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AN AMERICAN FRIEND

AN AMERICAN FRIEND

Athens

No longer little-known secrets, the Greek capital’s top destinations for jewelry, fashion and well-being offer world -class creativity and service. Here are our top picks.

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Modern Treasures

Earrings / "Tu Es Partout" collection / Lito

A look at the work of contemporary Greek jewelry designers who are carrying on the tradition of an ancient native art and gaining international recognition for their efforts.

TEXT: ELIS KISS

Necklace / Helios collection / Zolotas

Ring / Dolly Boucoyannis / i-D Concept Stores

Necklace / Lalaounis

Ring / Fanourakis

Earrings / Caterina Anesti / Eleni Marneri Galerie Earrings / Ioanna Souflia / i-D Concept Stores

Bracelet / Polina Ellis

CRAFTSMANSHIP

The Greek capital is home to a variety of jewelry designers who, whether established or in the rising-star category, have their individual styles and techniques.

WHATEVER YOUR REASON FOR VISITING ATHENS, a stroll around the city center’s high-energy, ultra-gifted local fine jewelry scene deserves a spot on your to-do list. Jewelry is a major Greek success story, not that this should come as a surprise. Enter any major local museum and you’re bound to come across artfully hammered metals, often set with precious stones.

Decorative, noting social status (in the past, at least), and always a reflection of standout craftsmanship, Greek jewelry continues its singular creative journey from antiquity to the present. What you’ll discover in the Greek capital is that a large number of jewelry designers, whether established or in the rising-star category, present their own distinct identity. And don’t be surprised if you get a sense of déjà vu: it’s possible that you’ve already come across some of their designs in other cities, on display at eclectic global boutiques, department stores and galleries.

From pure minimalism all the way to sheer opulence, Greek jewelry designers are carving out a powerful narrative through their goldsmithing techniques. Are they, you might ask, inspired by their motherland? The answer is yes, but not necessarily in the most obvious ways. Nevertheless, given that the country is this year commemorating the bicentennial of the Greek War of Independence, do look out for special collections and collector’s items paying homage to the defining moment of modern Greek history, in great style.

Some local maisons need no introduction. This is the case of Ilias Lalaounis, a fine brand established by late master jeweler Ilias Lalaounis in 1968. Known for revisiting Greek history and culture – without disregarding other civilizations – through the country’s jewelry tradition, Ilias Lalaounis is one of the very few instantly recognizable global Greek jewelry brands (www.lalaounis.com). The same is true of Zolotas (est. 1895), where goldsmithing techniques stemming from ancient times are still very much part of the creative process for the development of new collections, such as the recent Helios (www.zolotas.gr).

Pioneering designer Ileana Makri believes fine jewelry should be an everyday friend rather than a heavy-duty companion for special occasions. Makri’s own elegantly edgy pieces are on display alongside carefully selected jewelry by international designers at her namesake store. What’s more, the designer was recently named creative director of New York-based jewelry brand Reinstein Ross (www. ileanamakri.com).

The delicate yet mighty strong pieces designed by Lina Fanouraki of Fanourakis are defined by their extraordinarily detailed craftsmanship. At Fanourakis, gold is hammered, pleated and folded, while the irregularly cut diamonds produce a mosaic effect. Bestsellers here include miniature gold jewelry inspired by the world of animals, including insects (www.fanourakis.gr).

GREEK JEWELRY DESIGNERS ARE CARVING OUT A POWERFUL NARRATIVE THROUGH THEIR GOLDSMITHING TECHNIQUES. ARE THEY, YOU MIGHT ASK, INSPIRED BY THEIR MOTHERLAND?

Earrings / Ileana Makri

Nikos Koulis

A recipient of the highly prestigious Jewelry Design award at the 2018 GEM Awards bestowed by the Jewelers of America, Nikos Koulis counts Queen Rania of Jordan and Oprah Winfrey among his high-flying clientele. Moving between high and fine jewelry, Koulis enjoys working with unique gemstones as well as translucent and black enamel, among other challenging materials. Look out for the Art Deco-inspired “Oui” and the gold chain “Feelings” collections (www.nikoskoulis.gr).

