelery shops and the Attica department store are nearby. I stopped to talk with and photograph Maria and Panagiotis, a married couple.

Maria works as head of sales in a private company. She enjoys quality clothing and for this reason prefers shopping from famous fashion labels like Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani and feels comfortable in Pinko clothes, Miss Sixty and Seven Jeans; she also pays regular visits to Zara and H&M. She doesn’t enjoy shopping because she gets confused, unable to choose easily, so when she shops it’s usually a spontaneous process. She spends money but within reason and as she said tries to buy clothes and accessories that are not fashion statements but have a timeless quality, so that she can wear them for many years. She has developed a personal style that comes from combinations of clothing she has in her wardrobe and depending on the event. She is not influenced by trends. She likes being feminine; she likes bags and eccentric shoes, always with high heels. In the photo she wears Marc Jacobs shoes,Dolce & Gabbana jeans and holds a Prada bag. She likes jewelry, especially necklaces, bracelets and rings. Earrings don’t do it for her.

Panos runs his own business. He likes fashion and shopping, makes quick decisions and always knows what he wants. He enjoys wearing brand-name clothes, and considers Prada designs quite close to his personal taste.

Athenswears on air

2010-03-16T14:48:00.006+02:00

Athenswears visited AIR FM 104.4 in the studio to chat on the show Athens4real. On the video Eva from Athenswears relates what she has discovered about the changing face of style in the capital and her experiences about setting the blog up.

back on the streets of Athens on a dull day

2010-03-11T13:41:00.014+02:00

We walked from Syntagma Square to Exarcheia to capture the Athenian vibe on a dull day.

@ Exarcheia, Aspasia and Olga, Students, 19 and 20 years old

Exarxeia is a youth-based area of Athens with many cafeterias, bookshops, record stores and bars. It’s a culturally peripheral zone, with a lot of students from the nearby University, cult residents, anarchists and junkies.

We met Aspasia and Olga as they sat on the doorstep of an old building. Their colorful clothes made us notice them from a distance. They are both students at the University of Athens, Aspasia studies English Literature and Olga Psychology. They said they like to shop second-hand clothes from bazaars. Olga said she likes earrings and the ones she was wearing were made by Aspasia. They are influenced by music, they listen to alternative music, Aspasia added post punk and new wave. We asked them about their haircuts and said they do them themselves.

@ Exarcheia square.

Romina is Italian and lives now in Greece because she’s studying at the Italian Educational Center of Athens. She is 20 years old and likes fashion, but wouldn’t spend much money on clothes if she can’t afford it. The clothes she was wearing that day were from London. She makes accessories herself, such as the earrings she’s wearing in the photo.

@ Syntagma square.

Christina is 21 and studies Theater in the port-city of Patra. She likes fashion and usually prefers going out wearing jeans, high heel shoes and shirts. She doesn’t like to provoke with her clothes but enjoys dressing in a feminine way. She likes to wear make up and accessorizes with earrings, faux bijoux, and an expensive watch on her left wrist. She shops from chain-stores like Bershka, Stradivarius and she would spend more money on buying shoes and a watch.

Note about Sintagma Square: it’s the starting point for Ermou st, the most popular downtown shopping avenue, with boutiques, big stores and chain-stores like Zara, Bershka etc

Athenswears@NYC part two

2010-02-26T14:36:00.000+02:00

Other things that caught our attention during our visit to NYC

shop-windows, here one of Bergdorf Goodman

Henri Bendel

Hermes for men

Hermes for women

Very cute dolls inspired from Ponyo, the animation film

the architecture and design section, inside the Museum of Modern Art

the Tim Burton exhibition

tourist delights: iceskating in the sunken garden @ the Rockefeller Center

the red stairs in Time Square

the city view

Athenswears @ NYC part one

2010-02-26T14:26:00.001+02:00

Well, we were lucky enough to visit New York City for a week: too short a time to do all the things you imagine doing there but long enough to catch on to the vibes of The City That Never Sleeps. The cold weather didn't put us off, so we walked around most of Manhatan and - between visiting museums, shopping and bar hopping - we had the opportunity to take a few street-style photos (or, more correctly, park-style photos, since they were taken inside Central Park). In part two you can see some photos of other things that caught our attention.

For those who adore vintage

2010-02-11T17:50:00.004+02:00

Take a look at the forthcoming bazaar from Holy Mustache

HOLY MUSTACHE VINTAGE
presents

$$$ FUCK COLD $$$

WINTER COLLECTION VINTAGE MARKET

CLOTHES - ACCESSORIES - COLLECTORS ITEMS

21th, 22th, 23th, 24th & 25th FEBRUAY

@ Intrepid FOX Bar

We Met the Market @ Bios

2010-01-27T17:05:00.035+02:00

It was a very cold day (for Athens standards) but that didn't stop people from visiting the first Meet the Market for 2010.

We find it easier to remain in style when less clothes are involved but what happens if you have to keep warm? Solution: a cozy purple sweater with geometrical pattern combined with black stretch leggings

playmobil necklace, memoirs of childhood

Ioanna infront of her vintage collection. We loved her eye-catching yellow jacket (which swings well with the blue belt, the black earrings and blouse)

Annie "feeling vintage"

stripes against stripes

Annie-boho style, Irini-dots and colors

Sunday evening @ Gazi

2010-01-20T15:26:00.014+02:00

...and as we were wandering around we came across a photo shoot that caught our attention. The model's fuchsia dress and weird accessories stood out against the grey surroundings. We followed her and were led to Holy Moustache's Stock Sacrifiction at the Interpid Fox. Vintage clothes, shoes, sunglasses, magazines, vinyls, turntables and other surreal items from the seventies-eighties were exhibited either on a pool table or hanging in a large cage, in perfect harmony with the bar's wild rock decoration.
(Holy Stock Sacrifiction: 17-21/01, 14:00-23:00 @ Intrepid FOX Bar, Gazi)

Holy Moustache making an entrance..

Elina in her vintage coat and sophisticated make-up (reminding us of Audrey Hepburn)

Naya in cool, rock style

Interesting details: colourful nails and vintage scarf with rustic theme

we love red shoes

wow! Very stylish vintage Valentino sunglasses

"Swap not Shop" Xmas edition @ Six D.O.G.S.

2009-12-29T03:12:00.007+02:00

"Swap not Shop" is a clothing exchange party, organised by Sandra-Odette, Thalia and Viviana (more info: www.swishing.gr). This time the event took place at the Six D.O.G.S., the new place to be in Athens, a multispace including a bar, a cafe place, a Project space (for exhibitions,one-off events), a Studio Complex (atelier for artists, designers) and a Utility Place (for live gigs, workshops etc). Athenswears visited the event, which turned out to be a big success judging from the number of people who participated and from their enthusiasm!

No limits, no rules, no money, just swapping, as the girls say!

Sandra-Odette, one member of the organizing team with friend, colorful pic

Outside Six D.O.G.S., Elena, Nina and friend, fancy a coffee break. Loved their style (and their red balloon)!

