34 minute read
Stories Drawn in Light – Christos Drazos
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single day differs from the others and as I always say “As hoteliers, our role is mainly based in soft diplomacy”. If you could invite three famous guests (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would you choose? Melina Mercouri for her passion and brio. Aristotle Onassis for his sharpness and charm and Elvis Prisley since I am a little bit influenced from the movie I recently saw. Wow what a fun party this would be... What do you love most about working in this amazing coastal area of Athens? I love this location even more during winter where the colors are brighter, the sunset is purple and pink and the coast is full of surfers! Do you have any travel goals for 2022? I am staying in Greece for the summer; exploring a new island or mainland-hidden gems.
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Elia Kentrota is staying in Greece for this summer of 2022; exploring a new island or mainland-hidden gems.
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THE LEGACY KEEPER
Vangelis Daktylides, one of the owners of the Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts group, invites guests to the unique sophisticated experience of Mykonos island.
Interview by ELSA SOIMIRI
M
yconian collection’s Vangelis Daktylides discusses their key priorities for this year aiming at the strong emotions summoned by Greek authentic hospitality. What are your
expectations this season? Greece is set to have a bumper tourism season in 2022, with better than expected outcomes across the board. The country is expecting a huge number of visitors and the offering is better than ever. At Myconian Collection, we already welcome guests from around the world at our 11 outstanding luxury properties, including the brand new O by Myconian Collection and Panoptis Escape. Located in four of the island’s most coveted destinations—Mykonos Town, Elia Beach, Ornos Beach and Platis Gialos—our properties combine breathtaking locations with exquisite interiors to provide the perfect backdrop for discerning travellers to enjoy unbeatable summer holidays. After these past two years, we all deserve a bit of sunshine in our lives—literally and figuratively—and that’s at the heart of what Myconian Collection aims to offer each and every one of our guests: An opportunity to relax and recharge, to celebrate their authentic self, and to experience joy and togetherness in the best company, in the best possible setting and with a world of bespoke luxury at their fingertips. Our team has worked hard to ensure that the experience is nothing less than extraordinary, and guests can expect to enjoy a full range of bespoke activities, authentic encounters with local culture, gourmet dining and chic bars, spa and pampering opportunities, glamorous events, and the stellar service that Myconian Collection is known for. In a nutshell, we are committed to delivering the kind of attention to detail that elevates a fantastic holiday into a heavenly experience… memories to be cherished forever. What is the greatest asset about working in the travel industry? It’s the people that make it all worthwhile. The people we work with and the people we welcome as guests. The opportunity to create meaningful experiences at every step, from offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime luxury hospitality experience to providing opportunities for our team to grow and to excel and, of course, to supporting local businesses and the local community so that Mykonos can continue to be the unique, authentic, wonderful place that it is. As Mykonos natives, we love everything about this island, and we’re driven by a genuine passion to show the world just how exceptional Mykonos is. That’s what inspired Myconian Collection. From the opening of our first small hotel in 1979 to the thriving enterprise we are today, Myconian Collection has always been a family-owned and family-managed business, built on the back of hard work and grounded in a tradition of genuine Greek island hospitality. Our father dug the foundations for our first four hotels with a wheel-loader he picked up second-hand, and our mother was in charge of breakfasts and housekeeping. We’ve certainly grown a bit since then, but the whole family still works hard every day to make sure that this isn’t just a successful business, but a legacy to pass on to the next generation. Where do you dedicate your free time? When it comes to free time, I put my money where my mouth is. I try to spend as much quality time as possible with my family and with my friends and the community of people I grew up with here on Mykonos. And I take every opportunity to enjoy this magnificent island we call home. Mykonos might be small, but there’s always something new to discover, see and do. That is partly thanks to the incredible people of this island, those who were born here as well as those who chose to make it their home, who contribute to Mykonos’s vibrant cultural life, with art, happenings and, of course, an amazing food scene! But it’s also thanks to the island itself, to the enchanting way its nature and landscapes change with every season. This connection we have to the land, to each other and to the community here is precious, and we strive to pass a little bit of that feeling on to our guests, through the personalised hospitality and authentic experiences that we offer. You place a lot of importance on the term “sustainability. What does this concept in hospitality investments mean to you? In our family, we all have