THE ELYSIANS FOUNDERS
OUR VISION
Through our unique platform we are creating a worldwide community which supports Greek creators and connects them with the American market.
By sharing the inspirational stories behind the labels (through videos and multimedia features) we’ll be part of the global movement of “knowing who’s made my clothes.”
We believe that Greek Nature and Culture is, and always will be, a canvas for inspired and creative people!
Through THE ELYSIANS project you will meet these exceptional Creators and realize that passion and creativity have no borders!
WHO WE ARE
We are an Athens/New York-based fashion and art consultancy and business support company, founded by Vicki Vasilopoulos and Athina Vosinaki.
Our mission touches all aspects of the Arts and Greek Culture by helping inspired Hellenic creatives, artists and emerging entrepreneurs to grow.
We genuinely want to foster an increased demand for Hellenic design products, and in doing so, bring forth a fresh new image and creativity. We want Hellas to get the recognition that it deserves!
As we are huge supporters and believers in “Slow Fashion,” we are committed to seeking exceptional, inspired, handmade designs in pure and sustainable materials.
For us, the ultimate style is knowing that the hands which made these pieces of art are joyful hands, and that’s why we are featuring the stories behind the labels!
Founders Vicki Vasilopoulos and Athina Vosinaki
Hello from Vicki Vasilopoulos…
THE ELYSIANS has been incubating for about a year -- but for me, fashion has been a lifelong passion. At the tender age of 7, I would delve into my mother’s sewing basket and rummage for a bit of velvet and silk to create chic cocktail dresses for my Barbie doll. (I was inordinately proud of those fashion inspirations!)
One summer while in college at NYU, I became serious about my fashion fixation and decided to study fashion merchandising at the Paris Fashion Institute in the City of Light. Upon visiting the Hermes workroom and the Balmain atelier, my devotion only grew. Flash forward two decades and I’m working as a men’s fashion editor in New York, styling photo layouts featuring the leading designers from both sides of the pond, and traveling to fashion capitals like Milan and Florence to cover the new collections.
In addition to high-end fashion and the Haute Couture, I’ve always been fascinated by artisans and handmade things because I believe they possess the soul of their creator. That formative experience in Paris ignited a passion in me that eventually led to producing and directing my first documentary film, MEN OF THE CLOTH, a heartfelt portrait of three Italian master tailors with Old World skills honed over a lifetime.
During my career as a fashion editor, writer, and filmmaker in New York, I never forgot my roots in northwestern Greece; over the years it was the siren song that always played in the background, calling out to me.
I dreamed of launching a socially-conscious business - and bringing my fellow Greek creators into the spotlight. In the summer of 2018, a mutual Greek friend in Brooklyn introduced me to my soon-to-be partner from Athens, Athina Vosinaki. The two of us shared a similar vision – and it felt like kismet! So we decided to join forces.
Hello from Athina Vosinaki….
I was born some time ago in Athens and grew up in the heart of this vibrant city, where I studied advertising and marketing at University. My professional career in the banking and private sector gave me valuable experience, but something was always missing. Possessing a curious mind, and feeling deeply drawn to the arts, I found time to take college courses in art history, earning a diploma in photography as a way to express my artistic inspiration and calm my restless spirit.
My life changed dramatically in my early 30s. Taking with me my previous experience in strategic planning, marketing and advertising, I drove my career to an entirely different path. For the last 16 years, as a passionate filmmaker traveling all over Greece and abroad, I’ve had the opportunity to discover mostly unknown places and hidden gems of Greek culture.
I met well-educated, talented young designers, many of whom left the urban environment and returned to their hometowns. Driven by their passion, dreams and creativity, these designers began small production houses for clothing, jewelry, bags, and accessories -- all handmade and inspired by Greek culture, history and nature! Their optimism filled my soul with positive vibes and joy!
By sharing the inspirational stories behind the labels (through videos and multimedia features) we’ll be part of the global movement of “knowing who’s made my clothes.”
We believe that Greek Nature and Culture is, and always will be, a canvas for inspired and creative people!
Through THE ELYSIANS project you will meet these exceptional Creators and realize that passion and creativity have no borders!
All our efforts toward this project are on behalf of giving Hellas the place that it deserves!
Stay creative and passionate!