Aggeliki and Kostapanos take a break to pose for us (we like men experimenting with color and accesories!)

Elina and Natasha, casual dressed (nice sneakers!)

daring colors and an attitude, Aggeliki, Aggeliki and Kiki

The "Swap not Shop" team, Sandra, Viviana and Thalia

Violeta with dreadlocks

Elina and Natasha, in black and white

Last but not least, the dj of the event wearing a fabulous Mexican Wrestling Mask

Christmas is coming..

2009-12-24T17:18:00.002+02:00

...so we took a walk in downtown Athens to see what’s happening!
We started with the Meet the Market bazaar, at Technopolis, in the Gazi area. We met a joyful atmosphere and loads of people strolling around and spent the day taking photos in a frenzy. Here’s what we came up with...

the joyful atmosphere we were talking about, happy people meet the market

Alina, Razzmataz

Avgi with her handmade dress for Cruel Candy

Anna, Akiramushi, japanese aesthetic

Holy Mustache with his vintage collection

Katerina from Germany and small Violeta giving us a big smile

loads of people..

Elisavet knitting…

...these nice things probably

Valia, part of the CraftersinCrime

Loved this scarf!

Katerina displaying her Moyo bag

Katerina from Magiko..

..and her creations

Venetia Ioakim dressed in a very feminine piece from her own collection themed "Grandma's Secret Love Affair"

Vallistic accessories

Irini Spinou and Evgenia design sweet-like accesories, yum!

Etten from Envite Encorre

leafshaped earrings from recycled material, Etten's choice

New trend for earings, captured illustrations

Marianthi posing

Vicky is happy finding meet the market (from a free press newspaper) to shop her xmas gifts. We asked many people how they found their way to the meet market and most of them indicated facebook.Sign of the times?

More photos from the Beautiful Inside & Out Event!

2009-11-18T21:19:00.002+02:00

Here are some pics from the events preceeding the fashion mayhem ;))

Beautiful Inside & Out @ Whitebox

2009-11-18T21:08:00.005+02:00

Last Sunday we were at Whitebox where a fun event took place. It was called Beautiful Insade & Out -WHERE FEMALE CREATIVITY MEETS INNER BALANCE & FASHION MEETS BEAUTY!
Shiatsu demonstration and sessions, Face exercise sessions, Make up seminar, fashion styling, and photoshoots! All accompanied by handmade nibbles,tea & wine...and lot's of cool girly energy!
Participants: Evangelia Kouloglou, Stella Glanti, Georgia Kotsiopoulou, Gaffer & Fluf, Marika Poulopoulou & Jessica Josafat...and blogs Fashion Paths, Life In Athens, and The Soho Symposium.
Enjoy the pics from the fashion-styling parts of the day! more to come soon...

Yatzer makes us proud, excited, curious and alert!

2009-10-25T16:53:00.003+02:00

This one of the best websites around!
The creator Costas Voyatzis has an amazing group of collaborators and together they bring to our attention everything unique, cuting edge and worthwhile in architecture fashion design art and other relevant fields...
An example is this funky work of Formafantasma presented by contributor Apostolos Mitsios.

http://www.yatzer.com/

Meet Market @ TAF

2009-10-25T16:19:00.001+02:00

Another great event this weekend...Note the changed times...

Cutting games @ Whitebox

2009-10-25T16:09:00.004+02:00

Whitebox held a fashion performance by designer Nikos Glavinas...Lot's of WB supporters visited, as well as many new Facebook friends, everyone seemed to enjoy the fresh event -which featured some great music- and browsed through the Winter designs of the -currently- 18 designers on board!
We enjoyed Caramello wine courtesy of Tsandali.
The cool pic is from Christiana from Fashion Paths who so kindly blogged about it!
Looking forward to the next event!

Meet Market @ Pure Bliss

2009-09-10T22:57:00.002+02:00

Check out the Eco Meet Market on the 19th-20th of September!

details here... http://www.themeetmarket.gr

Summer Art Fashion Sangria Party @ Whitebox!

2009-06-14T22:24:00.000+03:00

The Whitebox Showroom, that features the creations of over 10 Greek designers is holding a Photography exibition by Nikos Pitsilos inspired by the energy of the space. For more info check out the Facebook page of *Whitebox Praxitelous*
With this oportunity, W.B. hosted a sangria party to celebrate the downtown summer vibe...and to welcome the arrival of 3 new designers Elsa Pakopoulou, Marika Poulopoulou and Afroditi Ioannou!
Check out the art and people!

The Meet Market @ Technopolis!

2009-06-13T22:30:00.002+03:00

The largest coolest Meet Market ever was held a while back @ Technopolis Gazi.
It coincided with Ecofestival and Jazz Festival which made for a wide range eclectic crowd!

Jewels by Jessica Revamped

2009-04-26T12:51:00.003+03:00

The website full of vintage recycled goodies has a new fresh look and a series of unique, one-of-a-kind pieces available online.

The Limited Edition Summer09 Collection, named Vintage Envy, will be available online shortly, in the meantime you can find the collection in boutiques all around Athens, Greece and @ Whitebox!

Contact jessica@jewelsbyjessica.com for details and click on the banner link to visit Jewels by Jessica.

Whitebox Winter Sale!

2009-02-08T21:47:00.003+02:00

Whitebox is ready for the Summer 09 collections...so go down and help them clear the Winter Whitebox and grab designs from 10+ talented people, including jewelry, accessories, handbags, shoes, and other items at friendly prices.

You will find mostly Winter 08/09, but also some great previous summer/winter stuff as well at amazing prices.

Call for an appointment or come by from 12 till 6 daily excluding Sundays.

Whitebox
5th floor, 26 Praxitelous str
Athens, Greece
near Metro station Panepisthmio, Syndagma and Monasthraki
from 12 till 6 daily except Sunday
tel 210-3232343

the days after

2008-12-15T11:55:00.005+02:00

Beginning of the week after the Athens riots and everything is back to normal...

..well almost everything

A Blanketlo in Time for Winter...

2008-12-05T01:35:00.002+02:00

Here is a glimpse of a mini collection created by designer Blanketlo for Winter 2008.
Her idea for this collection was to merge casual and ''haute couture'' fabrics for every day clothes...
Contact Olga at blanket.lo@gmail.com

Art @ Amsterdam

2008-11-28T20:42:00.005+02:00

We Meet Again

2008-11-27T13:12:00.003+02:00

October's Meet Market took place at the lovely venue of EPASKT
Union of Fine Art Graduates)

Two neoclassical buildings that enclosed a beautiful garden cafe were the meeting point this time, just under the shadow of the Acropolis.
The crowd was amazing, even the sudden storm on Sunday didn't deter them :)
With many more vendors this time and a variety of goods from new designer clothes and accessories, to the usual vintage corner, to art and home decoration, and from body and bath products to books and music etc. Our time there was made even cooler with the usual live DJ sets.
Looking forward to the next monthly gig!