at least one thing in common: our love for Mykonos; its light and its truth, its sea and tradition, its history and its unique spirit. Mykonos inspires us and we continue to take care of it as much as we can, with everything from donations like this one to beach cleaning and more. To us, Mykonos is more than a place. We believe that much of our success is because of this very real, very genuine connection to this land. It’s a source of endless inspiration which, even after all this time, still brings new experiences, ideas and opportunities. This is why every passing year we discover new ways of communicating our love to it. Recently, this has included the complete construction from scratch of a fully functional Gymnasio secondary school in Ano Mera – complete with classrooms, workshops, sports courts, yard, staff accommodation, and recreation and multi-purpose spaces. Specifically, the new Gymnasio high school serves students between the ages 12 and 15 – the first leg of secondary education in Greece – from its location in Ano Mera, the second biggest settlement on Mykonos Island. The ambitious project by our family set the goal of providing a fully functional, disability-friendly building consisting of 13 spacious and bright classrooms making use of cutting-edge smart tech, each of which can accommodate up to 20 students. In total, the new facilities already serve 200 students and dozens of teachers. Eco-friendly and designed with the particular demands of the community of Mykonos firmly in mind, the new school is fully in line with sustainability considerations and innovative energy-saving technologies, as well as fully integrated with the traditional architecture of Mykonos. It adopts several technological breakthroughs and features tech and information science workshops, natural sciences laboratories, basketball courts, as well as a large, multipurpose space for assembly and events, among others. Moreover, the facilities include accommodation for teaching staff, with 18 homes built to this end alongside the school – a useful, practical feature providing peace of mind and convenience for educators. If you could invite three famous guests (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would you choose? Melina Mercouri, of course! Melina was one of a kind, a woman of extraordinary passion and spirit, who embodied in so many ways the spirit of Hellenism and became a sort of ambassador of Greek culture to the world. Also Tom Hanks, who has long proclaimed his love for Greece, and the renowned Greek composer Manos Hatzidakis, whose songs have been the soundtrack to the lives and summers of people around the world. Which book and/or TV show attracted your full attention? Trends and seasonal hits aside, I keep coming back to a Greek author and writer, one who often exalted Mykonos and who has long been my all-time favourite: Nikos Kazantzakis. Of all his works, the novel Zorba the Greek is the one I keep re-reading most, and no matter how many times I’ve read it, I never tire of the writing or the lessons the story holds. Kazantzakis is truly an extraordinary writer. His work is timeless. What is your main goal in 2022? After everything we have all been through over the past two years, it is time to let go and relax, to embrace the joy of travelling and of sharing moments and experiences. 2022 must be a year of reconnecting with ourselves and finding happiness in togetherness. This is going to be a year of trying new things, visiting new places, and discovering new ways to live life to the fullest. And that’s also our goal at Myconian Collection. This year we’re debuting two new properties: the beachfront O by Myconian Collection, which brings sublime luxury and cosmopolitan chic to Ornos Beach, and the ultra-luxury Panoptis Escape, which draws inspiration from Zeus himself to offer an exclusive holiday experience from its hilltop perch above Elia Beach. So, with 11 fabulous Myconian properties in total, we’re looking forward to welcoming guests to a world of barefoot luxury, authentic Greek hospitality, unforgettable experiences and legendary personalised service on iconic, inimitable, sun-kissed Mykonos. And, what’s next for the Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts? In addition to our two new entries, there is even more in the works. 2023 will see the launch of our most upscale, top-tier property yet at the striking Agios Vasilis, very near to Mykonos Town – yet far enough to deliver privacy and exclusive luxury made for discerning VVIPs. Stay tuned!
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Although she spends most of her time in Cyclades, Kalia Konstantinidou remains an Athenian lover as a South of Athens native.
THE AUTHENTIC HOSPITALITY GUARDIAN
Fond of unity, Kalia Konstantinidou, co-owner of Kanava Hotels & Resorts, sets the pace to recreate the Greek authentic hospitality.
Interview by ELSA SOIMIRI
With the vision of creating lifetime memories, Kalia Konstantinidou aims at redefining the notion of a summer destination forging a bond between the Kanava Hotels & Resorts and their guests. An integral part of their DNA, this bond is transmuted into the “joy of life” and respect for the locality. What motivated you to create Kanava Hotels & Resorts and what are the goals and vision behind it? From the day that my husband, Antonis Iliopoulos, had the idea to turn a rustic vineyard to the first five-star hotel of Santorini, the now renowned Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, our vision was clear; we want to redefine destinations as the leading luxury hospitality brand of Greece.