Yannis Sergakis is known for his use of minute diamonds, which invariably give his work a feeling of edgy delicacy. After spending a few years focusing on gold and diamonds alone, the designer is now incorporating more precious stones into his palette. Check out his less-is-definitely-more signature Charnières collection, also available at the new Yannis Sergakis corner at Le Bon Marché in Paris (www.yannissergakis.com).

At her Cabinet des Curiosités, Lito Karakostanoglou welcomes visitors with her innate sense of hip eclecticism, which is also reflected in her work. Inspired by Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Lito (as the jewelry designer is known) works with mother-of-pearl scarabs and vibrantly colored gemstones, among others. At the Cabinet des Curiosités, top-selling collections include the “Tu Es Partout” series, based on the notion of the evil eye (www.litofinejewelry.com).

Necklace / Yannis Sergakis

Ring / Nikos Koulis

THE NEW JEWELRY COLLECTION OF KATERINA MAKRIYIANNI CELEBRATES THE HEART

THE NEW JEWELRY collection of Katerina Makriyianni is based on simplicity, warm colors and gemstones. “The symbol of this collection is the heart”, says the designer. “The power of that image is so important nowadays.” Gold is an element that is never missing from her collections, and it is widely present in this one, too, as it‘s perfectly suited to the pieces’ geometric designs and clear-cut winter shapes. “Collaborating with Net-A-Porter was a huge recognition for me,” Makriyianni says. “Then came the collaboration with the world-renowned photographer, Mario Testino for Vogue UK, as well as the Vogue Spain cover with Penélope Cruz as guest editor and photographer. Meeting Anna Wintour was also an important step in my career.”

This year, Makriyianni was honored at the Greek International Women Awards and was commissioned to create jewelry for the President of the Hellenic Republic. What’s happening in 2022? “I‘ll be working with various raw materials in an attempt to carefully meet the current need for environmental sustainability. In the coming year, we‘ll be embarking on some very bold projects.”

Info: Katerinamakriyianni.com

THE NEW JEWELRY COLLECTION OF KATERINA MAKRIYIANNI IS BASED ON SIMPLICITY, WARM COLORS AND GEMSTONES.

Minas Bracelet / Minas

At the Neso Studio (www.nesostudio.com), the use of micro-sculpting techniques for the creation of wax casts leads to one-off pieces in silver, gold, precious and semi-precious gemstones inspired by mystical creatures, while at Break A Stone (www.breakastone.com), a sense of vintage with an edge is reflected in silver and bronze pieces, where emphasis is often given to raw semi-precious stones.

Only a few steps from the Acropolis Museum, the Eleni Marneri Galerie, the city’s first contemporary creative jewelry art space, showcases local and global talent through permanent and temporary displays. Among the gallery’s “regulars” is Elena Votsi, whose groundbreaking sculptural pieces include bulky gold rings with colorful gemstones. Votsi is also the designer behind the Athens 2004 Olympics medals – with the obverse design gracing all Olympic Games medals since. In addition, the gallery space hosts new blood like Greek-British Joanna Peters, whose pieces focus on texture and a sense of joy (www.elenimarneri.com).

At the i-D Concept Stores – both downtown and in the upmarket Golden Hall mall in northern Athens – a mini panorama of creative Greek jewelry includes pieces by Myrto Anastasopoulou, whose fluid and nature-inspired pieces have a penchant for colorful gemstones; Doric order-inspired jewels by archaeology scholar Polina Ellis, who focuses on symmetry and a strong sense of construction; works by Christina Soubli, whose delicate femininity is highlighted in her signature filigree method; sophisticated jewelry by Ioanna Souflia, who daringly mixes materials such as white marble and black gold; and refined pieces by Dolly Boucoyannis, whose work includes gold matched with pebbles and pearls (idconceptstores.com).