3rd Tell A Story

2008-10-13T15:29:00.019+02:00

Last weekend, right in the heat of Athens Fashion Week, the 3rd Tell A Story took place at K44 at Gazi.
The only tradeshow devoted to independent young designers, that showcases their work and brings them in contact with the wholesale clients and retailers.
40 designers took part. Looking forward to the next one!

October Meet Market is up!

2008-10-02T22:52:00.003+02:00

Dates & Details

SATURDAY 18TH & SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER

16.00 - 23.00 EVERY DAY

E.P.A.S.K.T. GALLERY
ALUMNI UNION OF THE SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS

THOLOU & PANOS STR 19A (above Aerides and below Anafiwtika)
PLAKA
HISTORICAL CENTRE
ATHENS
Closest Metro/Train Monasthraki

Vendors

WEARS & TEARS:
FIRST HAND DESIGNERS:
Al=, Ada Kamara, Blanket Lo, Christy, Elsa Hats,
Freedom Copyshop, Kings on Speed, LACQNE, Lillypute, Lost Toys,
Marianthi, Marina, Matalou@Home, Migma, Mina, Rubberize, SoKosmic,
To2, Valia, Xanthippi

SECONDHAND/VINTAGE:
Dafbu, JASMINE, Use Your Fantasy

VINYL EXCHANGE:
Creative Space, D2, Noiz Productions, Vinyl Microstore

ART & BOOKS:
Anthony, DYNASTYZINE, James Enox, Oksis, Wonderli

TOYS, BATH&BODY, SOLAR SYSTEMS & MAGIC:
Busy Bee, LYA Productions, Organic Soul

*Also featuring: HO:LO, Elevensouls, Chloe Benetatos, Tell Mama Accessories, The Garden of Roses and Lila Ruby King

LOOK OUT FOR THE FLYERS!
Thats right boys and girls... because these flyers are special flyers.

Your flyer is not merely an informative artistic effort of promotion...
no, it is much more....

It is a origami kit, that with your help and dexterity, can be transformed into a 3D game!
Turn your flyer into a dice and bring it with you to the Meet Market to play in the FANTASMICAL DICE ROLL

for one of six free PRIZES!

What ever your dice rolls, theres something to be won!...

3rd Tell A Story

2008-09-12T21:43:00.004+02:00

The very young & hapenning Tell a Story Young Designer Tradeshow is gearing up for Summer 2009! It coincides with the Athens Fashion Week so visitors from out of Athens can get the most of both sides of the fashion spectrum!
The event will be held at K44 again, well know for supporting such innovative events. Details are below, but beware! The exibition is for trade only or by special invitation :)

Tell a Story
3rd International Young Designers’ Tradeshow
buyers only

9-12 October 2008

at K44

for Spring/Summer 2009

The third international young designers’ tradeshow “Tell a Story” is to take place between the 9th and 12th of October 2008 at K44 (Konstantinoupoleos 44, Gazi).

Young, up and coming designers from all over Greece and Europe will be presenting their collections for S/S-2009.

Tell a Story, is the only tradeshow in Greece that is focusing on the presentation of the work of young designers, aiming to promote it within the Greek market. The range, selected by the organisational team of Tell a Story, reflects a coherent pick of designers with fresh, innovative and in the same time practical designs, always within the context of small qualities and high quality.

Tell a Story’s aim is to grow into a platform of exchange, coexistence and development by inviting every time, more and more young designers, artists, photographers, stylists, journalists and buyers.

This season’s organisation is inviting more designers to participate while following the guidelines of international fashion fairs, meaning that designers will be presenting their work for Spring/Summer 2009.

For more information you can contact us at 00.30.210.3213298 ,00.30.6947 025766 and 00.30.6932365008 or email info@occhi.biz

June Meet the Market at Meli Studio

2008-06-19T13:22:00.000+03:00

The Athenswears team had a blast at the recent Meet the Market event which was organized by a collective of artists, designers, djs and independent businesses. Location=Meli Studio, bar & restaurant extraordinaire.
The aim of this monthly event is to encourage street culture and conscious consumerism while showcasing their creations in a market/party format. We saw high quality handmade goods from independent Greek artisans and interesting vintage items while rotating djs spinned cool and funky tunes.

Art Athina 08

2008-06-02T09:40:00.001+03:00

Art Athina, Greece's annual contemporary art fair show which showcases galleries from all over the world took place recently in a large space which featured apart from artworks, music concerts, performances and other impromptu happenings. The crowd was cool, fashionable and eccentric.

1st winner of Athenswears Anniversary Contest

2008-05-21T11:46:00.003+03:00

Callie Vei sent us these photos which won us over not only because of their great style and set up but also because she is a young promising photographer. Check out some more work over at her profile on http://xjukeboxheroinex.deviantart.com/

More winners will be posted when we have communicated and confirmed them!

Designers & Fans

2008-05-08T22:26:00.000+03:00

Some stylish people from The Meet the Market weekend...

Anniversary Contest Results!

2008-04-30T19:37:00.002+03:00

We are officially late in posting our annual anniversary contest results and we ask for your forgiveness!
But we were extremely busy and had to cover certain events etc which took up some time and then it was Easter, and well, we are Mediterraneans so we love our holidays :)

So, here are the results and the 3 winners who will each receive a goodie bag full of jewelry, clothing and accessories by Greek independent designers!

1st winner Callie Vei from Greece. We were objective in our choice, we promise! She is our first winner because of the quality and originality behind these stylized photos! AND, she is only 16 years old :) check out her work at http://xjukeboxheroinex.deviantart.com/

2nd winner Mary from Brazil ... We loved the papparazzo style concept!

3rd winner Tiiu Aruoja from Esthonia ...The silver lurex leggings in the snow won us over!

Hey winners! We will post your winning entries seperately for everyone to see and enjoy. Please send us your full names and postal addresses so we can send you your designer's goodies bundles!

We Met the Market!

2008-04-21T18:12:00.001+02:00

Here are some snapshots of the event before it became too crowded and packed with people! Great atmopshere and music, made for an interesting weekend for artists, designers and visitors...Looking forward to the next one!

Meet the Market!

2008-04-09T23:40:00.002+02:00

Hello to all!

A market that exposes the talent and creativity of local artists, designers, dj's and independent businesses.

Location/Dates:
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 11, 12 and 13 from 17:00P.M. - 02:00A.M.
At K44 Bar at Konst/poleos 44.
1 minute from Keramikos Metro station. (go down and turn left). Gazi.

-Young Designers at great prices (1st floor. clothes, accessories, jewelry etc...see poster for participants)
-Vinyl (1st floor)
-Food (1st floor)
-Art/Photography/Print (lower floor,bar)
-Vintage Corner (1st floor)
-Live DJ set's every day (see schedule)
ETC...

SPREAD THE WORD!

This is the second such event and we will be in 4 rooms total, the Gallery upstairs, the Glass room, the vintage room and there also will be Art downstairs at the Bar.
The Bar has music, drinks and sofas to make the vibe extra lively and cozy.