Our goal is to offer unique experiences to sophisticated travelers, in order to create lifetime memories and elevate Greek hospitality. Our sole purpose is to act as the bond for our guests to connect with the destination, while we encourage them to fully disconnect and create their own story, embracing the authentic Cycladic lifestyle and carefree state of mind. How would you define the DNA of Kanava Hotels & Resorts which has been preserved to this day?
Each of our properties represents a part of our company’s DNA and ourselves – each feels like our child with a very distinctive character and personality. Even though we have expanded significantly over the past few years, our DNA has successfully managed to preserve the unique character of our brand. It consists of our values which are the backbone of the way we operate in everyday life. We strongly believe in the “joy of life” both for our guests when they visit our properties, but also for our people who make everything possible, from their inner soul.
Another important aspect of our DNA is no other than passion for what we do,
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which is the fuel that inspires us individually and collectively and drives our company forward. Last but not least, we value innovation and distinction; we do things in our own distinctive way by being the destination authority, while always striving for continuous improvement. What do you believe is the greatest asset that the Kanava Hotels & Resorts experience offers, and what makes it stand out? At Kanava Hotels & Resorts we aspire to offer our guests the Greek essence of distinctive hospitality. Except from the exceptional five-star service our teams offer to our guests, and our commitment to refined gastronomy, holistic wellbeing and authentic culture, I believe the greatest asset of our hotels is the respect for the locality of each destination. Our properties embrace the local architecture, traditions, rituals, connect with the local community and most importantly, offer guests the opportunity to do the same, while enjoying an elevated and sophisticated hospitality experience. What is your vision and philosophy of hospitality for our national tourism product? I would love to see our local brand emit to the world the sophistication we live and breathe. In an international context, there tends to be a false perception that Greece is all about the sea, the sun and the fun. Our guests at Kanava Hotels & Resorts are beyond overwhelmed to learn that as a country we have so much more to offer in gastronomy, music, art and culture. We always strive to promote this elevated side of Greece, disseminate Greek values and heritage, and in doing so to propagate Greece’s new message to the world. How do you think the landscape of the Athenian Riviera will change in the coming years as a result of the projects at Ellinikon? Undoubtedly the transformation of the Athenian Riviera will upgrade the area, add to the city’s prestige and attract high-end investors and tourists. As an Athenian lover and a South of Athens native, I am looking forward to seeing the end result-undoubtedly striking- as I strongly believe that Athens has immense potential and I am so excited to see it flourish! Do you think the transformation of the Athenian Riviera will lengthen the tourist season? I believe that slowly but steadily Athens is gaining its proper position among the Metropoles of Europe and I see it becoming a year-round destination attracting a diverse crowd that will contribute to its sensorial transformation. How do you view Greek tourism as a whole? Are there any brands that stand out? Greece has immense potential and I believe we can achieve great things if we invest in synergies between destinations, hotels, and all different business related to tourism. Looking to the future, we need to follow the need for the tourism sector to implement green policies, incorporate new technologies and create products and infrastructure that cater to traveler preferences towards sustainability, learning something new, volunteering, living an adventure, or nomadic sabbaticals, among others, that will in turn prompt the tourism and travel industry to adapt and transform. Working collectively towards a goal can create far greater results than each of us on our own. Among the Greek brands that I love and stand out are Phāea Resorts for their passion, environmental consciousness and humancentric approach and Temes for their vision, commitment and innovation. What gives you the most satisfaction in your day-to-day running of the Kanava projects? Every time that I visit one of our properties, what satisfies me the most is the energy I receive immediately, that brings a big smile on my face. What we are most proud of is the calming ambience we have managed to create in all of our hotels. Every corner is imbued with a sense of serenity and as soon as I step in, I can disconnect from everything else and enjoy the vibe, while carefully observing how this same energy flows from our associates to our guests. What do you believe is the biggest challenge that you’ll face this year? I think that our biggest challenge this year is to accommodate the high demand, as people are so eager to travel, without adequate human resources. We have struggled to find the right people for the growing needs of our guests, and I understand that this is a global challenge. I feel that the most important aspect is that all of us in tourism need to change the general perception and communicate the message that Hospitality is not an industry, but a profession. We have to create engagement energy in our properties, so that we generate the hospitality professionals of tomorrow. What is the first place that you would go to in order to relax and rejuvenate? This is a very difficult choice, as I am deeply connected with each one of our properties, but if I had to choose one then it would probably be Parīlio, as the energy of this place is truly unique and has a transformative power that rejuvenates. However, the place that has stolen my heart and has made me feel almost like I was born there, is Oitylo village at Mani peninsula, where we have created a lovely cottage house and I cherish all memories I am creating with my family and friends there. What do you love most about working in the travel industry? The opportunity to search and showcase the authentic side of a well-known desti-
nation. I always try first the experiences we then curate for our guests and I research a lot to discover local hidden gems and learn for myself, before I blend them with the destination and hotel offering. That has offered me the opportunity to meet wonderful people coming from different paths of life and see life through their eyes. For me, it always comes down to the human factor, whether it is meeting with locals or seeing the joy in our guests’ eyes, through our hero associates that are the wind beneath our wings.
