Page 184 - ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL 2022

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
“A CHITON/KITON
IS A FLUID PIECE OF
FABRIC THAT YOU
WEAR – IT DOESN’T
WEAR YOU. KITON IS
SCULPTED ON YOU,
ALMOST FLOWING ON
YOUR BODY.”
own it
and a specific purpose, specific seams, their choices or do they dare to go, for a plan: they know their options, they’ve espoke athens is a (buttons, linings, threads, canvas, etc),
the fit of the garment, and the line as well.
studied catalogs and fashion trends but
example, for less traditional colors?
sartorial “gem” located in
every single detail. Our founder has deep
love for the craft, he’s dedicated his life When I started working, Greeks used to they are still faithful to an elegance that B the center of Athens, on Of course, the quality of the craft will
Anagnostopoulou 15-17
transform the garments into a piece of
go for the classics. However, nowadays,
is confident and not loud.
to it. He started with ten tailors forty
years ago. The company now has 200 after the trunk shows and our frequent This specific value is shared by the rest street in Kolonaki Square; art, but what really makes the difference
the upmarket shopping
craftsmen who complete every order presentations, they turn more and more of the KITON collections… center of Athens. It has long been a is the goal for a garment with “character”,
to more distinct options. Without
and unique identity. Others call it style,
by hand, as well as an entire school.
KITON always made some blazers
Structural quality, quality textiles and betraying their aesthetic, they turn to and suits for the women who share our favored residential and boutique district but for Bespoke Athens “character” or
even “personality” is even more than
in Athens surrounded by art galleries,
personal style, dare to wear new colors
philosophy. Now, however, we create
family tradition are the cornerstones
of KITON. I’m part of the second and shapes – always remaining elegant. complete collections of womenswear cafes and restaurants. The square is the just style. There are no constraints and
most popular place of resort for everybody
After all, elegance does not mean
limitations. They love to break the rules!
as well as a high quality sportswear
generation of tailors and my son is in the
third. He just graduated from school and wearing gray suits exclusively. You can collection, which starts with denim visiting or living in Athens. Bespoke After they deliver one garment, they have
be very, very elegant in denim trousers
Athens was created on Christmas Eve
already begun the process to make the
he’s already in training at a company that
and swimsuits and goes all the way to
knows how to progress while upholding paired with a well-tailored blazer and shirts, belts, handbags, shoes and of of 2004, by Vassilis Bourtsalas, after he next one even better. Various styles are
its tradition. shirt. Casual can also be elegant – but course, a full pret a porter range which decided to change his corporate career available from various international
What are your Greek customers who even then, a sur mesure jacket is always might not be sur mesure but is still very and do what he really loved. talented tailors and Made to Measure
want a bespoke handmade suit like? necessary. carefully crafted in its choice of textiles “I believe that everything “true” and houses, but with Bespoke Athens’s
What makes them stand out? Is a tie always necessary? and details, such as buttons and seams. “genuine” is beautiful and that when added spirit they become works of art.
It’s been three-four years since I started In Athens, I always wear a tie – even to a I’ll give you an example. At the moment, you do things you love, miracles happen. Bespoke Athens offers a complete
following the Greek market and I’m restaurant. It’s part of KITON dress code we use Japanese denim textiles, which I embody my passion and convictions for collection for men to dress with
impressed by how important it is. and all executives wear ties. When I’m at are of incredibly high class and have these values by dressing men like they’ve distinctive and classic style. Their
Greeks have taste and elegance. the seaside, I won’t wear a tie... exceptional qualities. Thanks to their never been dresses before. People may say suppliers are carefully selected artisans
How old are Greeks who are drawn to Do Greeks have strength of opinion technology, they stretch only in width I’m an entrepreneur with Bespoke Athens, from all over the world and are leaders in
KITON? or do they leave choices to you out of and not length and remain exceptionally but I feel more like a “tailoring/style the “hand-made” category. Their talent
We have customers as young as 25 and as insecurity? thin. They are made for younger people Vassilis Bourtsalas, founder of Bespoke Athens, draws inspiration researcher”, who loves to share his findings and skill in beautifully creating stylish,
old as 75. In fact, they are not just from They know what they want to create, who prefer more elastic textures and from the classic aesthetic tradition and timeless elegance. afterwards. I’ve devoted my heart and hand-made suits, shirts and accessories
society’s upper class but they’re also but they’re very happy, of course, to want their trousers to be like their soul on researching the craft of tailoring separates them from the mainstream and
highly educated. hear my suggestions. When they want a workout clothes. After all, comfort and on finding the finest craftsmen of the place them in a category of their own.
Do you find Greeks conservative in bespoke item of clothing, each man has is elegance, and that’s what makes us Bespoke Tales industry. It is my privilege to share my Some of the brands and tailors that you
stand out as a brand. We want you to findings with my clients, by offering true can find in Bespoke Athens are: Albert
feel comfortable, not be afraid to move craftsmanship with the finest cloths. To me, Thurston, Anna Purna, Chiaia Napoli,
just because you’re in expensive clothes. Bespoke Athens is not just a store. It is a Chato Lufsen, Dolcepunta, Calabrese,
You travel the world to satisfy your be- Bespoke Athens does not merely specialize tailoring lab and a gallery of style; a place Giusto, Jan Leslie, Robert Talbott,
spoke orders. Apart from Italy, which for men who are looking for something Saint Andrews, Sciamat, Simonnot
country have you found to stand out in hand sewn suits. Since 2004, exceptional, unique and rare, a private Godard, Turnbull & Asser, and others.
in terms of style? gallery of artists”. Fabrics range from Loro Piana, Drapers,
Although Americans have stepped up their it is exclusively dedicated to sewing At Bespoke Athens when a suit, jacket, Holland & Sherry, Huddersfield and
style, Europe boasts depth and culture of trousers or shirt is made the focus spreads the unique super prime English mill of
fashion. Greece follows after Italy and third, together sophisticated moments of style. on the quality of the cloth, the materials Moxon. 
in my opinion, comes Germany. Many
would expect me to say Great Britain, but
I think they’re just too traditional.
Germans have evolved. They try to take
the best they can from Italians, from wine
and food to clothing and style.
What type of person wins you over?
I like clients with whom I can develop
a relationship of mutual trust, which
means I can create with them. Those who
open up to me and have an active role
in the process so I can make a piece of
clothing that will satisfy them fully. 
ΚΙΤΟΝ, Pret-a-porter and by special
appointment at Mah Jong, Kanari 14,
Kolonaki, Athens, Tel: +30 210 3622860
mahjong-boutique.gr
184 185