DJ LINE UP:

Friday April 11th
17:00 - warm up with j melik
18:00 - 20:00 - pornaldo
20:00 - 22:00 - anal vissi
22:00 - 00:00 - subtekk
00:00 - 02:00 - black athena

Saturday April 12th
17:00 - warm up with j melik
18:00 - 20:00 - vm crew
20:00 - 22:00 - winjer/palo
22:00 - 00:00 - petit bear
00:00 - 02:00 - lowdown

Sunday April 13th
17:00 - warm up with j melik
18:00 - 20:00 - soft moos
20:00 - 22:00 - loot djs
22:00 - 00:00 - dj noiz
00:00 - 02:00 - melik

Also, The Meet Market is booked for next month as well! New venue, I will keep you posted :)

Any questions
Alison 0694-7084415
Jessica 6944-989220

Thanks!

Calling all fashionistas & fashion junkies!

2008-03-28T22:24:00.002+02:00

Fashhh.com is a cool new site dedicated to fashionistas.
Works like a gallery of everyday fashion. You will find photographs posted of real life outfits and their details, you can vote, leave comments, see top lists, read the blog and even sumbit your own stylish choices and participate in the global fashion collective.

The creators Per-Kjetil Skare, Øyvind Skålsvik, Geir Are Jensen and Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen are from Norway and aim to make this an interractive community for online fashion junkies.

Check it out, participate and help this site grow!

Young Designers International Trade Show at K44

2008-03-14T11:23:00.000+02:00

For the second time, the Young Designers International Trade show was held at K44 , an alternative exibition and bar space inKeramikos and lasted 4 days.
Designers presented their summer 2008 and winter 2008-9 collections and welcomed the trade from all around Greece who met the designers and placed orders. This is one of the few events held annually in support of the individual work of independent designers and hopefully will flourish in the coming seasons. This show is the brainchild of Anna Polydorou the owner of Gallery Occhi. http://www.occhi.biz
Below some images are from the exibition and some from the participant's portofolios...

p.s. email us if you are interested in contacting any of the designers and we will gladly pass on the details.

The following designers participated:
Skevi Afantites-silver jewelry
Blanket Lo -clothes & accessories (www.myspace.com/blanket.lo),
Busybee- plushies (www.myspace.com/busybeecreative),
Kiriaki Kosta-clothing,
Alison Damianou -jewelry,
Jewels by Jessica -recycled jewelry & clothing (www.jewelsbyjessica.com),
KRV KURVA -La.Ga bags ( www.krvkurva.org) ,
Lost Toys clothing & accessories– (www.lost-toys.gr) ,
Madame Mo -objects & accessories (www.madamemo.com) ,
Matalou@home -leather handbags and accessories, (www.myspace.com/at_home23),
Alexis Marinis -T-shirts,
Ioli Mihalopoulou -clothing,
SugarLine Productions -jewelry,
Two in a Gondola -clothing (www.twoinagondola.com),
Vlieger&Vandam -leather bags (www.vliegervandam.com),
ZOOMS by Chrysanthi Genouzou -clothing

Contest extended!

2008-03-05T23:12:00.003+02:00

Hello fashionistas and bloggers,

After a bit of thought and a request or two, we decided to extend our contest for another month! So you still have time to brush up your stylist skills, point your camera and take some cool fashion pics...of yourself, your friends or anyone walking down the street :)

Go on! We need some spring inspiration from you all!

See below the original contest post for details and prizes ;)

I promise you there will be 3 goodie bags worth the effort

Amsterdam Style

2008-02-11T15:37:00.001+02:00

Athenswears visited Amsterdam recently and here are some snapshots that show the vibe of this funky & vivid town.What strikes us as interesting is the fact that although the city has a very laid back and creative vibe, the street style is somewhat classic considering!

Art is everywhere!

Amsterdam Bag Museum
Antique, vintage and modern designs, all seem current and stylish!

First Year Super Anniversary Contest!

2008-01-18T09:47:00.000+02:00

Hey stylish bloggers!
We are celebrating our one year anniversary!

So we thought of a cool contest for all our readers!

Email us your fashion photos (could be of interesting street style of your city, of your friends or even yourself!) and win one of 3 goodie bags from Greek Independent Designers! (gifts will include jewelry, leather accessories, clothing etc from designers like www.lost-toys.gr, matalou@home at www.myspace.com/at_home23, Sugar Line Productions, www.jewelsbyjessica.com, Gallanti Jewels, Fluk by Smaro Botsa, Mina's Handmade and more!)

We will accept up to 3 photos per entry from all over the world, the Team will pick the 3 lucky winners (taking into account fashion style and quality of images) and will mail the prizes around the globe via registered airmail :)

You will allow us to post the best photos on the site and mention your first name and location. The contest ends 1st of March and the winner will be announced the following week after we deliberate :)

Tech specs:
-Semi-high resolution (just so long as it's possible to enlarge it from the 300x400 size they'll be on the blog page)
-Please label each photo
-mail us : athenswears@gmail.com

As for the future of Athenswears, hold tight, life has been busy for the Team, but we still have major plans that will include and promote the design and fashion world or our city.

Fashion-A-Fair at Booze

2007-12-18T15:41:00.000+02:00

We mentioned this event a while ago, which took place the same time as Athens Fashion Week...
Well here are some images from the event featuring some of the designs and designers :).
There was also a unique happenning with a well thought out performance that was humorous and very theatrical.
We are looking forward to the next Theatre Crossroads productions event!

48th Thessaloniki International Film Festival

2007-12-01T23:00:00.000+02:00

Mrs. Tependri
Enfant Terrible of the art world, Constantinos Kakanias, welcomed the visitors at the 48th Thessaloniki Film Festival with a huge inflatable sculpture of (his muse) Mrs. Tependri.

the opening ceremony
The opening ceremony that kicked off the Film fest and was directed by Thanos Anastopoulos featured scenes and images from the European avant garde cinema as screened on four huge white balloons that were suspended from the ceiling.

Athens Xclusive Designers Week

2007-11-20T13:43:00.000+02:00

Presenting New Designers

A glimpse from the catwalk ( designer's name Alexandros Talianis)

At the entrance

Fashion Lovers

Athens Fashion Week crowd

2007-11-06T01:20:00.000+02:00

more to come soon...

Athens Fashion Week crowd numero duo

2007-10-31T23:59:00.000+02:00

Athens Fashion Week - Spring/Summer 2008

2007-10-27T00:43:00.000+02:00

Orsalia Partheni For her Spring/Summer collection 2008
Orsalia Partheni brings back the 80's and chooses bright colors together with provocative and super revealing shapes.

Maria Mastori and Filep Motwary
Inspired by the summer fires that devastated Greece, the two designers painted the models faces charchoal and accessorized them with elements from nature, large stones and netting.

Miriam Ponsa
Miriam Ponsa is a young, talented new designer from Barcelona. In our chat with her, she revealed that for her show she was inspired by her newborn baby, finding the courage to show her latex obsession and combine it with bold and bright colors.

Yiorgos Elefteriades
An avid supporter of alternative style, Yiorgos Eleftheriades for his new collection aims to create a new urban uniform...

Fashion Booze!

