You’ve got many different job titles! how would you describe yourself?

You’re right, it’s a bit tricky to describe what I do! I wouldn’t strictly label myself as a stylist or journalist. Maybe a bit of both, but more than that too! Lately I haven’t been doing much styling but I have focused on events and digital content instead. Broadening my horizons in such varying directions has helped me in so many ways and has led to new doors opening unexpectedly.

What was the inspiration behind your website "you strike my fancy"?

It started years ago, while I was working for Vogue Greece as an editor. I often had access to beautiful items that were sent to us from all over the world, many of which didn’t exist in the Greek market. I wanted to give people an idea of what was happening behind the scenes. It began as a kind of journal for me, with bits and pieces of my daily life, almost like a personal photo-collage!

Give us a snapshot of the current greek fashion industry through your eyes.

Greek designers have created a beautiful new scene and are pushing it abroad too. I think this is more apparent in jewelry: I’m seeing really strong players in the domestic and international jewelry markets - the likes of Nikos Koulis, Yannis Sergakis and Ileana Makri. I am really happy about this. After decades, people finally seem to be using the “made in Greece” element and aesthetic to their advantage: from sourcing raw materials to heritage. But there’s still a lack of support for smaller brands, whether that’s funding or education. Production is also lacking unfortunately. We used to have huge production units in Greece, but with the shift of manufacturing trends and with domestic quantities reducing, our factories cannot offer competitive prices.

How have Greek consumers evolved?

There seems to be a greater awareness and understanding of the need for sustainability. People are much more open to buying second-hand clothing, or even doing clothes-swaps! I have friends who get together two or three times a month to exchange their clothes. I still fall into the fast-fashion “trap” myself sometimes, but I feel I’ve changed and try to become more sustainability-conscious. I definitely buy fewer but better quality clothes and accessories now. Consumers themselves are starting to value quality over quantity, and there is an increasing demand from brands to reflect this.

What’s the one piece of advice you'd give someone in the fashion business?

Read and keep your eyes open. You need to be well informed and always updated not just on fashion, but on all cultural matters and progress. Regarding the fashion front, I tend to read a lot of magazines and I am always aware of new trends and brands.

Is there anything you regret?

You should never regret your decisions. However, one thing I wish I had realized earlier is I should’ve been more extroverted. When I was younger I was too scared of criticism, so I wasted a lot of time caring about what others might think of me. With experience you realise you can’t please everyone. As long as you’re doing what you love, you shouldn’t be afraid to be disliked. There will always be an audience that will admire your work and achievements.