BlueMATI

It was out of a deep love and passion for Greece and everything Greek that BlueMATI was born.

BlueMATI is the Melbourne-based online boutique store that is taking the world by storm.

The family business was created with an abundance of enthusiasm by mother-daughter team, Maria and Yasmeen Nikatos.

The strong connection to Greece and to their Greek heritage that remains ever-present within the Nikatos family is clearly evident across the beautiful BlueMATI collections, which include jewellery, handmade sandals, bags, electric home décor as well as a men’s range for customers all over the world to enjoy.

The unique designs, distinctive style and Aegean-inspired colour palette offered by the BlueMATI pieces is clearly reminiscent of beautiful, relaxed summers spent on the Greek islands.

Both of Maria’s parents have sadly passed away however her father was born in Kefalonia from a village called Mavrata and her mother in Piraeus in a suburb called Agios Ioannis Rentis.

“I love the Greek Islands for their relaxed lifestyle, beauty and beaches however I also love Athens for its rich history, shopping and Athenian vibe,” says Maria of her trips back to her parents' homeland.

Maria Nikatos and her 17 year old daughter Yasmeen started BlueMATI in August 2016.

“The inspiration behind BlueMATI was our love for Greece and the individual and unique styles of jewellery and accessories that it offers,” Maria tells Greek City Times.

“I was importing jewellery for myself and loved that the pieces were very different from what I could buy anywhere else.”

Bombarded by compliments whenever she wore her personal pieces, Maria and her daughter decided to start their own business importing jewellery, homewares and accessories.

That’s how BlueMATI came to life.

“I just love the aesthetic of the Mati,” says Maria simply about the traditional Greek symbol for good luck that is featured prominently across a majority of the collection and from which the business draws its name.

Initially the jewellery imported by BlueMATI were designs that, although very unique, were pretty much standardised.

However these days a large majority of the BlueMATI collections are designed by the mother-daughter duo and made by their manufacturers to their specifications.

“I scour the internet a lot searching for new ideas,” says Maria when asked about how she keeps her designs so unique, contemporary and evolving with new trends and fashions.

“I brainstorm and try and put ideas in my head for a design I like and then come up with a final look which I send via a drawing to my manufacturers.

“The manufacturers bring the pieces to life through computer software and we then modify it to make it just the way I want it.

“I like contemporary designs however we do also have traditional pieces as well,” says Maria, whose designs are particularly sought after in the US market.

Maria and Yasmeen are currently working with a very talented artist in a new and very artistic turn of events.

“The artist will be making some amazing and unique home decor pieces exclusive to us, so we are very excited about that and also, of course, about continually coming up with new designs to add to our collections,” says Maria, who is always looking to expand the business with unique ideas.

Highlighting the beautiful aesthetic of the Greek Mati across its collections, BlueMATI is a one of a kind boutique that is sure to maintain a special and emotional connection to Greece in the wardrobe, inside the home and within the heart.