2007-10-25T12:09:00.000+02:00

Well, this has nothing to do with alhohol!
Instead it is a fashion event taking place at the well known Athenian Booze Co-operativa bar!
15 up and coming designers will be presenting and selling their wears (clothing, jewelry & accesories) for 2 days in an alternative space, combined with live performances and art instalations.

This event is entitled Fashion A-Fair and is organised by an English company called International Theatre Crossroads which is involved in artistic endeavours and cultural productions all around Europe.
The live performances are at 2.30/5.00 and 19.30 while the exibition is open from 1.00 to 21.00 on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of October.
Booze Co-operativa is situated at 57 Kolokotroni str. central Athens.

Designers taking part are: M.Katratzaki, K. gougounis, O. Paparidou, C. Dourmazer, A. Dadinou, E. Kitsaki, I. Zikiri, N. Mainaris, F. Kostouli, M. Gouromihou, E. Mollet, N. Velentza, D. Iliopoulos, S. Kalogirou.

Playful Geometry

2007-10-12T15:09:00.000+02:00

We sat down and chatted with designer Marina Gouromihou about her work, philosophies and the concept behind her creations.

Marina initially studied Interior Design in Greece. She was already involved in making jewelry and ceramics and continued her studies with an MA in Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products at the School of Jewellery, UCE, in Birmingham, UK.
After the completion of her course she returned to Greece where she established her company. She has participated in various exhibitions in Greece, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, England etc and has shown her work twice in Munich, Germany at the prestigious Innorgenta exibition.

Being a supporter of the Bauhaus movement and perception, the 3F’s (Form Follows Function), geometry and a mathematical but playful approach seem to govern her mind.
She has been involved with various projects, from Art jewellery (for exibition only) to whole collections based on specific materials (magnets, rubber, aluminium etc) even created pieces with political themes (by using petroleum in her pieces reffering to the black gold)

Whether she creates in silver or rubber she considers each material unique and precious in it’s own way and has done a lot of research as far as the painstaking techniques she utilises in her pieces.

Custom pieces are always welcome, as she enjoys creating one-off pieces never to be reproduced. In her words “…the process of original creation is what I love” and her aim is to be involved in original designs as much as possible. Collaborating with other designers is also of interest to her, as she has already created jewellery that function integrally with original paper clothing designed by Emma Mollet.

Her pieces are logical and minimal but always have a hidden meaning, an original or multifunctional use or an element of surprise in them.

When asked to mention a highlight in her career so far she said “the next project is what I am always most excited about!”, and her ideal client-customer is someone like-minded who can appreciate the unique sensibilities and serious playfulness of her work...

You can find Marina’s workshop at 30 Immitou str. Holargos, Athens.
Contact her at 210-6521476 or 6936-521476 and mrn.g@hotmail.com

Examples of her work can be found at :
Marianna Petridis Gallery, Kolonaki
Ygrey, Peiraius
Rodamos, Psihiko
Art Shop Benaki Museum, Peiraios str.
Bye me, Korinthos
Dia puros Margoni, thessaloniki
Laas, Holargos
Dimitra Boulgarh, Mukonos

Falling for Fall Fashions

2007-10-02T19:52:00.000+02:00

MeMeMe is a funky boutique located in Haritos str. which features mostly independant Greek designers and it's owner Evi Magaliou, was kind enough to model for Athenswears a couple of key looks for Fall 2007.

This is a brightly colored vintage inspired satin dress, that can be worn as a trapeze babydoll or cinched at the waist which is so fashionable right now. Dress by Bed of Roses, clutch by booboo, shoes by Elvira and earrings by Fluk.

This is another outfit with a very retro luxe looking jacket but it is cleverly combined with a modern knit mini skirt and a colorful snakeskin clutch. In this look we have 3 key trends going, the 50es, the micro mini and the 80es! Skirt by Missoni, jacket by Fairytales.

In the mood for Fall...!

2007-09-16T02:30:00.000+02:00

Kathimerini newspaper has us down as Athens answer to the global street style fashion blog phenomenon!

So...
Summer is officially over even if the weather is still warm and vacation mode is hard to get out of!

But Athenswears is back, with many ideas and plans for the coming winter...We are hoping to take the site a step further, so keep an eye on things and thanks for all the support!

The clash is back :)

2007-08-06T23:12:00.000+03:00

Hi everyone,

The urban Team is taking a much needed holiday until the end of August!

And while something weird is happening with our images on our blog (we are trying to sort it out) at the same time the Street Style Contest organised by StreetClash is into the second round...Each day we are up with a different picture against Tallinn, so take a peek and vote for us :)

http://www.streetclash.blogspot.com/

Thanks and have a great week!

Sync Festival @gazi

2007-07-28T12:21:00.000+03:00

Last weekend the Urban Team partied at the Synch festival (www.synch.gr). It was an amazing festival that featured some of the best names in electronica as well as many multimedia artists. We saw some fresh and innovative styles there and we captured the current trends in the festival crowd.

The bubble dress in an altenative take and two funky fringes for these two friends...

A group of boys with a cool attitude and hands in the pockets :) We love the red tie and cheeky grin of the middle poser...

How do you make the leopard print not overtly sexy? With braids and trainers...Kisses right back to you girls!

A bit of 80s, a bit of preppy and a bit of laid back sporty in this company...

summer night in the city

2007-07-17T23:27:00.000+03:00

Eleftheria accessorizes a flowy summery geometric dress with silver pumps and a pair of funky red glasses.

A flowery skirt together with a tank top and a pair of flat sandals is the only way to beat the heat in this town!

"The Long Blondes" @ Gagarin Open Air festival

2007-07-10T13:18:00.000+03:00

Kate Jackson (lead singer) and Dorian Cox (lead guitar) of "The Long Blondes" pose for athenswears right before their first gig @ the Gagarin Open Air festival. Kate Jackson's glamorous punk image earned her a place at The Guardian's style section and the NME cool list. We just adore her style and of course her music!

Vote for Athens style

2007-07-06T18:04:00.000+03:00

Street Clash is still going on! If you like what you see on athenswears fashion blog cast your vote! We are currently 3rd on the list and we are going onto the next round! Vote for Athens style.

The site is: http://www.streetclash.blogspot.com/

Stathis Samantas- All About Shoes

2007-07-03T23:01:00.000+03:00

Athenswears discovered Stathis Samantas, another emerging designer who is very passionate about shoes. He is young, talented and with a sexy and cheeky sense of humor which he implements into his designs.

- Stathis, tell us about you and your background.

I studied industrial design in Athens. I chose this subject because I think it's a broad design course. I participated at the 12th Biennale for Young Artists in 2005 in Naples, Italy where I represented Greece. It was a great experience and I had the chance to meet young designers and artists from other countries, talk about our work and our future plans and how easy or difficult is to achieve our goals in our countries or even abroad.

At the Biennale, I participated at a fashion show where I had the chance, along with many other designers, to show my creations. I was designing shoes while I was still in college. I love designing shoes and I think that it speaks to my psyche.

-Where do you find your inspiration and who would you consider your "muse"?

