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This year marks the 200-year anniversary of the Greek War of Independence which led to the establishment of the Modern Greek state. Celebrated on March 25th as a National holiday, the Greek Revolution, as it’s commonly known, constitutes an integral part of the Greek national identity and historical memory, and forms a pivotal chapter in both the country’s and Europe’s history. Starting in 1821 with sporadic revolts against the ruling Ottoman Empire in the Peloponnese, the skirmishes soon escalated into a full-blown, nation-wide independence struggle inspired by the ideology of the Enlightenment and the principles of Romanticism. After drawing in the Great Powers - Great Britain, France, and Russia, whose intervention was decisive in the conflict’s outcome - the drawn-out war finally came to an end in 1832 with Greece being recognized as an independent nation. As Europe’s first successful revolution in the 19th century, it instigated a continent-wide drive for national independence and foreshadowed the nationalist uprisings that ultimately shaped modern-day Europe. As expected, the bicentennial is going to be celebrated with a rich program of exhibitions, events and actions but there’s also going to be a barrage of commemorative souvenirs, memorabilia and special editions from corporate, commercial and cultural entities and creatives of all disciplines. Luckily for our readers, we have sorted through these offerings to compile a shortlist with the items that caught our eye – call it our “patriotic” duty. From porcelain and ceramic artefacts, to silk scarves, pleated skirts and canvas sneakers, we have hand-picked a selection of fashion and design pieces that celebrate the momentous occasion with inventiveness, sophistication and craftsmanship. More than a reminder of the Revolution’s enduring cultural impact, which began with the 19th-century poems of Lord Byron and the monumental canvases of French Romantic painter Eugène Delacroix, these commemorative products embody the creativity and momentum of contemporary Greek artists and designers, ushering in the third century of the country’s modern history with optimism and confidence. 
Limited-editionEleftheria scarf by Elias Kafouros for HermèsFabled luxury house Hermès has collaborated with Greek artist Elias Kafouros for a limited-edition silk twill scarf to celebrate the 200-year anniversary of Greek revolution. Kafouros has set the letters of the Greek work for liberty, “ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ”, amid hand-drawn landscapes inspired by Greece, from the rural Peloponnese, to the mountainous mainland and the iconic Aegean Islands. Rich in details and intertwined motifs, as is the artist’s signature style, the scarf teems with houses, bell towers, ancient colonnades, bridges and garden terraces, nestled in lush surroundings or perched on mountainsides in a panorama of Greek culture and history throughout the centuries. In the scarf’s centre, the letter ‘Θ’ is superimposed on a lake to take the form of a blue eye, a folk symbol used as a charm to ward off bad luck, which, in the context of Kafouros’ design, is firmly focused on the future.Available at the Hermès Athens store from 26th March 2021. Faithful to Hermès’ engagements and values of solidarity and social welfare, the house will donate part of the proceeds for each limited-edition scarf sold to Sotiria Thoracic Diseases Hospital of Athens. 
Limited Edition Sneaker Superga x Konstantin Kakanias at KalogirouItalian shoemaker Superga collaborated under the auspices of the historic Kalogirou brand with Greek multidisciplinary artist Konstantin Kakanias for a limited edition canvas trainer featuring the artist’s subversive alter ego, Mrs Tependris - a couture-wearing, jet-setting, art-collecting Greek socialite who has been intermittently making flamboyant appearances in his work ever since her debut in 1992. For this appearance, she takes on the role of a Revolutionary with her hallmark temperament of exuberance and spontaneity in the company of her poodle Pepe. Whimsical in sensibility, Kakanias has imbued his protagonist with passion, vigour and determination, timeless qualities that encapsulate the Greek’s struggle for independence, as well as describe the Greek psyche at the centre of which are “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness”, to quote from the Declaration of another famous independence struggle. The limited edition comprises 200 numbered trainers for men and women on sale now at Kalogirou stores. Photo © Superga x Konstantin Kakanias, Kalogirou. 
1821 Anniversary Pouch by Callista CraftsKnown for its exceptional handcraftsmanship and timeless elegance, Athens-based leather goods brand Callista is commemorating the 200 year anniversary of the Greek Revolution with a whimsical pouch inspired by the Greek national costume, worn today by the Evzones, the Greek Presidential Guard who stand as a national symbol of the country’s independence struggle. Creative director Elvira Panagiotopoulou has creatively deconstructed the uniform, using an inverted “farion”, the Evzones’ characteristic red cap, as a base, swapping the baise fabric and long black tassel of the original cap with leather and a shorter gold tassel. A leather pleated body is a nod to the “fustanella”, their iconic kilt-like garment, while two black pompoms echo the “tsarouchia”, the uniform’s red clogs. The bag’s subversive silhouette marries tradition with innovation, breathing new life into hallowed yet parochial symbols. 
Photo by Marios Sagias © Daphne Leon. The Benaki Shop X Daphne Leon ceramicscollectionCommissioned by the Benaki Museum Shop to create a series of objects to commemorate the bicentennial of the Greek War of Independence, Athenian ceramist Daphne Leon drew inspiration from the War’s storied iconography for a collection of hand-sculpted and hand- painted ceramic plates. Leon’s work has a reputation for playfulness and exuberance – as attest |
