Athena Tranouli was born in Athens, Greece. She studied Business Administration and decided to be part of the family business - Tranoulis Haute Couture - at a very early age. At this time, Tranoulis Haute Couture was about to expand and gain impetus in the fashion industry, so someone like Athena with her fresh ideas and creativity would steer the company in a new and exciting direction.
Together with her brother Anastasios, Athena decided to build a new brand called ‘Athena by Tranoulis’, in order to integrate ancient Greek beauty into modern world fashion.
She became a founding member of the ‘Take Me Home’ movement which, via the ‘Athena by Tranoulis’ collection, seeks through fashion to help return Greece’s stolen cultural heritage, namely the return of the Parthenon marbles to their hometown. The campaign entitled ‘Take Me Home’ is a protest against the theft tragedy that has been perpetuating for more than 200 years.
You were raised in a family to a designer father who loved fashion and left a significant footprint. Did it influence you to follow his footsteps?
As I grew up watching the whole rollout of creation I loved the idea of continuing my father’s creative way.
Is fashion connected to style?
Of course, these two forms are related especially considering the fact that fashion can be a way for all of us to search for and create our own personal style.
Describe your bridal collection in 3 words?
Romantic, fairytale-like, elegant.
Do you use specific materials or do you mix and match fabrics to create the perfect design?
We create with all kinds of materials we prefer silk satin, tulle and many different types of lace.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
We admire women so we try to feature female beauty.
How inspiring is the ‘Athena Take Me Home’ movement and how inspired are the participating members to envision its mission?
‘Athena Take Me Home’ is a movement whose purpose is to alert and inspire society about our stolen cultural treasures. Our members follow us because we share mutual principles and love for our country.
Tell us about the ‘Athena Take Me Home’ movement’s initiative to stage a theatrical performance.
The first theatrical movement, a rock musical which was originally staged at Athens Concert Hall with co-organizer the region of Attica and the support of the Regional Governor Giorgos Patoulis.
We are very proud that the movement had a huge impact.
Let’s assume you had a chance to change your life and career orientation, what would you do?
I have never thought about how I could change my life but sure anything new would include creativity, charity and social awareness would be a possible change.
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