The phrase 'new beginnings' is often chimed at the beginning of the year, when new year resolutions are made with the unrealistic intention of not being broken. But for Marios Schwab, the newly appointed creative director of Greek brand Zeus+Dione, it means so much more than a fractured promise

His debut collection, 1821, centres around the concept; commemorating the 200 year anniversary since Greece gained independence. He used the revolutionary heroes and heroines that paved the way as an inspiration point. "I visited the national guards headquarters and had the most amazing trips around Greece in search of private and folkloric collections, they've always been a fascination for me," says Schwab, whose designs formulated into tailored suit jackets inspired by the evzon uniform waistcoat, linen mini-dresses and two pieces and reimagined tagari bags with waves embossed on leather. "The design process came naturally, I like the fact that the garments turn out to tell their own story, but offer a new vision of a greek luxury brand."

Despite having strong familial ties to the country – the designer is half-Greek – he's also well acquainted with our beloved capital city, having graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2003 to then becoming a regular on the London Fashion Week schedule with his own label. To celebrate his love of both London and Athens, we put forward some questions about each city. 



In your opinion, what are the differences between British and Greek style?
British style is based on tradition, subcultures and technology. Greek style is based on craftsmanship, popular culture and nostalgia.

What do you miss the most about London and what do you love the most about Athens?
Walking the parks and markets are undeniable part of quintessential London lifestyle.

Athens, the beauty of the light from day to evening, endless blue skies and ever-changing sunsets in combination with the nearby sea.



Where in London should you go for Greek food and where in Athens should you go for a British pint?
The Ergon Deli in Mayfair for Greek food. Z+D have designed the staff uniforms, and they offer a good variety of greek products. And of course, Milos Restaurant on Regent Street for the guaranteed best fish in town.

In Athens, the Red Lion pub near where I live in downtown is quite culty!

If you could only visit London for 24 hours, what would you do?
I would start with an English Breakfast at Sunday in Barnsbury. Then, I'd visit the Barbican, as I like the exhibitions that they do. I'd visit two of my favourite stores in town, Mouki Mou on Chiltern Street and Margaret Howell in Mayfair, walk on Old Compton Street in Soho and stop at Bar Italia for a take away coffee.

Next, I'd board a double-decker bus to go to my favourite Vietnamese restaurant, which is situated in East London along Kingsland Road. I'd then walk all the way to Dalston, stop at my local pub for a pint and then go home and get ready for an early dinner at the Wolseley or Primeur in Highbury. Hopefully I'll make it back in time to see a movie back in Dalston at the Rio cinema, and afterwards I'll have a pint at their jazz bar before heading home. Finally, I'll stop off at Dalston Superstore for a quick drink before bed. Is this all even possible in one day?

 

If you could only visit Athens for 24 hours, what would you do?
I'd walk all the way to the centre from Vironas (my neighbourhood) past the newly renovated National Gallery, and then I'd stop at the Benaki museum bookstore. Next, a walk through the National Garden, past the evzon guards, and then towards Areopagitou Street and the new Acropolis museum – there are stunning scenes past the Acropolis and Herodes Atticus theatre. Once in Monastiraki, I'd visit my favourite antique and fine art gallery, Martinos and have lunch at Nikitas Taverna in Psirri – they make great home cooked food. Then a quick visit home and then off to a crossfit session at Grind Athens in Pagrati, as I try to keep up with training in most cities i visit.

Providing that its summer at the time of visiting, and Athens being the worlds capital of open-air cinemas, this is a must, as i love going to the movies. 

Follow this with dinner at Oikonomou in the Petralona neighbourhood, and then off to Lycabettus hill to see Athens under the stars and itsvibrant city lights. Stop at some of my favourite bars – I love Odeon and Small  in Pagrati – before heading home.

How would you describe each city in one word?
Vibrant and multifaceted.



Shop the Zeus+Dione SS21 collection here.


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