Christina Kotsilelou and Thanos Karabatsos graduated from Central St. Martins in London. They decided that it was time to show the world a different, more creative, modern and optimistic side of Greece. For the last few years, they have been making creative types of Greek souvenirs. “We think that a trip is full of memories and small items. A humble t-shirt, a smart pencil, a mug or a small present.”
In 2007 they founded their company, which is called “Greece is for lovers.” Since then they have visited various international design exhibitions where they present their products: weights in the shape of ancient Greek columns, marble skateboards, shoes made out of olive wood, rings with small mosquito repellent coils, etc.
Thanos is obsessed with sport shoes while Christina likes to collect old porcelain pieces. In general, they both love kitsch objects. One of the company’s most popular products is a mug that has “Athens sucks” written on it. “When we returned to Athens, we thought that moving back was a low-point in anyone’s life. We still have mixed feeling on the subject. On the one hand we see that measures are being taken, but on the other hand daily life is still difficult. We are mostly bothered by how rude people are here.”
The company sells various kitsch objects such as candles depicting Aphrodite and Hermes which are called Hermaphrodites, leather sandals that are glued onto a skateboard, the cult “Athens Sucks” mug, or knitted iPod pouches. Greek tradition meets high aesthetics and ironic humor to form these unique souvenirs, reminiscent of ancient Greece, something that makes tourists go crazy.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
