By Penny Zalalas
If you would like to look effortlessly chic both day and night and throw on a pair of shoes that can take you from beach to bar, then add a pair of Ancient Greek Sandals to your 2016 summer wardrobe must-haves.
Christina Martini and Nikolas Minoglou’s affection for Ancient Greece and its history, combined with their individual skills and talent naturally led to the creation of Ancient Greek Sandals.
Each of their collection is inspired by ancient Greek Gods and myths, pottery, jewellery and sculpture.
Born and raised in Greece, designer Christina Martini graduated in Footwear Design and Product Development from Cordwainers College and has also worked as a shoe designer for Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and Iris srl.
Co-Founder Nikolas Minoglou was born in London and raised in Greece, he graduated with an MBA from Babson College in the States in 2006 and returned to Athens, where he took over the family's well established footwear business.
Ancient Greek Sandals are all handmade in Greece by skilled craftsmen using traditional techniques that have existed for centuries. A raw yet soft aesthetic distinguishes this sandal brand and the chemical free, natural tan leather ages gracefully with both time and wear.
“We are very humbled by the success of Ancient Greek Sandals – I have worked with shoe design teams for many years so it felt like a natural progression for me to develop a footwear brand, along with my business partner Nikolas. When we started the brand in 2011, we had no idea how popular the sandals would become – we now sell in over 300 stores worldwide, and have a loyal celebrity following too,’’ says Christina.
You will find this classic footwear label at some of the world’s best retailers including Net-a-Porter, Selfridges and Matches in London, Le Bon Marche, Colette and Merci in Paris, Antonia in Milan, Theresa in Munich, Bergdorf Goodman in New York and Luisa via Roma, Moda Operandi and My Theresa in Munich.
Celebrity devotees include Sarah Jessica Parker, Taylor Swift, Halle Berry, Gisele, Beyoncé, Naomi Watts, Anne Hathaway and Kate Bosworth.
You can be guaranteed throughout Summer 2016, many fashion savvy celebrities, bloggers and everyday men, women and kids alike will be parading around some of the hottest parts of the globe in a new pair of handmade Ancient Greek Sandals.
Whether you prefer them laced up the leg or strapped over the foot, there is a sandal style that suits all tastes and makes a strong design statement.
‘’The High Summer ’16 Collection is inspired by a recent sailing holiday in Paxos and Antipaxos - two small islands near Corfu. Turquoise and coral both have a strong presence in the collection, inspired by the turquoise blue waters and the vibrant sunsets. The stone embellished sandals are reminiscent of the pebbled beaches and stone formations – it’s a very summery collection,’’ adds Christina.
Ancient Greek Sandals also regularly partner with well-known brands to inject new design aesthetics into their seasonal collections. Some recent collaborations have included Greco-Austrian designer Mario Schwab, French fashion house Carven, childrenswear label Caramel Baby, New York lifestyle line Dosa and Greek jewellery brand Lalaounis.
And for those who can’t get to a boutique stockist to pick up a pair of these beauties, you can order online from anywhere in the world www.ancient-greek-sandals.com/en/eur/