Inspiration is something complicated. I can't specify a source of inspiration because sometimes ideas rush into my mind. Usually I find inspiration from things that have nothing to do with fashion or design.

But there is one inviolate rule. Shoes must give women the feeling of looking sexy. So they have the privilege and the pleasure of letting other people having their own fantasies. That woman could be my muse...

-What kind of materials, colors, textures do you enjoy working with and what is the main theme of your creations?

I like to combine controversial materials in my shoes. I prefer metallic and dark colors like the combination of black and blue color which is my favorite. I avoid using rhinestones or fake decorative materials because I think that makes shoes look indifferent! I think the main theme of my creations is Sex. I don't know if I will have a different point of view in the future and I don't know if I should think about it now... When I sketch a shoe I'm always thinking of how it would look on a woman and if she would look sexy on these heels with the shoe's materials embracing her foot.

-What are your immediate and long term plans for the future?

I would like people to understand my point of view my philosophy behind wearing a pair of shoes. It's not something simple. Shoes can help you look devine or they can destroy the whole outfit...

-Do you collaborate in any way with other designers?

I would like to do my own work. But there are a few Greek designers that I love their work and it would be very interesting to collaborate with them like for example, Aggelos Frentzos and Deux Hommes.

-What do you think about the design & fashion scene in Greece nowdays?

I think that there are many great talents in this country but it's very difficult to do something here. Greece has nothing important to offer to the fashion world. It's not the 60's - 70's anymore where Greece had a very strong impact in fashion design worldwide. I hope the situation will get better in the future but I am not too optimistic and this is very dissapointing for new designers.

-Let us know the best and worst part of being working for yourself?

The challenge to avoid copying yourself.

-If you could mention one thing that would promote independant designers, both to the Greek retail customer and to international buyers, what would that be in your opinion?

I think that the Greek customer needs to be treated differently than the international one. There is a difference in the mentality. There isn't one thing that could work for both sides. But I believe that there is something the Greek state should do to promote Greek designers abroad. The basic problem is financial. Many designers can't afford to sponsor themselves to show their work abroad. Greek state could give grants and companies could sponsor the designers and help them do something internationally. It's all about money and organisation. Over the last two yearsm we have seen a few minor changes. Greek designers are working together to promote their work at exhibitions in Europe and this is a very good start.

-Please mention where someone can find your designs and if your product can be found internationally. Any info you wish to share...

Well, everything is under construction at the moment, like my website and several deals with retail shops. There is a website where you can get just an idea about my work but it's not representative. I'm working with special custom orders at the moment.

Stathis Samantas
http://www.e-artists.gr/design/samantas/index.htm
stathisamantas@otenet.gr

hot summer midday posing

2007-06-23T22:44:00.000+03:00

SEXY MARIA
On a hot summer day, a sexy yet casual look highlighted by a "perfect for ventillation" shirt, seems a perfect choice.

CASUAL MIRTO
Bright colors and casualwear are definitely "in" especially in suburbia.

Wooden and plastic multi-colored bracelets are a "must!"

Guerilla Girls

2007-06-18T22:12:00.000+03:00

In 1985 they decided to take the artworld by storm by pointing
out the inequality between male and female artists. They call
themselves “creative complainers”, they combine wit and
statistics and create a new breed of feminist art. Don’t miss
their show @ the Hellenic-American Union.
“Guerrilla Girls”, 22/5-31/7/07 (www.hau.gr)

Art under fire

2007-06-15T23:07:00.000+03:00

Art Athina (www.art-athina.gr)
Freedom of speech and more specifically art is currently under attack with a new act of brutality enforced by the Greek police. During the “art athina fair”, a video piece by director Eva Stefani was confiscated for its “insulting and immoral content”, an act that is commonplace in totalitarian regimes. Those who argue that the video piece insulted the national sentiment are in turn insulting our intelligence and depriving us of our basic freedoms.

Tiger Lillies

2007-06-10T22:23:00.000+03:00

The Tiger Lillies are back in town to lure us into their eerie and demented world of musical theatre. The Urban team was there and although we expected the crowd to be a bit more alternative looking, we did spot a few interesting outfits.

Adrian Stout and Martyn Jacques of the Tiger Lillies

Whether it’s jazz or musicals, PR women Athina and Fenia make things happen by bringing the best acts here in Athens.

Stylish Theater Lovers

athenswears@"big fish" magazine

2007-06-09T22:32:00.000+03:00

Working girls

2007-06-02T12:20:00.000+03:00

Maria works in a production company that brings famous musical acts to Greece. She combines a punk attitude, a skinny red tie and some serious red lipstick giving out a girly rock&roll vibe.

Natasha works at the Breeder Gallery, a place that features some the hottest artists, located in downtown Athens. She sports a comfy, laid back outfit, injecting a flirty note with these ballerina flats. Note the special air-conditioning system perfect for our hot Athens days.

Pirates of the Caribbean

2007-06-02T10:27:00.000+03:00

Katerina is a proud mother of a three year old boy. We found her in Yiannis Kelesakos' photo exhibition and she told us she was inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean for this special outfit!

matalou@home

2007-05-28T22:20:00.000+03:00

Matalou is a designer who is involved with creating funky accessories for 8 years now and has a strong presence in the world of fashion in Athens. We had a chat with her while visiting her unique showroom/shop in Plaka.
She told us she enjoys the surprises that come with her work and draws inspiration from life itself!

Q-What is the best and worst part of working for yourself?
A-Good things overcome the bad,that's all i can say..
Her dream is to be able to continue doing what she loves and she elaborated a bit on the reasons for opening her own retail space which features other designers as well.

Q-What was your reason for opening your retail space and why do you feature other designers?Any other plans for expanding?
A- It just happened,like it usually does (!)and i followed.
My own shop gives me a sense of freedom as i can "show" whatever i want even if it's not commercial enough…(trying to be commercial and creative at the same time -which i have to do since it's my job and not a hobby- can be exhausting some times).
Another reason is that i like-so much-to meet and interact with people that are buying and wearing my stuff, although i spend few hours in the shop.
Also, when you find me there(you can arrange for an appointment) you can ask to have any of my designs created in your preferred colour combinations and/or your own details (prints etc.)

Q-Let us know what other designs apart from your own we can find at your shop and where are you located, opening hours etc
A-Apart from my collections you will enjoy the works of:
-Blanket Lo(accessories-clothing)
-Lost toys(accessories-clothing),
-Hrisanthi(clothing),
-mum@home(jewellery)
-Kru kurva(Laga bags),
-madame Mo(dolls,paper staff etc.) and many to come.

The shop is called "Matalou at home" and it's located in Plaka area,
17 Kirristou str.,tel.2103246448,
It is open Tuesday to Saturday (also Mondays during winter)
Tue+Sat 11.00-17.00 and Wen,Thu+Fri 11.00-20.30

Also you can meet Matalou online on
http://www.myspace.com/mtl_athome
http://www.iqons.com/matalou/at/home

The Bitches are Back!