In Kifissia

In the leafy northern suburb of Kifissia you’ll discover the creative universe of minimalist master Minas. The late designer’s body of work is based on a sense of gentle austerity, with pieces moving away from all unnecessary ornamentation. The designer’s jewelry work follows the movement of the body and is further inspired by ancient cultures such as the Cycladic civilization (www.minas-designs.com).•

Earrings / Break A Stone

Bracelet / Neso Studio

Zeus+Δione

Grecian Chic Redefined

History, culture and tradition provide the inspiration for a number of Greek designers and fashion brands making a name for themselves beyond the country’s borders.

TEXT: ELINA DIMITRIADI

Parthenis

VIBRANT, EXPRESSIVE, UNEXPECTED AND THRILLING, Athens is like a huge theater stage, starring both its residents and the hundreds of thousands of visitors who every year choose it as a holiday destination, not just as a transit point to the Greek islands. All together, we form the cast of a play that is constantly evolving, so the “costumes” we wear should be carefully assembled, featuring Greek designers and new brands that showcase Greece's cultural heritage and express the city’s vibe.

A walk around the streets of Athens is like a treasure hunt for gems of the local fashion scene or a search for new talent. Where better to start than at the boutique of Zeus+Δione, the Greek brand that shot to fame thanks to its ability to bring the past into the future? Ιnspired by the country’s mythology, folk customs and traditional craftsmanship, Zeus+Δione creates women’s garments and accessories that sing of simplicity and enduring elegance. Doric elements, geometric forms and poetry of movement are employed in high-quality fabrics and Greek silks to compose collections of timeless suits, skirts that flatter every figure and impressive dresses with ornate details, offsetting their simple lines and telling a story about folk art, and artfully placed slits for that hint of sensuality. The luxurious boutique incorporates the brand philosophy by drawing on the old to create the new.

Carrying on the same thread of drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek notion of “kallos,” or “beauty,” the flagship store of luxury brand Callista Crafts is, like Zeus+Δione, located on Voukourestiou, Athens’ high-end shopping street. The brand seeks to provide every woman with the perfect purse and bag for her multitasking lifestyle, from capacious totes for the office and crossbodies when you’re out and about, to small yet handy mini-baguettes, flaps and saddle bags. All are crafted in soft leather with Callista’s signature stitching and embossed details. The brand has recently expanded into apparel, launching a capsule collection in cooperation with Greek designer Angelos Tsakiris, of essential readyto-wear items in luxurious textures and oversized or minimal silhouettes.

Callista Crafts

Another chapter of Greek mythology – the one about the messenger god Hermes and his winged sandals – is the inspiration behind Ancient Greek Sandals. The Greek brand’s founders work with skilled local craftsmen and use high-quality leather to create comfortable, stylish and enduring footwear based on techniques that stretch back centuries. Apart from mythology, the motifs also draw on ancient pottery, sculpture and jewelry-making, elevated to contemporary aesthetic standards. The collections include everything from clogs and alternative flip-flops (you can even get ones with a small heel), braided strappies, intricately tied sandals, cozy slides and even clog boots, in classic and funky color combinations. The brand’s first flagship store in Athens is an architectural testament to Greek hospitality and creativity.

It’s not ancient Greek mythology but drama that informs the signature creations of the internationally acclaimed Parthenis brand. Defined by clean lines and simple forms, the clothing designed by Orsalia Parthenis for the historical Greek house attests to the fact that she shares the love her father and the brand’s founder, Dimitris, had for ancient theater. Her dresses and skirts – timelessly minimalist pieces with discreet draping – and a range of basics in wool, viscose and devoré, such as blouses, shirts, jupe culottes, trousers, jackets and coats suitable for every occasion, are available at the brand’s self-named boutique in the downtown Athens district of Kolonaki.

