Zeus+Dione co-founder Dimitra Kolotoura dishes on ten timeless Z+D items that bring her joy
“For you to read these lines, means you are probably a fan of Zeus+Dione. So, do you remember the brand’s first collection? The first Z+D item? Or, our first notable collaboration? Maybe, the first colour shade of Spathoto? Or the first Z+D piece you bought? Zeus+Dione has made a point of embodying our rich cultural heritage in authentic contemporary designs, and this year, we’re looking back.
To commemorate our 10th anniversary, I decided to bring you a curated edit of the brand’s chronicles showcasing ‘Authentic’ moments, from 2013 to 2023. To kick off, I’ve journeyed back through our archives to select my top ten cherished Ζ+D items, one for each year – even if it was extremely hard to pick just 10, and not 100 – that best define my personal style.”
by Dimitra Kolotoura
HERA SHIRT
“It all started with this particular garment! When we first discovered this unique jacquard fabric at the long-forgotten silk factory of Kostas Mouhtaridis in Soufli (a small town in the northern part of Greece), I immediately thought that it would make a nice versatile shirt in a classic fit with a contemporary mao collar, that you would reach for often for seasons to come. All the beauty was in the meticulous and intricate weaving of the fabric.”
HEPHAESTUS SANDALS
“Did you ever wonder how a small company, starting from scratch by two women with zero experience in fashion, became so popular? Well - believe it or not - it was a pair of leather sandals produced in a small Athenian workshop that was a game-changer for us! So, how could I leave out of my top-10 list the sleek, slip-on Hephaestus sandals? Crafted using age-old techniques, they’re cut from soft and durable calf leather, with a smooth leather sole and sturdy heel. A classic pair that works with everything.”
TINOS CAFTAN
“Spun from breathable ivory raw silk and trimmed with playful embroideries by Aris workshop in Argos, the Tinos caftan is my go-to summer staple. I adore its effortless silhouette, combined with the narrow yet quite revealing slit along the neckline. An easy-to-wear garment that follows our vacation itineraries until today, in variations.”
APOLLO SUNGLASSES
“I’m pretty obsessed with the round-shape Apollo sunnies – that was our first ever sunglass design and now has become a vintage find –. Their shape is just very flattering for a lot of different face shapes. They literally vamp up any outfit that I’m wearing and I love that.”
ARISTI BAG
“I believe that Aristi bag is at the crossroads of contemporary design and traditional techniques, the absolute reinterpretation of the so-called “Palaska”, the Greek gunpowder case of 1821. An artfully constructed and strikingly embossed precise piece that is rooted in classic elegance, while still subversive enough to always look at the forefront.”
PHRYNE CAFTAN
“It seems that I’m gripped by our caftans. Handwoven from lightweight cotton on a traditional loom at a monastery in Crete, the Phryne caftan is as special as it sounds! Its shimmering sandy-beige embroidery sparkles softly in the summer sun, over your swimsuit. Cretan weavings are exceptionally beautiful, characterized by the rich decorative design; from geometrical patterns with the rhombus as a basic motif, to flowers or symbols from the island’s history.”
KOZOKA VEST
“Even though there’s this misconception that Zeus+Dione is mostly a Resort brand, I do believe that our winter collections have an exceptional meaning and depth, that make them simply gorgeous! A key component of our winter outerwear is shearling, a superior raw material that combines lavish soft wool with velvety suede. Zeus+Δione’s prime shearling originates in small family tanneries and is processed in the picturesque town of Siatista, which holds a long-lasting tradition of about 500 years!”
MANI SWIMSUIT
“I don’t have a lot to say here. Mani is definitely my all-time favorite swimsuit! I can already imagine myself wearing it seaside with the Apollo sunglasses.”
PHILOTERA BANGLES
“With Philotera bangles, one thing is certain; the more the better! The one with the black & gold combo is always the final touch to my outfit – any outfit –. Inspired by the Greek Heritage, these bangles were composed according to the two original gold bracelets, from the grave of Philotera, daughter of Anymone in Keramikos in Athens, dated between 200-225 AD exhibited (next to sculptures of Eros and Aphrodite-if this is true) at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.”
APHAIA VASE
“Our newly launched dancing vases, within the Philoxenia Homeware ’23 collection, are my latest obsession! Crafted from white marble, Aphaia vase is artfully ruched to resemble the -doric order inspired- pleated silhouette of the homonymous Resort '22 dress. Its delicate, sculptural form makes it a striking centerpiece.”