2007-05-20T21:46:00.000+03:00

We are not uttering profanities! This is the translation of the name of a shop we have come to know and love called Le Streghe Son Tornate.It features many authentic vintage treasures from the 30es onwards, creations of contemporary independent clothing and accessories designers, as well as not so vintage but famous brands nevertheless, like Missoni, Versace and Dior.

They also accept your original designer items on consigment, so you can be truly economical and eco-friendly and recycle anything that is in mint condition just sitting in your closet.Every now and then, they hold bazaars with lower priced bargains so keep in the loop!

Rianna and Nana are the owners of this individual boutique located at 9 Haritos Street at the Kolonaki shopping district.
Tel 210-7212581

1st Tattoo Convention

2007-05-14T20:07:00.000+03:00

Last weekend, we visited the 1st Tattoo Convention where we spotted the latest trends in body art. Men and women showed off their tattoos, large and small. Some of them were very unique indeed and had taken body art onto another level.

Mike's Tattooing. Mike is inspired by Eastern art and philosophy and he is considered the best tattoo artist in Greece.

Ibiza Tattoo

Pili Moo from the Canary Islands

magaze

2007-05-09T22:11:00.000+03:00

Magaze is one of the hippest places in downtown Athens. With its colorful decor, relaxed ambiance, delicious coffee and treats, it's our fave hang-out place for a quick coffee or a lovely cocktail.

Anastasia is a waitress @ Magaze

and so is Tina

Louis Vuitton Style Versus Athens Street Style

2007-05-03T21:16:00.000+03:00

We couldn't help noticing the irony of the new Louis Vuitton creation
by Marc Jacobs! This bag is inspired by the plastic carrier tote that
originates from China and is carried by everyone globaly to carry their
stuff, mostly junk or groceries! We haven't decided if this is a sign
of the times, with China being a new superpower in manufacturing,
especially of fake Louis Vuitton bags! Someone is turning the tables?

Design World begins! Featuring Lost Toys

2007-04-28T21:57:00.000+03:00

Athenswears is introducing their new regular section featuring independent (Indie) designers and artists working in Athens and Greece in general. We aim
to familiarise everyone with the unique creativity floating around and hopefully create a gateway for the designers abroad!
We have more plans in the future concerning a directory and webpages dedicated to designers, so if you are a designer or artist interested, please contact us!

We are starting our reviews by presenting Lost Toys Accessories
You can contact Anna Petridis at 6946-338394 and visit her showroom located in Psyrri.

Q-Let us know a little bit about yourself and your backround…
A-I studied fashion design with business in England for 4 yrs and
started with the Lost Toys line a little bit after coming back to
Greece..in Feb 2002.

Q-Why Lost Toys?
A-The Lost Toys as a concept and name reflects a lot to my personality.
I love the idea of trying to keep the humorous, quirky, colorful and
playful touch in my work for the child-like fun woman no matter of
what age.

Q-Where do you find your inspiration?
A-I have been inspired by children's story books, old and new toys
(I have a collection of vintage toys), but I think inspiration is
everywhere...as long as you're in the mood to look out for it! I love
collecting different fabrics, buttons, beads from markets in the city
and other cities or villages when I get the chance to travel.
I believe that the more materials one owns the more their creativity is enhanced!

Q-Tell us the best and worst part of working for your own business…
A-Working for yourself is not easy..you have to be your own boss...and
that can be tricky! But I believe its worth it! Focusing on what you
truly love...you can really achieve a lot...especially self satisfaction!
I think everyone should get the chance to work on what they really love!

Q-What are your plan for the future?
A-What I would love to do next is try to work on promoting my work in
boutiques out of Greece. This could be done by setting up a group
exhibition in a city maybe like Paris.I visited a couple of exhibitions
in the past and there are other small designers already doing this.

Q-What about independent fashion and design in Athens today?
A-The fashion scene in Athens is rising and developing rapidly...I see
many young people out there who have the confidence and are starting
to do their own little cool lines! The good thing is that there are
certain people who do appreciate the hand made touch and are willing
to give a bit more money for it...

Accessories handmade with Love!

2007-04-27T22:17:00.000+03:00

The handcrafted trend is going strong as we notice more and more people appreciating the unique creations of independant designers and resisting
the mass produced pieces that have flooded the market everywhere.

Pose, Slide and/or Jump

2007-04-26T17:05:00.000+02:00

On the weekend, the urban team showed up at a skateboarders gathering where we met lots of people with a unique sense of style. Amidst the ramps, the skaters and the BMXers who impressed us with their tricks, we were able to spot some new trends.

Skateboards can be turned into a work of
art with a little imagination from their owners.

The Urban Team hits the airwaves!

2007-04-21T15:57:00.000+02:00

The Urban Team made a guest appearance at “Talk of the Town”,
a radio programme on Athens International Radio 104.4FM.
The show’s hostess, Alexia Amvrazi chatted with
the athenswears.com creators about the blog,
the major trends that are out there, what it takes to create
a street fashion blog in Athens, how easy it is to capture
the look and style of the people.
We also invited new independent artists who wish to be
featured on our blog as well as contributors who woud like
to send us pictures and comments, to contact us.

(Talk of the Town is daily at 10-11am, Monday through Friday on 104.4FM)

From left to right Jessica Josafat, Alexia Amvrazi, Evi Tsirigotaki

athenswears@ozon magazine

2007-04-20T17:13:00.000+02:00

Spring Shoe Preview

2007-04-12T16:11:00.000+02:00

We can't fail but to notice that chunky platform heels are THE fashion lately!...

vintage shiny patent shoes, check out the heel shape

wonderful feminine high heel shoes, with gold and lace details

..and this winter's classic, Wellington boots

crowd@fashionweek

2007-03-29T15:32:00.000+02:00

Models preparing to strut their stuff on the Athens Fashion Week.

The owners of cool vintage boutique "Le Streghe Son Tornate" located at the hip Haritos Street in central Athens, pose for us before viewing the day's collections.

Chanel elegance mixed with a shabby chic vintage crochet scarf. We just love the Jackie O sunglasses!

Where Eccentric Oriental meets Modern Baroque.

Beautiful model Mara Darmousli posing outside the fashion show.

Fashionable P.R. man Tolis Skoularikis accentuates his unique style as he poses with his lovely Lucy.

Two guys having walked in straight from an anti-war protest look a bit disoriented.

A male stylish character that seem oblivious to his effect on the female population.

Hellenic Fashion Week Winter 07/08

2007-03-21T14:51:00.000+02:00

What are the Greek designers suggesting for this winter?
We visited the catwalks at Zappeion to check out the new trends
in local fashion for Winter 07-08 @ the 5th Athens fashion week
(Diners Athens Collections InStyle).

@ Celia D by Celia Dragoumis
50s femininity is still a strong influence.

Crochet and embroidery still embelish the more structural and masculine shapes.

@Mario Lefranc-Beatrice Ferrant
Updated plaid & geometric patterns make these womanly shapely dresses fresh and modern.

WOW! tulle explosion with an industrial twist.

Country tweed and Emma Peel boots, texture and shine, such a cool combo.