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GREEK TOURISM FLYING HIGH
Beginning his career at Goldair S.A. in 1986 to become Goldair Handling’s CEO for Greece and Bulgaria in 2010, we caught up with Dimitris Papamichail for an in-depth discussion about the developments on the Athenian Riviera, air tourism and how Greece has performed despite the many challenges it has faced. Goldair Handling has a strong presence in many airports in Greece as well as Bulgaria and Cyprus, and continues to be the first privately owned ground handling company in the country. With leisure travel now shaped by emotional criteria with travelers seeking memorable rather than consumer-based experiences, can you describe the experience that Goldair Handling offers visitors? We pioneered by being the first privately owned company in Greece, following the end of the monopoly regime in 1999, whilst also paving the way for Greek ground handling companies to expand overseas. The success of both ventures continues to be based on the quality of services, or if you like, on replacing “process” with “hospitality”, which as Greeks, is our emblematic and traditional characteristic. I will tell you, by way of example, that just 2 years ago (in 2020) we won the international tender for exclusively servicing passengers with disabilities at Zurich airport, in which, the company that had provided this service for the last 12 years was also bidding for the contract. So we were overjoyed when we were informed that in the recent Skytrax awards for the provision of services for the disabled worldwide, Zurich Airport was voted the 1st European airport and 5th globally. This distinction is particularly important for us as it is the passengers themselves who vote in the process. What does Goldair Handling offer premium travelers? Services provided to passengers, both by the airlines and by ground service operators on the ground are expanding every year, based on the one hand on technology, and on the other, on the airports’ infrastructures. In regards to infrastructure, Greece was at a comparative disadvantage for many years, which initially improved with the opening of Athens International Airport “El.
The CEO of Goldair Handling , Dimitris Papamichail, gives us his perspective on Greece’s air industry, ground handling and how tourism is progressing.
Interview by ELSA SOIMIRI
Venizelos” in 2001 and more recently, with the 14 regional airports now managed by Fraport Greece. In both cases, significant investments have been made, both in terms of the overall passenger experience and the premium offering. Regarding the latter, our company consistently invests, among other things, in luxury premium lounges, with the opening this year of two premium lounges at AIA “El. Venizelos”, one in Mykonos and one in Heraklion, Crete, all offering upgraded hospitality and fine dining services before passengers board. Is there anything that has remained high on the priorities of Goldair Handling’s management over the years? Sustainable development and extroversion continue to be are our main priorities. A healthy company has to be able to provide sustainable employment opportunities. We have progressed from being a company with a few dozen employees 23 years ago to currently employing almost 4,000 people. In Greece, we currently employ 3,200 employees, which is especially significant in light of the 2 difficult years of the pandemic, but also in an institutional sense, as we recently concluded the collective labor agreement with the employees’ association. What are the Greek aviation sector’s prospects now that tourism is once again gaining momentum? The data are extremely optimistic, regarding tourist traffic in general, and airline passenger traffic in particular. We are seeing a significant recovery in air traffic, compared to the record year in 2019; we expected to see this recovery in 2023 or 2024 and not this season. Demand for Greece is strong, aircraft load levels are high and we find that the loss of tourists from Russia and Ukraine has already been more than covered by other markets. Although we are definitely going to have a busy summer season, we are extremely wary of the problems the airline industry is facing, there are flight delays or cancellations due to lack of airport security staff and cabin crew and lost luggage due to the lack of ground staff at key European airports. What is Goldair Handling’s strategy for the next ten years? How do you envision ground handling in the future? Regarding the domestic market, our goal is to transition our operations to the “green” era, using technological applications that will simplify the daily lives of users as well as strengthen the competitiveness of our services. At the same time, and in collaboration with the Greek airport operators (AIA, Fraport Greece), we are preparing significant investments in “green” ground equipment, with a 7-year horizon, with the end aim of assisting the airports’ zero carbon footprint goals by 2025. Regarding our international presence, we are excited about our recent expansion into India, a market with excellent growth prospects that solidifies our transition from a regional company to an international ground handling organization, which allows us to transfer our know-how as well as the principles of Greek hospitality to developing airports in Asia. Our further expansion into additional Indian airports, but also our firm belief that we can contribute substantially to the the Ellinikon and Vouliagmeni marina mega-projects as well as the wider development and improvement of the infrastructure of the unique Athenian Riviera, will holistically strengthen the high demands of these types of tourists. This will result in Athens being on a par with other global tourist destinations that have already adopted this type of tourism. What steps have already been made towards developing the new type of air tourism in Greece? Greece has progressed rapidly in recent years in attracting high-level air tourism. A key pillar of development was obviously the development of the airports, namely Athens and the 14 regional airports. The improvement of the facilities came about due to the airlines’ capacity increases as well as recent investments that Greek airlines have made in new aircrafts. At the same time, the international alliances that the country is building give a vote of confidence to the “Greek” tourism brand, recently resulting in a significant increase in direct flights from the US, and an increase in flight frequencies from France, and other markets such as Austria, Poland and Israel. Powerful investments groups making large investments in the hospitality have resulted in new 5-star hotel facilities in several destinations, which if nothing else, contribute decisively to this type of tourism, leading to Greece ranking 5th place this year in the “Tourism” category. In an intense and ever-changing economic as well as social environment, what personal motto do you rely on? The environment we have been operating in for many years is not only dynamic, but I would dare to say a kind of risky, for the reason that the ten-year economic crisis in Greece was succeeded by a global health crisis which is ongoing. We are also already heading for the next geopolitical crisis which has brought with it an explosion in energy costs, the negative effects of which we can’t even measure just yet. As a result, crisis management has become the new norm for many companies, which of course isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it forces a company to shield itself from unforeseen situations, through prudent management, avoiding high risk and continuously adapting. Therefore, adaptability and realism are my two main “beliefs” in the times we are going through. Is ‘thinking outside the box’ part of your management style? This business doesn’t really allow for that. The reality is that we operate within strict institutional and operational frameworks that are defined by Community directives and implemented by the competent domestic authorities. We have to fully comply with EU and domestic law which limits several thoughts and practices that may initially sound innovative and pioneering, but in practice are not supported nor provided for by the current legislation.
development of airports in the Balkans (Croatia, Serbia) are some of our strategic plans for the next decade. With the search for quality forms of tourism development at the forefront, air tourism undoubtedly contributes to attracting high-income tourists. What are the goals in this regard, and how do they relate to the current development of major infrastructure projects such as the Ellinikon or the Vouliagmeni marina? We have seen quality tourism consistently developing in our country in general. This has taken place in Athens in particular, which has resulted from the coordinated efforts of many private and public agencies such as Municipality of Athens, AIA “El. Venizelos”, Aegean Airlines, the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises and other agencies promoting Athens, not only as a city-break destination, but as a 12-month destination. However, as you also know demanding tourists want more than just flying business or first class or upgraded airport services. They want to live the travel experience to the maximum, with good transportation, quality accommodation, cultural experiences, gastronomy and a feeling of security that will not only make them want to re-visit the destination, but render them actual ambassadors of Greek culture and hospitality. In this context,
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HER WAY
High-end style visionary. Success story. Female entrepreneur. Marie Zacharaki’s approach to swimwear made her mark on the Greek fashion scene – and the future remains bright.
Interview by ELSA SOIMIRI
GEORGE BOLBASSIS
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Marie Zacharaki in her stunning boutique inside the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, in Vouliagmeni. Marie zacharaki’s vision has transformed the Greek resortwear scene and market, also embracing everything from ready-to-wear to accessories and home brands. Salt Water was founded in 1995, when she identified a gap in the domestic market. Why should swimwear be confined to lingerie stores? Why can’t it be a fashion statement? And indeed, it could.
