What do you consider the highlights of your journey—the defining steps that brought you to where you stand today?
At 19, I happened to meet the legendary Franca Sozzani, then director of Condé Nast and Vogue Italia. I was in Milan, and fate simply placed her in my path. She told me she “saw something” in me—and just like that, at such a young age, I found myself working in her office and joining shoots with some of the most important photographers of the time, doing styling.
After my years at Condé Nast Italy, the next chapter was New York in the ’90s—those magical years filled with extraordinary experiences, travels, collaborations with icons, remarkable people, unforgettable models. My life became rich with encounters and moments that shaped me deeply.
What do you consider your most significant achievements along this journey?
The greatest achievement was being able to express my creativity to its fullest. Carla Sozzani and Condé Nast gave me the freedom to create without constraints, with complete trust. That was pivotal. It allowed me to bring out everything I had carried within me since childhood—the creative spark, my love for fashion, art, and beauty.
From all the places you traveled and the people you met, what do you keep closest to your heart?
I travelled to extraordinary places—New York, Milan, Los Angeles, across America—and loved each of them deeply.
But India is a piece of my heart; I have adored it for years and have dear friends there.
And of course, I love Greece profoundly—my homeland. I’ve dedicated two books to it as a Greek of the diaspora seeking to reconnect with my roots through art: Traditional Costumes, created with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, and later Children of the Light, dedicated to the youth of Greece and their beauty.
How do you feel your aesthetic has evolved over time?
Aesthetic evolves the way a person evolves. Those who carry the creative flame within them mature, expand their vision, transform. I feel that I’ve reached a form of artistic maturity that is essential to my evolution.
What helps you move forward?
Myself. Art and creativity are inner processes. Since childhood I’ve always done everything on my own—and I continue the same way.
What is fashion to you, and how did this relationship begin?
Fashion was a passion from the time I was little. I read my mother’s magazines—international Vogues, Greek publications, Gynaika. I had a natural instinct for aesthetics, beauty, and imagery.
At school, I would win awards for anything related to painting, model-making, poetry. It was all effortless, instinctive—something that needed no decision, only expression.
Tell us about the space you’ve created—one that carries your own unique identity.
At 9 Merlin Street in Kolonaki, I’ve created a space that is entirely my own, where I receive visitors by appointment. There, one can find jewelry, kaftans, coats, throws, cushions—all with my characteristic ethnic style. Unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
How do your daughters respond to this creative side of you?
I think they’re proud. It impresses them—in the best way.
What are the gifts that maturity has offered you?
There is nothing more beautiful than growing older and gaining self-awareness, wisdom, inner calm.
Maturity is a gift—and I love it.
Tell us about your recent recognition at MadWalk.
I was genuinely happy that they thought of me and honored me. The setting they created was wonderful.
You know, no one is a prophet in their own land; I’m often appreciated more abroad than in Greece. That’s why this distinction brought me particular joy.
What else would you like to create—what is your dream project?
I always have dream projects. I’ve already completed two. I want a third—a new exhibition. I carry it in my mind, but I can’t reveal anything yet. It needs to stay secret until it comes to life.
Your favorite designers—and why?
I’m not really into “designers.” I’m not interested in the signature on a garment, nor do I have idols. I appreciate talent, of course, but overall I prefer vintage, well-made, distinctive pieces.
I like wearing unique items, often made by me, crafted from old fabrics with character. Wearing my own identity—not someone else’s.
How do women in Greece dress today?
Very conservatively. In winter everything is beige, black, grey. I’d love to see more color, more daring choices. There is an obsession with black and grey—and I find it quite tiring.
Are we the sum of our choices?
Absolutely.
And I choose to have a distinctive style, to wear unique pieces, rare vintage fabrics—things that express me, not a designer’s identity.
The last thing you bought—and why?
A pair of platform shoes at a reasonable height. I don’t wear heels—they hurt my feet.
One object you would never part with?
My camera, of course.
An artist you love and would want to own a piece by?
I don’t want to own any artwork.
I want art to remain in museums, where everyone can see it.
But I do love the Impressionists.
What would you like to be in another life?
A queen. But the Queen of Sheba—in the old days.
❝ People with soul. Those who speak truths. Who don’t imitate, don’t pretend, don’t try to impress. The real ones. That is authenticity. ❞
Three places you love returning to—and why?
Milan, New York, and Jaipur. They are parts of my soul, milestones along my journey—I feel them as home.
Is Art a path toward goodness?
Absolutely. Art and creation elevate the spirit. They are a form of communion with the divine.
A story you will never forget.
There are many, but I’ll share one.
When I was photographing George Michael in London for the cover of L’Uomo Vogue, they had brought him countless clothes—he didn’t like a single one. I was wearing a beautiful Gaultier coat at the time. He kept glancing at it.
In the end, he put it on—and I photographed him wearing my coat, with the short sleeves! I shot the entire portrait like that. It was hilarious.
Your definition of beauty.
Beauty is harmony.
I’m not interested in what is “modern” when it simply means strange or excessive. I love classical beauty—the Greek, the Hellenistic.
For me, there is only objective beauty; everything else is trend and moment. Beauty is what enchants you, captivates you, transports you.
What do you consider authentic today?
People with soul. Those who speak truths. Who don’t imitate, don’t pretend, don’t try to impress.
The real ones. That is authenticity.
If you were to photograph something for TheAuthentics.gr, what would it be?
Portraits.
Intriguing faces—artists with a distinct gaze, with light and magnetism. Something that truly captivates me.
What do you wish to have this time next year?
A little house by the countryside or the sea, love, health, serenity with my family—and the realization of another creative project that moves me.
These are what matter most to me: art, creation, my family, and nature.
