On first appearance the streets of Athens seemed to offer little more than tourist tat, but after asking fashionable locals and our enthusiastic concierge I discovered a few really inspiring shops.
Joanna Kourbela – this popular Greek designer has two shops next door to each other on Charimichali Street selling ready-to-wear and couture clothing. Kourbela’s main inspiration are elements of nature and her collections are minimalist and classically simple. Block colours and flowing, natural, organic fabrics flatter the figure and are very comfortable to wear – perfect for the hot Greek weather.
Brettos – Greece is well known for its wine and ouzo, however Brettos bar has made a name for itself offering the finest homemade flavoured Greek liqueurs. Despite being in one of the most touristy areas of the city, this colourful emporium is often overlooked by tourists. For €4.50 you can try a glass of one of the vibrant flavours on ice or for a little more buy a bottle to take home and use in exotic cocktails recipes. We tried coconut and Parfums d’amour, a mix of rose, orange and vanilla.
Melissinos Art, “The Poet Sandal Maker” – Since 1920 this family of expert sandal makers have been providing stylish made-to-fit leather sandals for celebrities and those in the know. Squeeze into the tiny cluttered shop, choose from the menu of styles and let Pantelis fit them to your feet. Ranging from €33-€39, it is a small price to pay for the same shoes as John Lennon, Sarah Jessica Parker and the Princesses of Greece.
Lito Cabinet de Curiosités – Lito Karakostanoglou is a self-taught jeweller who has previously designed catwalk pieces for many renowned designers. She opened this lovely little boutique in 2006 showcasing her sensational designs in attractive glass cabinets. I loved the insect-inspired collection which uses real iridescent beetles encased in gold, like the pair of earrings above which are priced at €4,600. There is also a lovely range of hand painted ‘evil eye’ necklaces, dainty, unique and a bit more affordable.
Vassilis Emmanuel Zoulias – walking into this candy coloured shop I felt like I was in wonderland. Zoulias really knows how to make a woman feel like a princess with his sophisticated yet fun dresses and high-heel shoes. The elegant creations have a vintage feel thanks to the timeless tailoring and standout patterns. The colours are rich and the materials luxurious; I’ve definitely never seen neon colours used in such a grown-up way.
