This summer I made a serious discovery for lovers of earrings and unusual statement sandals and slipons – Elli Lyraraki from Crete, Greece. You’ll be happy to hear that she sells online and she may even do a popup with me in Miami next year. Among her many pedigrees is that she was the first Greek designer to present a collectible line of shoes and jewelry at Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris, where her collection received international acclaim and coverage from leading fashion magazines.She also designs earrings for the National Gallery in Athens, inspired by their leading works of art and sculptures and custom gifts for the Crete government. Here’s the story and a look at Elli Lyraraki’s work. Stay tuned for a possible popup of her creations in Miami next year spearheaded by yours truly. 

Elli Lyraraki was born and raised in Athens, with deep roots in Alagni, a historic village in Heraklion, Crete. Surrounded by her family’s rich traditions—from her mother’s fabric shop to her uncles’ award-winning vineyards—she developed an early connection to craftsmanship and creativity. These influences, combined with the cultural wealth of Crete and its ties to ancient mythology, shaped her artistic vision and continue to inspire her work.

Elli initially studied music and interior design, preparing to contribute to the family business. Her path, however, took a creative turn when she and her husband established a workshop in Chania, Crete, where they began handcrafting leather sandals and accessories. Their dedication transformed a small workshop into an internationally recognized brand, offering ready-to-wear collections of sandals, shoes, bags, and jewelry sold across Greece and abroad.

Her most celebrated achievement is the Alagonia collection, a couture line of 15 pairs of numbered handmade shoes, slippers, inspired by Minoan civilization and the frescoes of Knossos. This ambitious project was developed in collaboration with archaeologists, historians, painters, and traditional craftsmen, incorporating techniques such as Cretan embroidery, batik silk dyeing, and goldsmith artistry. Each piece was a fusion of ancient heritage and modern design, accompanied by jewelry, silk foulards, and embroidered pouches that honored Crete’s traditions.

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Her sandals, slipons,  are colorful and distinctive. All leather, they are decorated with leather collages, sometimes feathers, beads, and more. Her earrings and necklaces are also all leather which means they’re light and ideal for travel. Some earrings  hug to the ear and others are chandeliers. All are statements, best viewed here than described. She has over 100 models which she sells in select boutiques all over Greece and online. Here’s a look:

Beyond fashion, Elli has made significant contributions to art and culture. She is an accomplished painter whose works have been exhibited in Athens, London, Moscow, Istanbul, Cyprus, and Crete.

Her designs have reached global stages. In 2019, her shoes were showcased alongside collections by Victoria Beckham and Isabel Marant in Saint-Tropez. In 2020, she designed sandals and jewelry for the Tokyo Olympics, and in 2021 she was commissioned by the Federation of Olympia to create the jewel-symbol of the Olympic sport of archery. She later designed the Olympic Runner sculpture for an exhibition organized by the Federation.

For more information about Elli Lyraraki and to shop, click here.