Marie Zacharaki’s iconic company brings some of the most premium fashion brands to Greece, from Camilla to Orlebar Brown and MC2 St Barth to Melisa Odabash.
Today, Marie is one of the most successful and unique figures in fashion. Salt Water’s mono-brand and multi-brand boutiques feature luxury footwear and accessoriess by Cult Gaia, uplifting clothing by Camilla, the posh toiletries of The English Soap Company, glamorous swimsuits by Pin-Up Stars, coveted pieces by Balmain, stylish Stella McCartney creations, and ethereal resortwear by Temptation Positano – among others.
In fact, her company’s retail and wholesale network reaches 1 in 5 locals and visitors.
She set off on this glamorous journey young but nevertheless set the bar high and strived for what she loves.
Having studied fashion in Italy, she earned a Master’s in Design and speaks four languages. Marie Zacharaki has an inherent passion for creation. Self-made, she worked with determination and decisiveness to eventually direct a company that boasts three monobrand stores (Orlebar Brown in Mykonos, MC2 Santorini and MC2 Astir Palace Beach (Vouliagmeni)), four multibrand stores (three in Attica and one in Paros) and two multibrand corners in Athens.
We met in her stunning boutique inside the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, in Vouliagmeni. Talking with Marie revealed a magical world of fashion, inspiration and resolve.
How does a career woman combine success and family life?
I set the bar high. Had plenty of experiences but I was in it for the long term. My years living abroad matured me and gave me a vision, but I never lost sight of my
GEORGE BOLBASSIS goal: building a beautiful, close-knit family and experiencing the serenity that can only come from creating something of your own and then sharing it with the people you love. What motivated you in your professional path? I wanted to travel the world. I had a vision and an affinity for creating. I also wanted to be independent. Growing up, I traveled a lot with my parents because my father was a pilot with Olympic Airways. This opened my horizons and fueled my ambition. Back then, it was difficult for a Greek woman to move abroad. How was it for you? I was incredibly enthusiastic. Afraid of nothing and taking nothing for granted. I wanted to finish school, move on, discover, experiment! But I also worked hard. I chose to study in Italy – which was fortunate because I met lots of illustrious people in fashion. I worked for Fiorucci, who collaborated with Jean Paul Gaultier. Gaultier was a huge name at the time – we made clothes for Madonna. This was my introduction to high quality in fashion design. And it gave me an unwavering vision and standards. Did you visit Greece in the six years of your absence? Often, even on weekends. We took our vacations in Mykonos, at a very authentic era. My friends and I would rent locals’ houses, ride vespas, swim, dive… Authentic fun in a still virgin landscape. You had a unique, key influence on the swimwear scene in Greece. How did you get this idea? In our country summer lasts several months. Back in the day, swimsuits only lived in lingerie stores and were utilitarian, not beautiful! Same in Italy. So, I got the idea to design swimsuits. I was studying marketing and business of fashion at Domus Academy, but there were also fashion design courses available which I followed, and among the instructors was the iconic designer Ferré. There was a swimwear shop in Kalogera, Pan, which agreed to stock our pieces. We made amazing swimwear featuring gems, colors, beautiful double-sided Lycra textiles. They said, “Girls, come sell them yourselves!” And we took a leap of faith, heading there to work! And we discovered Mykonos behind the scenes. Louisa, Vanda Katoutsi and I – the bohemian, the iconic women and I, with a more relaxed attitude. Three strong personalities, so different. But we were so enthusiastic. Others would go to Caprice; we would work. Because we were incredibly passionate about swimwear. We toiled, stayed up all night, fell ill, but rose to the occasion. It taught us so much: responsibility, tiredness, teamwork, limits… It was Vanda’s first-time wearing shoes decorated with Swarovski crystals. How do you see yourself today, looking back? It was no laughing matter. I fought every day. I’m so proud when I think about it. I learned self-confidence. olutionary show in a classical setting with an incredible view. The media saw I was unique and supported me. My network and friends helped – and vice versa, as people fell in love with the products. They sold out right away. When did you feel you made your dream a reality? With the Astir Beach concept store – Salt Water Boutique. When I traveled with my parents in Miami, New York, Paris, Caribbean, where there are a lot of resorts, I observed what people wore. I saw how they dressed and didn’t like how commercial and boring the stores were. I was determined to do things differently if I had the chance. I was lucky enough to choose brands that took off. I introduced new names such as Camilla, Agua Bendita, MC2 St Barth. I also brought to the market no brand companies that grew alongside myself – such as Melissa Odabash who now has incredible brand awareness This was where all my ideas took form. I created a relaxed store. I wanted a different experience – to have it be part of the customers’ vacations. When my Salt Water multibrand store opened at the Four Seasons, it was a dream come true: a slow-living resort boutique. It had a sitting area, spacious fitting rooms, large till area that gives you a sense of comfort, like being at home. It was a success! What do you feel is your reward? When I see that the realization of my dream brings smiles to other people’s faces. What’s next for you? To keep evolving my company and bring freshness and innovation to the local fashion industry, and why not, take my retail concept abroad. I have always been careful and conservative in my ventures. I continue to dream but my children and my family take priority. They give me balance and make me feel alive and happy.
