Greek Fashion Designer Creates Unique 1821-Inspired Collection

Greek fashion designer Eleanna Tabouri has created an elegant new collection inspired by traditional Greek costumes and the fashions of 1821.

The Thourios Capsule Collection 1821-2021, was presented just three months after the launch of her monobrand, Nevro Blazer.

Named after the poem written by Rigas Ferraios in 1797, the collection drew its inspiration from Greek heritage and the rich tradition of Naoussa, Imathia, while folk dancers were included in the photo shoot.

“Although we are a new brand, it seemed impossible not to participate in Greece’s Bicentennial festivities,” Tabouri tells Greek Reporter.

“2021 is so significant for all Greeks, who want to be an example to the world of a certain kind of patriotism – one founded on liberty and peaceful coexistence, evolving over the next 200 years to secure a hopeful future.”

Motivated by local tradition

With a brand philosophy of creating clothes with softness, liberation, comfort, individuality and timelessness for people who yearn to look good but don’t want the yearning to show, Tabouri’s fashion venture aims to create a modern, cool and casual vibe with an essence of couture.

A former ski athlete and Business Administration graduate with a Masters in Tourism Management, the Naoussa-born brand owner has no degree in fashion, but says she moves by instinct and grabs each opportunity to elevate her knowledge into something richer.

“In Naoussa, history and tradition are deeply rooted in the souls of the residents. We coexist with our rich culture. The designs for Thourios came out of studying Greek history and the clothes, but of course Naoussa played its role,” Tabouri points out.

Her designs will always reflect people, personalities and ideas, she asserts.

1821 fashion and traditional costumes reinterpreted

That is definitely the case for the Thourios collection, which pays homage to Ferraios’ poem in which he urges his fellow Greeks to throw off the chains of the Ottomans.

It comprises five pieces; two blazers, one signature “Fustanella” skirt and two long waistcoats based on the traditional Greek gilet, called “Pisli.”

Two long versions of the latter have been created, in black and white, superior-quality wool, featuring a stand-up collar, power shoulders and embroidered gold cording.

“Our skilled seamstresses create Nevro’s impeccable blazers; however for the “Thourios” capsule collection we collaborated with traditional artisans from Naoussa, paying homage to the region’s traditions,” she explains to Greek Reporter.

“The collection is about craftsmanship, the references that I vividly remember from the past; the embroidery, the textiles and the techniques that pass from generation to generation. It’s important to celebrate this kind of living heritage, a cultural heritage impact with today’s creative dynamics,” Tabouri declares.

History in each Thourios 1821 fashion design

Since Nevro is focused on women’s blazers, the collection started from those pieces. The “Evzon” military jacket is inspired by the Winter, non-ceremonial Evzones uniform.

“The actual Winter uniform is made of wool and is navy blue, its origins dating back to the Macedonian Struggle of 1904. At Nevro we have created a total black look, adorned with 40 ancient gold brass half-round metallic buttons, along with contrasting red piping and red lining”, Tabouri notes.

“Furthermore, we created an old time classic, double breasted, black tuxedo jacket. The rich tradition of Naoussa inspired the Nevro design team to add ornament chains (the so-called “Kiousteki”) to the back of the tux.

“This is exactly how they adorn the back of the dancers in the long historic tradition of Yiannitsari & Boules,” she describes.

Of course, a “Foustanella” skirt could not be missing from any 1821-inspired fashion collection.

400 strips of poplin have been sewn together to make the pleated skirt, symbolizing each year of Turkish dominion over Greece. For each skirt, 30 meters of fabric are bound together and hand-sewn, piece by piece, by Naoussa’s traditional artisans.

Protecting craftmanship

In conclusion, Tabouri contends that fashion itself needs to be revolutionary — first and foremost in terms of sustainability.

“The planet is suffering and the fashion industry is one of the most consuming.

“There are many measures to be taken to reduce the industry’s emissions dramatically by switching to renewable energy and improving energy efficiency across supply chains.

“What is more, the industry must protect artisans who try to stay true to their craft. They are responsible for creating couture,” she states.