You have created a brand that stands among the top in the world, while managing to keep it both contemporary and authentically Greek. Tell us about your journey, what do you consider the most important steps that defined it and led you to where you are today?
I’m not sure I would describe the journey as “bright.” It has certainly been interesting, as I see it now, but there were also quite difficult moments that we had to overcome and move beyond—for example, the capital controls, which coincided with the opening of the Athens store, or the expansion into France in 2020, during the COVID lockdowns.
What is certain is that the journey has been highly creative, filled with meaningful collaborations and partners, each of whom has been unique, both in Greece and in France.
One of the things that fascinated me most was the creative knowledge and inspiration I gained from my collaboration with Franck Durand, founder and creative director of the French creative studio Atelier Franck Durand. Franck taught me how the global luxury industry works. I think that was also the period when the Yannis Sergakis brand became truly international.
Has what you dreamed of come true, has the result lived up to your expectations, and what excites you the most?
Not just for me, but for anyone who truly loves their work as I do—whatever that work may be—the highest fulfillment comes from offering something new to the world, something personal, created through deep thought and creative effort. So what excites me most is the new—the things I will create in the future.
What is the essence of the wisdom you have gained throughout your journey, and if you could go back, what would you change?
It may sound like a cliché, but I would say this: trust your instinct, and trust the people who truly know themselves. Because they, in turn, know how far they can guide or advise you.
Your Paris store is one of the most important openings in your career, and it is also an exceptionally beautiful space. Is aesthetics a key pillar of your journey, and how have you approached it?
I don’t consider the Paris store to be my most important opening. Paris, together with the new store in Athens on Panepistimiou Street and the store in Paros, are all connected in a way—they each represent something of who I am.
The Palais Royal, where we opened the boutique, has been one of my favourite places in Paris since the very first time I visited it. Naoussa in Paros is, in my view, one of the most beautiful and picturesque harbours in the world. And Panepistimiou Street in Athens feels noble and is the place I would show to any visitor coming to the city, just like the Panathenaic Stadium, although of course you can’t open a store there (laughs).
Finally, I feel proud of the Greek brands that in recent years have opened stores in Paris and continue to do so. I want them all to thrive and I am here to help with any questions they may have about the French market.
What do you receive from the international audience in relation to your jewellery?
That it is refined and Greek.
What does this year’s collection include, and what are the key highlights we should focus on?
Having established the network of stores and partners I wanted in Greece and abroad, I am now very focused on and deeply absorbed by the creation of jewellery. In 2026, several new designs will be released. First of all, the “Ω” collection, as well as a collection of private one-off pieces. We will be adding colour to the Immortelle line, and finally, there will be “Ήλιος”—sun, everywhere.
You also flirt with interiors, have created furniture, and design is clearly one of your interests. Tell us about this.
I am very fond of design and interiors. In fact, I worked closely with the architects of my stores on their design and decoration. Also this year, as part of the anniversary collection “A Century and a Year” for the furniture company Syrigos, and following an invitation from Anastasia Syrigos, I had the joy and honour of redesigning a mid-century dressing table from their archive, which we named “Boudoir.” Whenever I am given the opportunity, I respond with great curiosity and enthusiasm.
What do you love doing most, and what brings you the greatest joy?
I really enjoy gardening. I have a large garden on the terrace of my house, and right now it is the season when I harvest my herbs for cooking.
Which collaborations do you value most and why?
I value my collaborations with MNP, Giorgos Anthoulakis, Franck Durand, the architectural studio AMV, as well as all my collaborators in the office and in the stores. Nothing would be possible without them—they are the alpha and the omega for me.
As an established brand, what are the non-negotiable values that define your identity?
“Chic et pied nus” is our informal motto—meaning elegance and barefoot simplicity. This philosophy is our non-negotiable value.
What other peak would you like to conquer, and why?
I would like to climb Mount Vardousia and reach the summit in Zermatt.
Three places you love returning to:
Vouliagmeni, Donousa, and Marseille—specifically Tuba Club.
Your personal definition of beauty:
Effortless.