In the same neighborhood, seek out the flagship store of acclaimed and voracious designer Yiorgos Eleftheriades. A steady presence at international fashion weeks over the past few years, Eleftheriades is a pioneer of geometric forms and edgy minimalism. His richly layered pieces – both literally and conceptually – achieve that elusive combination of ease and creativity, with hints of playful eccentricity here and there. Collections include double-breasted and voluptuous coats and trenches, oversized and slim-fit jackets in wool and denim, casual and minimal tops and dresses like the ribbed polo, but also dresses and skirts that play with volume and asymmetrical detail, blouses with accentuated shoulders, pants with pleats and modern pencil skirts – everything you need for a wardrobe with interesting twists.

One of the forces shaping the new Greek fashion scene, Milkwhite just opened its first store in downtown Athens and recently presented a collection that is basically a love letter to the city that drives so much of the brand’s style and aesthetic. Combining whimsical femininity and romance, the brand has a lot in store for the style-conscious: crossed animal print skirts, fluffy wrap dresses in pastel shades, impressive painting-inspired motifs, long silk dresses and more. Their collection promotes sustainability making the most of materials such as vegan leather and natural textiles. Surprise drops made every so often to enrich the collections will draw you back to the store again and again.

Speaking of sustainability, one Greek brand that is doing good work to this end is Vathos. Adopting an ethical approach to fashion, Vathos creates ready-to-wear clothing and accessories from eco-friendly materials. Its minimalist silhouettes seek to combine a comfortable fit with a sense of spiritual, physical and emotional wellbeing. The clean-formed basics like shirts, trousers, jackets, Bermuda shorts and dresses are the stuff of a comprehensive mix-and-match wardrobe with a few elegant statement pieces to make a splash without compromising on comfort.

Sustainable and slow fashion is also the guiding principle of the Greek project and brand It’s A Shirt, which goes in the opposite direction of seasonal, disposable trends. Apart from being incorporated into the clothing, the motto “It is what it is, not just about two sleeves and a collar” is the overriding philosophy behind every shirt, jacket and coat. Natural dyeing processes, unexpected textures, creative partnerships with artists, a sense of humor and a sense of timelessness, together with hand-crafted skill come together for gender-neutral styles and pieces that attract people who are interested in the story behind the clothes.

Vathos

Milkwhite

Mohxa describes its style as “Falifornia,” a portmanteau of the southern Athens coastal suburb of Faliro where it was born, and California’s surf culture that inspires it. It is a stylistic combination that’s evident in all its cool urban wear, from the loud print shirts and hip granny skirts that it launched in its early days, to the more diverse and sophisticated pieces it produces today for people who don’t need to look cool. These include T-shirts and shirts with simple lines and amazing textures, hoodies that stand out for the simplicity, and hats and caps bearing the logo of the palm tree that so defines the Faliro area. It also has a unisex line developed in cooperation with another Greek brand, Somf Clothing, of 1970s-inspired paisley shirts and bandanas, and a grunge collection that’s a nod to the 1990s.

Creating ready-to-wear classics with a twist, Anamnesi is a fresh new name in Greek fashion aimed at women with chutzpah. Combining an air of nostalgia with a retro aesthetic vibe – which also informed the name, meaning “memory” in Greek – the brand is defined by bright colors that vibrate on its high-quality textiles and in its playful motifs, like on the striking Athens Puzzle dress. It also has trousers that combine baggy and comfortable lines with a perfect fit, and shirts and jackets with names like Stockholm and London that attest to a collection created with the aim of standing out in the city throng.

A light and playful mood is also the driving force behind the space and philosophy of September, a concept store in downtown Athens. Like a splash of color in the grey urban landscape, September brings an air of late summer fun even to the winter, with carefully selected and uplifting clothing and accessories from Greek and international labels. Think flower earrings and hand-painted vintage jeans with floral motifs, blouses and shirts with neon prints, suns and waves, socks with cats, beaded hairclips and stripey purses.

September

It’s A Shirt

© NIKOS KARANIKOLAS

ATHENS IS LIKE A HUGE THEATER STAGE, STARRING BOTH ITS RESIDENTS AND ITS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF VISITORS.

