The fact that many Greek designers are at their best when creating their summer collections should come as no surprise to anyone. Swimwear, sandals, shades, beach bags and tunics are items Greeks use more frequently than the average European, so naturally, local designers look to reinvent them.

Inspired by the country’s island destinations and the chic jet-setter or boho styles that rule them, as well as ancient history and some childhood nostalgia, these are some of our favorite fashion items this summer.

Tourvas bags

These old-timey backpacks are what workers used to use to carry their lunch to work and fruits home from the market. Today, they make for the perfect beach bags, and go well with a laid-back, boho outfit.

48-64€

Phi-male sandals

Greece may be famous for its traditional leather sandals, but these are something else. The sandals from new brand phi-male by Elvira Panagiotopoulou are the perfect mix of simple and quirky; they are both a fashion statement and a carefree summer accessory.

Espandrille soles are paired with satin or leather straps and embroidered with symbols like ancient columns, taverna-style chairs and souvlaki.

149€

Ergon Mykonos footwear

Here’s another footwear option for those who like to stand out. Chic in black, these tasseled espandrillas feature a minotaur on one foot, and a coin with the face of Alexander the Great on the other.

95€

Zylo sunglasses

Famous for their wooden sunglasses, the Phee collection from Zylo are instead made out of the sea plant Posidonia oceanica – or, you know, sea weed, gathered from the beaches of Syros.

Environmentally friendly, they’re also 100% water resistant, with UV resistance.

Blanc hats

These hats are not what a spy would wear. The colorful broad-rimmed hats, caps and visors designed by Konstantinia Vafeiadou are something between apparel and art.

Find stockists here. 

Katerina Ioannidis pendants

Perfect for stacking, the “Greek Tsarouchi” shoe pendant necklaces by Katerina Ioannidis are made from brass and silver, and adorned with colorful pompoms.

From 20€

Cleo Gatzeli “beach bands”

Cleo Gatzeli designs all types of trendy accessories for the beach. Most unique are possibly these “beach bands”, meant to keep your towel in place on your sunbed. The 4 cm wide elastic bands are made from 100% cotton.

20€

Moods beach towels

The handmade towels from Moods are made from 100% cotton, and decorated with colorful ribbons, fringes & pom-pom’s, and cotton lace.

Prices available upon request: (+30) 2108972328

Kooreloo bags

Leila Karr’s Kooreloo handmade bags combine village tradition and European chic. The unique bags in the new Geometry Ersila Mediterranea collection can be worn around your waist, over the shoulder, or cross-body.

480€

Salty bag and Zeus+Dione

Salty Bag, which creates bags made from old sails, cooperated with fashion Brand Zeus+Dione to make the Elani bag, a navy hold-all with rope handles. It’s available in two sizes.

245€/260€

τ.ε. sarongs

The beautiful sarongs from τ.ε. are made from 100% semi-transparent cotton gauze, that becomes softer with every wash. Wear it over your swim suit during the day, or over your shoulders in the evening.

53€

Celia Dragouni kaftans and dresses

Dragouni’s dresses and kaftans, inspired by ancient Greek shapes and clothing, are the perfect boho chic outfits for your island holidays. The flowy loose fits are just what you want on the hottest summer days.

Find stockists here.

Prices available upon request: +30 694 003 0004

Ekaterini Athanassiadou-Poutetsi scarves

Made from 100% silk and in a limited edition, aquarelle artist Ekaterini Athanassiadou-Poutetsi’s first fashion collection, the “Art & Fashion Project” consists of scarves featuring prints of her colorful abstract expressionism oil paintings.

Find stockists here.

Prices available upon request: [email protected]

Maa Boo swimwear for her

Last year, everyone fell in love with Maa Boo’s quirky prints and perfect fits. This year, the new collection features swimwear in elegant black and white, and tropical jungle prints.

Visit the shop at 12 Dionisiou, in Kifisia.

Prices available upon request: (+30) 211 400 8670

Stefania Fragista swimwear for her

Stefania Fragista’s swimwear is made for dips in infinity pools and for lounging on a yacht cruising in Santorini’s caldera. In other words, you’ll feel like a queen.

From 89€

MAIDEN swimwear for her

Designed by Angeliki Kotroni, MAIDEN produces brightly colored swimwear that is partly sporty, partly feminine, and partly just unique.

130€

Aner swimsuits for him

Prints inspired by ancient myths adorn the swimsuits from Aner, made from 100% quick-drying polyester.

Prices available upon request: (+30) 694.599.7287

Find stockists here. E-shop to be launched soon.