I found my footing. I had no qualms. I was creating my collection, and that was important to me. I was on a mission. How did Ralph Lauren come into the picture? After Italy, I was invited to the US – a tempting offer that nevertheless did not tempt me. I’d made up my mind. I had built a strong network and wanted to return to Greece. I missed my friends. Today, I might have chosen differently. So, my sister calls me and says Ralph Lauren are looking for someone for their Kolonaki store – the first one. I was hired within a day. In Italy, at Gaultier, I learned about design and pattern. We would follow his mood board and do the test drive. At Ralph Lauren, I learned about retail. VIP customers, amenities, luxury. At 24 years old, I was managing seven people. And what about your passion for swimwear? I never stopped marketing swimwear but I was pressed for time. I managed three floors at Ralph Lauren, for three-four years. I would return home at 11. But it had run its course and I wanted to move on. I started my own swimsuit business. As I was looking for a store, Alexandros Manos approached me with a new concept in marketing and media. I joined him for two years. But I would still sell my swimsuits to friends – at Poros, at the water ski centers. I’d never stopped traveling and searching for amazing swimwear all around the world. So, I brought Pin-Up Stars to Greece. I did everything to get them on the market, even put leaflets through people’s doors. Where do you think your secret to success lies? It’s essential that you do what you love. It’s important to travel to find stimuli. To see things. I think out of the box. Once, for a winter collection, I hired Dionysos restaurant near the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and flooded it with Styrofoam snow. It was a modern, rev-
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The island of Milos, known for its crystal-clear waters. Left: The beautiful shallow turquoise waters of Elafonissi beach in Crete*.
PICTURE PERFECT GREECE
* REGION OF CRETE
Hailing from a well-known ship owning family, super talented, globetrotting photographer Marina Vernicos explains what makes Greece and photographing it so distinctly special. 137
Having traveled around the world since she was a young child, internationally renowned, award-winning Greek photographer, Marina Vernicos knows a thing or two about capturing nature in all of its glory, especially when it comes to her own country - evident through her thousands of astounding images of Greece. Traveling has been a way of life for you since you were young which you continue to do now with your own family. Have your travel choices changed over the years? Are the travel experiences that you are looking for any different at this stage of your life? No, they don’t change, they just intensify. Right now we want to travel as much as we can together with our children before they go off to study at university. Nature-based photography requires not only being able to capture an image but to also convey a message about its susceptibility in terms of natural or geopolitical disasters – such as the recent war conflict. What are your thoughts on this? As a person I’m very optimistic. I will always photograph our planet in term of its beauty. I love beauty and avoid focusing on disasters. Is there a spot along the Athenian Riviera, which > stretches from Piraeus to Sounio, that you would like to capture with your camera? I have captured it all. The Athenian Riviera is beautiful. All the way from Piraeus to Sounio! Are there beaches and stretches of water in the Cyclades that have particularly impressed you?
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Would you say that there are spots to where you can escape to on popular islands such as Mykonos, for example? For me, the Cyclades islands are the most beautiful part of the world. The waters in Koufonisia, Polyaigo and Mylos impress me every time I visit them; they never fail to amaze me. Mykonos also has beautiful beaches. There’s a reason why it’s one of the most famous islands in the world. The 5th CREAID auction is in its preparation stage. What are your plans for the next project? I still haven’t thought of the next project. I’m anxious for this to go well, that we have a successful auction so that we can help as many children in need as possible.
* REGION OF CRETE Vernicos’ love for the magnificent island of Crete is apparent from photographs captured from above through to more detailed images*.