Another concept store, Aiki Diounot is a fun and funky space hosting limited collections from young and up-and-coming Greek designers. As the playful name (“I-Kid-You-Not”) suggests, these artists aren’t trifling with fashion and Aiki Diounot gives them a platform to spread their wings and us shoppers the opportunity to get to know their work and help them on their way. Pick from dresses with handmade prints, alternative deux-pièces for every occasion, statement pieces in pants and jackets that can be combined in everyday looks, and jumpsuits with unexpected influences from sportswear and the Roaring ’20s.

With a beautifully curated design and fashion collection, A Future Perfect & Friends describes itself as a “lifestyle store.” Why? Because it brings together collections from its own brand – clothing with architectural motifs and geometric lines drawn from the urban landscape – with whimsical and tasteful homeware made to bring imagination to every room in the house, design decorative items with strong artistic references and unexpected materials, and unusual jewelry by local designers, among much more.

Representing the elite of Greek designers in fashion, accessories and jewelry, the concept store Aesthet is the perfect way to wrap up our tour of Athens’ creative shopping scene. Some of the top brands that have been handpicked to represent the existing and future trends of Greek fashion include Angelos Bratis, Antonia Karra, Di Gaia, Evi Grintela, Greek Archaic Kori, Hermina Athens, Kooreloo, Lito Fine Jewelry, Sophie Deloudi, Stefania Frangista, Stefania Vaidani, Themis Z, Blameyourdaze and Vassia Kostara. Every nook and corner of Aesthet holds a new discovery for women who treat fashion as an investment and an adventure, with gowns for show-stopping evening looks, classic woolen capes, mohair and leather coats and trenches, velvet blazers and suits in unusual colors, two-piece suits in ’70s patterns, ribbed dresses and tops for an everyday look, tailored trousers and lifestyle jumpsuits.•

Aesthet

Aiki Diounot

• Zeus+Δione, 6 Voukourestiou, Tel. (+30) 210.323.0132 • Callista Crafts, 11 Voukourestiou, Tel. (+30) 210.364.7989 • Ancient Greek Sandals, 1 Kolokotroni, Tel. (+30) 210.323.0938 • Parthenis, 20 Dimokritou, Tel. (+30) 210.363.3158 • Yiorgos Eleftheriades, 29 Tsakalof & Voukourestiou, Tel. (+30) 210.361.6272 • Milkwhite, 5 Athanasiou Axarlian, Tel. (+30) 210.331.5233 • Vathos, 19 Archelaou, Tel. (+30) 694.807.2676 • It’s A Shirt, 67 Asklipiou, Tel. (+30) 694.517.5234 • Mohxa, 59 Zoodochou Pigis, Tel. (+30) 216.002.9238 • Anamnesi, 12 Protogenous, Tel. (+30) 210.921.0515 • September, 16 Apollonos, Tel. (+30) 210.323.4891 • Aiki Diounot, 53 Pratinou, Tel. (+30) 211.725.3717 • A Future Perfect & Friends, 23 Praxitelous, Tel. (+30) 697.430.4656 • Aesthet, 15 Valaoritou, Tel. (+30) 210.363.8573

Change more than just your location

IN CONTRAST TO SUMMER ESCAPES IN GREECE, which are by nature more a shared vision, with everyone thinking sea and sun, winter escapes seem to be more individualized, especially in a setting such as Athens, a metropolis with a style of its own. Its evolution into a multicultural destination has transformed what it has on offer; it no longer exclusively caters to locals. Instead, the city seeks to meet the needs of all tastes and demands, offering its visitors reasons to explore beyond the famed cultural touchstones and enjoy, for instance, its lively art scene or its gastronomic destinations. A night out at the concert hall or a fine restaurant is always welcome. Such undertakings, however, aren’t like carefree summer excursions to the beach; they need a little more wardrobe planning, and a much greater degree of attention paid to personal presentation.

