She is one of the most creative Greek designers, the brains behind the historic brand Parthenis, carrying on the torch with consistency. A restless businesswoman, representing Greek fashion, with a charming personality. But what is Orsalia Parthenis like when she is off-duty and what is her personal perception of style? She opened up her home and let us in on the small and big secrets of her lifestyle.

As we opened the wardrobe in Orsalia Parthenis’ elegant minimal loft in the Ano Petralona neighborhood of Athens, we got a glimpse of the true history of a Greek fashion house that reminds us of Greek summer: Parthenis clothes from 1985 “some, in fact, have my name on them from summer camp”, Orsalia tells us. “These clothes hold a sentimental value for me, as a reference to the highest quality of the materials in which the Parthenis brand has always used”.
What else did we find? A number of vintage pieces “because my mom has a thing for vintage. In many hand-made vintage pieces, you will find better seams, much more interesting fabrics and patterns that do not exist today. They have an encyclopedic value. Since modern clothes have become to a great extent expendable, the value of old clothes can be found on multiple levels”.

My eye falls on two paintings, one in the bedroom and one in the living room, over the fireplace, while my ear picks up on some sweet feline noises, that briefly deflect the conversation “The paintings are by Phaedon Patrikalakis. They belonged to my father – and coincidentally they both passed away around the same time”, Orsalia tells us with visible emotion.
Her father Dimitris, who passed away a few months ago, is present everywhere, but mainly on the Parthenis brand: “Τhe brand is an extremely vivid organism. I feel that it possesses me. After my father’s death, this has become even stronger, because I feel his presence. I don’t feel the need to contradict him any longer, but to feature him.”