A modest bust and a stunning back make for a sexy and funky evening dress.

More romantic and slightly eccentric creations for eveningwear.

@Smaragdi Herheletzaki

Never has knitwear been so NOT granny wear :) Where Frida Kalho meets Bjorg.

@Costas Faliacos
Bubble dresses get fluid.

the urbanteam@Syros island

2007-03-16T00:04:00.000+02:00

At Ermoupoli in Syros island, we visited Artemis Sideridou a unique artist who makes handmade jewelry and owns the artshop "san ta filla" that hosts other creative designers' work.

A tea strainer and a whisk become miniature works of art for your ears.

A wooly flower pin by artist Anna Louverdi.

A bracelet made of quartz crystals and silver by artist Sisi Koukeri.

A Ballet Dancer, Le Petit Prince and a bright red magic mushroom become pins for your sweaters by Artemis Sideridou.

A fairytale tutu adorned with small handmade cloth dolls by Anna Manousopoulou.

tell a story@psirri

2007-03-03T13:27:00.000+02:00

the New Young Designers; International Tradeshow
On a freezing Saturday morning we strolled down to Psyrri area to visit Occhi, a concept store that had invited a few designers, local and international to showcase their new collections. We were impressed by their imaginative, colorful and functional spring suggestions.

Matalou@home
Each season, Matalou chooses a story to tell through her accessories. For this spring she was inspired by the all the student riots that have been going on and so “L’Enfant Saboteur” was born. Her wallets, bags and wristbands come in a variety of colors and shapes and they are truly very functional and uber cool.

These colorful functional bags by Portuguese designers KRVKURVA weight 40 grams but can hold up to 50 kilos of stuff. Impressive!

the perfect bag to pass airport security checks, by Dutch designers Vlieger & Vandam.

Elena from "two in a gondola" was inspired by a piece of fabric she found and so her new collection is what she calls “a walk in the countryside” with an 80’s sense of humor. Colorful, pattern skirts, shirts and shorts with a touch of nostalgia.

The Mother of all skirts :) Luxe and feminine, fashionably bubbly and with a large functional pocket for ipod and lipgloss.

A modern take on the oriental theme of arabian nights slippers.

How a piece of fabric can easily turn into a skirt by Blanket Lo. A truly multifaceted garment.

Handmade belts from vintage fabrics...The Urban Team modelling one of the funky cinch belts from Lost Toys.

The Urban Team checking out the merchandise

This is what we feel and look like after a hard day's work...

day@monastiraki

2007-02-22T20:42:00.000+02:00

here at the monastiraki flea market you can find both elegance and kitschiness...more or less the same as the streets of Athens...

At the flea market we spotted Amanda and Marcus, a pair of tourists wondering around. Funky shirts, brown vintagey boots, jeans and wooly hats...

these 3 girls are students of Marketing but graduates of Style
these white boots are a unique sample of urban, comfy footwear, highly recommended for shopping sprees!

sporty, clean cut couple... shopping at ermou street;why do so many couple seem to share such similar styles? is that what love does to us?

Zap's works are more than plain graffiti. They are unique pieces of art and We love him for making our lives more beautiful.

athens carnival

2007-02-17T21:21:00.000+02:00

Since it is dress-up season in Greece we attended lots of parties
both in the city and the suburbs.

bargurubar

This girl is a wicked little devil...

a pop tube top finds its perfect match in a Marilyn skirt

a mystery woman outside Guru bar poses for us, dressed up as kitchy Greek singer

urban team@Blue Peach
The people at Blue Peach bar decided to express themselves in various ways.

Rocky Horror meets Pipi Longstocking in the face of this dj

This year we spotted several corpse brides inspired by Tim Burton's flick.

What's a mafia boy and a playboy doing?
We could tell ya but then we'd have to kill ya...

erotica@bacaro

2007-02-14T13:54:00.000+02:00

Tessi Spilioti is the owner of the Bacaro art gallery
and the...mastermind behind the Master and Slave party we attended.

Tessi together with a 20's flapper.

Master and slave meets Rocky Horror Picture Show

Sarah clad in purple hides her identity behind a mask.

Calliope, graphic designer chating about design with Eva

Elina is a music journalist.
She strikes a pose wearing a killer revealing black dress

man with a camera

Maria denounces the master and slave theme and opts for a more romantic outfit.

Jennifer, performance artist

Olga K. @ Cult Film festival

2007-02-11T15:00:00.000+02:00

We were captivated by Olga's romantic/punk sense of style.
She is an events photographer but she was glad to put her
camera aside and allow us to take a picture of her.

Rea, journalist
She lives between Athens and Paris but her bag is pure Americana.

Antigone, journalist
She is a TV journalist who is always on the hunt for the next big scoop.

Great Brits - the new alchemists

2007-02-06T13:35:00.000+02:00

They are young, talented,
inspired and with a wacky sense of humor!
Meet the young British designers at the Megaron exhibition.

Pascal Anson
He gives life to unused things and transforms them
into semi-functional everyday objects.

Pasacla Anson's chairs are playful and colorful.

article in the media

2007-02-05T17:33:00.000+02:00

Our first article in the media appeared in the "Athens News".
To read the full article click here

DJ Krush

2007-02-05T13:32:00.000+02:00

The famous producer, re-mixer and recording artist, Dj Krush
came to Athens to bring the unique flavour of Japanese hip hop.
We had a chat with him and he was kind enough to pose for us.

Design Walk

2007-02-01T13:23:00.000+02:00

Last weekend, 14 talented graphic designers all located in the Psyrri downtown area, showcased their work. We were there to record the new trends…

Sophia@G
Sophia is a talented writer who refuses to pose but still looks cool as she pretends to read something…

Michael & Rena (P6)
Michael David Ochs is German, Rena Chrysikopoulou is Greek. This duo creates multimedia and print projects.

poordesigners
Their motto is “design or die”…’nough said…

stylish couple@designshop

his is an optical illusion sweater, she goes with a star light, star bright pin

The crowd we met @ the design walk definitely knows how to accessorize.

Models

2007-01-29T11:02:00.000+02:00

On a busy Saturday morning in the shopping district of Kolonaki we met three lovely models from Australia, Holland and Russia.

Hello matey
Francesca has come here all the way from Australia and we fell in love with her unique color combination. The green coat and dress together with the pink necklace says it all. This girl has it!

Larissa
We just loved that dress!

blue lagoon
Hera is from Russia and even though she is very shy, she could not say no to us photographing her.

girlfriends@kolonaki

A few blocks later we spotted these two attractive girls. They kindly agreed to photograph them and we let them continue on their shopping spree.

Last night a dj saved my life

2007-01-28T13:37:00.000+02:00

Ilias Fragoulis, a well-known film critic who also knows how to put that record on, is working hard at keeping his fans happy.

downtown on a saturday evening

2007-01-27T13:29:00.000+02:00

The owner of a downtown indie record shop tries to keep his anonymity but we all know who he is…

Konstantinos
Konstantinos is a graphic designer with a unique sense of style