In Athens, you can find everything you need to look your best, and you can take that new look home with you, too, thanks to the excellent range of goods and services on offer in the capital. From international brands and Greek designers to hair salons and nail bars, the growth of this market sector has been impressive, as has its impeccable professionalism and the hygienic safeguards put in place by the specially trained staff at all those spot in the city that will leave you looking sharper. What follows are just some of the many places that Athens offers those visitors seeking a little extra personal glamour during their city stay.

By all means, see that museum, but make sure to schedule time for a trip to the hair salon, the nail bar, the beauty counter or the perfumery as well. You'll love the personal care options here in the capital, and so will your travel budget.

TEXT: VASSILIKI PAPAGEORGIOU

© VANGELIS ZAVOS

Products based on natural extracts (sourced from the island of Naxos) and tailor-made face creams are the bestsellers at Naxos Apothecary - an umissable beauty stop in town.

The Naxos Apothecary Hydration is of vital importance when you’re traveling. To restore the health of your skin after longer or shorter flights, facial and body treatments are helpful. Just a short walk around the welcoming Naxos Apothecary will let you in on some of the secrets of herbs and other natural cosmetics. Founded by the family behind the oldest homeopathic pharmacy in Athens, known as the Korres pharmacy, and the beauty company of the same name, the apothecary offers special products based on natural extracts sourced from the island of Naxos. Enjoy making your own homeopathic treatments, natural extracts or oils in hands-on workshops, or order a personalized face cream based on your skin's needs. Discover the perfumes, soap bars, and wonderful candles, all with a link to the natural riches of Naxos. 3-5 Kolokotroni & Voulis, Syntagma, Tel. (+30) 210.722.2774

Apivita Experience Store

Indie Scent

Apivita Experience Store Building on innovative concepts, years of experience and an expertise in “natural” beauty, Apivita offers select services in its energy-filled flagship store in downtown Athens. Its five floors invite you to experience a different approach to face and body treatments, based on the idea that natural sources, bees and herbs in particular, hold the key to beauty. Apivita has been harnessing their miraculous powers for the last 35 years. In the Natural Pharmacy on the first floor, create your own personal cosmetics, try the honey and herbs, and indulge in organic beverages at the Juice Bar. Trust the experts and update your look at Nature’s Hair beauty salon and barber shop on the third floor, or indulge in unique treatments for the face and body at the Beehive Spa on the top floor. 6 Solonos & Kanari, Kolonaki, Tel. (+30) 210.364.0560

Indie Scent If you’re a fan of tailormade and niche perfumes, you’re in luck; a walk to the minute Indie Scent perfumery on Aghias Irinis will reveal a rich collection featuring sandalwood, vanilla, rose, and cotton. Test your creativity with the help of Efi, Irini or Hara, the three sisters who've created this haven, and mix your own long-lasting signature perfume. Don't forget to check out the shower gels, aromatic body lotions, body and hair oils, hair mists, candles and diffusers, all at very budget-friendly prices. 3 Aghias Irinis, Tel. (+30) 211.408.1452

Nail Bars

Tresor Nails Boutique If you're getting your nails done, it’s not enough for them to be impeccably manicured; they need to be perfectly painted, too! When you leave the Tresor Nails Boutique on Voukourestiou, your nails will be averitable work of arts, with brands such as Essie, OPI and Semilac being used here. The paint job is, of course, preceded by a professional manicure and skincare treatment from some of the best nail artists in the industry. Services also include threading for eyebrows and other facial hair. 16 Voukourestiou, Kolonaki, Tel. (+30) 210.300.5100

Nail Job This wonderful industrial space in Pangrati, with an engaging atmosphere complete with jazz music, offers exceptional nail care and is always busy. Manicures, pedicures, nail and foot treatments, as well as manicures for men, can be had at very reasonable prices. Owner Kirki Fotopoulou is wonderful; she also keeps her customers apprised of the latest trends. 32 Archelaou, Pangrati, Tel. (+30) 211.407.3346

