I met some of the leading designers in Mykonos a number of years ago and of course knew of some from Athens, but Thessaloniki? Yes, I was told, so the fashion design in this second largest city in Greece became reason for a day tour with Christina Dimitriadou who works with fashion brands and also writes for Glow, a luxury lifestyle magazine in the city. After experiencing the city for a week and coming to see its dynamism and creative talent, it came as no surprise that there’s some exciting Greek fashion design going on that’s worth saving up some Euros for if you go there (and also look for the brands, some of which are sold in the USA). This is part 3 in a series. The first, an overview of Thessaloniki such as history, what to do, where to stay (click here); the second, a foodie’s tour of Thessaloniki (click here)

There are several very different  currents of fashion in Thessaloniki.  First off, there are what’s called the “Girls of Thessaloniki” who are all about colorful dressing, high heels (though not stilettos, too much walking done there for that) and form fitting clothes.

They’d feel right at home in Miami. At the other end of the spectrum are the loose fitting caftan like dresses in colorful silk or cotton with beautiful prints, shiny gold, or embroidery, in above the knee or maxi styles. Actually, this style I saw across the Med, though the Greek patterns and coloring were among my favorites.

And for my tastes, the most exciting are designers like Vassia Kostara, Lace and Pearl and Caviar, with a contemporary vision of Grecian elements where artisanry is a big thing – from handmade prints, beading and embroidery to lace and crochet. Some are sold in the US.

Accessories also tend to be heavily influenced by classical  Greek styles. The shoe  of choice, the sandal, is a classical design, though updated with shiny gold or silver straps or rhinestones. I especially liked a brand Authentic Greek Sandals which look like you came out of the 5^th century B.C.

A popular handbag brand, El.Bags, has the Meander symbol of the Greek key. The Meander is one of the most important symbols in Ancient Greece as it was often used on gifts as it symbolizes infinity, love and the eternal flow of things., joining colorful cotton and straw totes of too many styles to mention, showing an explosive creativity.

Jewelry design tends to opposite trends as well: on the one hand, the classic designs in gold inspired by archaeological finds, with fine craftsmanship and engraved patterns; very contemporary as in bold, enameled bracelets and earrings or subtle updates on classical styles and themes from Katerina Ioannidis; and the playful and whimsical as in acrylics with themes of nature from My Ring. Check my social media for some of my purchases!

Note: My tours were sponsored by the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization.