By Christos Zabounis

A few years ago, on a boat, my sister complimented a well-dressed lady on her beautiful dress. “It’s Greek. Ancient Kallos,” declared the lady – Latin American by origin, but married to an Egyptian friend of ours from the Forbes list. This anecdotal introduction is not meant to showcase the social connections of the writer’s family, but rather to highlight the international footprint of the Greek fashion house. The “two girls from Thessaloniki,” as they are known in the industry, are celebrating this year ten years of activity with a coffee-table book presenting their collections, photographed in different locations across our country. From Kythnos to Aegina, from Mykonos to Tinos, from Crete to Spetses, from Paros to Corfu, and from Mani to Hydra, the evolution of the brand has been foudroyante, as the French say. Leading Greek photographers were invited to convey through their images the spirit of Ancient Kallos – a spirit the reader gradually discovers, page by page. The “coat of arms,” if you will allow the term, is the traditional embroidery, two examples of which adorn the fabric cover of this collectible volume. The identity, as Lambrini Stavrou – one of the two “girls” – points out, is “a journey into the folk architecture of the Cyclades, not as external references, but as a part of who I am.” As for the other girl, Stella, she modestly thanks her sister for her inspiration and inexhaustible energy.