Brow Makeup

Perfect Touch Permanent Makeup Rich, well-shaped eyebrows are essential to a flawless look. To achieve this effect, you need to trust the experts: Anna Albani, artistic director of NyxiNyxi and certified permanent make-up artist, and her team will help you create your personal style, highlighting your best features with services such as semi-permanent make-up. Reshape your eyebrows with the natural 4D brow lift technique, or lift and paint your eyelashes in just 35 minutes for a lasting effect (lash lift). Eyelash extensions, using a 3D technique that leads to a thicker lash effect, are also available. 1 Christopoulou & Ermou, Kapnikareas Square, Tel. (+30) 210.322.0023

Nail Job

Hair

Cassidy & Co Antonia (colorist) and Dimitris (hair specialist) created a welcoming, minimal space in Exarchia in January 2020. Their new ideas, positive approach and professionalism have helped them develop services that go beyond simply updateing your look. Indulge in their special treatments, formulated after a discussion of the particular needs of your hair. The background music will always lift your spirits, while the eco-friendly products they use – Davines, Olaplex and Paul Mitchell, to mention a few – are composed of light formulas. 44 Mavromichali, Exarchia, Tel. (+30) 210.363.8408

Dimitra Danika At her salon, this TRESemmé hair expert and her team will redefine your entire image, imbuing your hair with natural shine and health with a simple haircut, or creating an ideal shade that matches your skin tone, and they do it all in a space that feels homey and welcoming and that hosts art exhibitions from time to time. 46 Spefsippou, Kolonaki, Tel. (+30) 210.721.0622

Nicolas Villiotis Baby lights, low lights, balayage – no matter what you choose for your hair, the results will thrill you at hair colorist Nicolas Villiotis’ salon. In an elegant setting in Pangrati, among artworks and classical music, you’ll be able to discuss your needs before starting. If you’re bored with your hair color but not ready for a radical change, ask for the painting technique that uses tones just slightly lighter than your natural tone.19 Alkmanos, Pangrati, Tel. (+30) 210.722.2058

Elephant and Castle This salon is named after the London district where Stavros Petropoulos, owner and Label.M ambassador in Greece, lived before coming to Greece. The setting is remioniscent of a London pub, while the music, played on vinyl, is an integral part of the experience. Services on offer include hair therapies, hair coloring and haircuts. A new branch is opening in Berlin very soon! 21 Kolokotroni, Tel. (+30) 213.0287.802

Talkin’ Heads The 130 wooden frames suspended from the high ceiling with 520 metal wires, a creation of the Bureau de Change architecture firm, is the first thing you’ll notice upon entering Talkin’ Heads, a truly avant-garde salon. The second thing that will make an impression is the music selections of owner and director George Kampouris. His work as a radio producer on En Lefko 87.7 (Sun 20:00-22:00) has influenced his work as a hair stylist – he cannot use the scissors or his brush without listening to his favorite sounds. His carefully selected team and products that are eco-friendly and good for our hair, such as Australian brand Kevin Murphy or the Italian Oway and Davines, make for a unique coloring or hair styling experience. 5 Massalias, Kolonaki, Tel. (+30) 210.3392.211

Cut n’ Blow High-quality services in an aesthetically pleasing setting – this is Cut n’ Blow in Syntagma. Talented hair expert and Redken artist Vagelis Margoutas offers specialized solutions for hair coloring, cuts and styling, essentially tailor-made for each customer. Additional services include three types of keratin treatments (including vegan options), as well as an anti-frizz treatment. 23-25 Lekka, Syntagma, Tel. (+30) 210.322.2332 •

Cassidy & Co

Nicolas Villiotis Talkin’ Heads

Shopping meets coffee and more at the city's more unorthodox retail locations. Scan here to explore them.

IN DEPTH

Athens

Greece Is has a mission to provide stories that do more than scratch the surface, that bridge past and present, and that shed light on lesser-known aspects of its corner of the world.

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