Born into a family of fashion designers in the Greek capital, Athens has served as constant inspiration for Stefania Vaidani’s eponymous contemporary womenswear label.
Having studied in Milan for three years at Instituto Marangoni, Vaidani returned to her home in Athens with the ambition to start a womenswear label celebrating the female form. “I always draw inspiration from Greece”, Stefania muses. “All of my collections are dedicated to my country and especially the fashion of the 50s and 70s. Women in Athens during these decades had the spotlight on them.” Indeed, Vaidani’s designs have a romantic feminine aesthetic, with an alluring pin-up sensibility and celebration of bold prints.
Based between America and Athens, Vaidani has plenty of time away from her home to reflect on what makes Athens so special: “There is always something to do for every taste. In the last few years there has been great innovation in the cultural sector too.”
Here, the designer shares her insider guide to Athens, taking readers off the city’s tourist trail.
Essential items to pack?
One of our timeless Stefania Vaidani dresses, a camera, and a book.
The best time to visit Athens is…
Between March and October.
Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
The Athens Gate Hotel.
Our first pitstop should be…
The Acropolis of Athens.
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For an early morning workout head to…
Head to the southern suburbs for a walk, or run next to the sea.
Where should we go for breakfast?
Morning Bar, Queen Bee or Overoll Croissanterie.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
Definitely try a traditional taverna. My personal favourite is panorama in the southern suburbs.
And for dinner with friends?
Your favourite restaurant in town?
Budget: Seychelles
Blow out: CTC
Where should we head post-dinner?
Diego, Baro Negro, or Cinderella.
The drink to order at the bar…
I don’t drink but you should try any cocktail with local liquor mastiha.
The best place for people watching…
Da Capo, a very iconic cafe to drink coffee.
The culture spot to rave about…
The Museum Of Cycladic Art.
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The best place to treat yourself is…
Hotel Grande Bretagne spa..
For great shopping head to…
Voukourestiou Street, or Golden Hall on a rainy day.
Your favourite neighbourhood(s)…
Kifissia, Pangrati, and Vouliagmeni.
The one place only locals know about…
Varvakios Central Municipal Market.
For the best views head to…
Mount Lycabettus or The Philopappos Monument.
For a change of pace try…
Vouliagmeni. By the seaside the mood of Athens completely changes; everyone is more relaxed.
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Great day trips include…
Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
On the beach.
What’s your Athens secret?
The hidden roads in the centre.
In a word, Athens is…
Magical!
Any Questions or Tips to add?