MOJEH: Your designs are a beautiful marriage of timeless Greek elegance and modern sophistication. How do you approach blending heritage with contemporary aesthetics in your collections?
Themis Zouganeli: THEMIS Z was created to offer a fresh perspective on Greek design and culture. Growing up in Athens, I was constantly surrounded by stunning ancient architecture. However, I felt that Greek design and fashion often leaned towards a more folkloric interpretation and missed the deep sophistication and elegance of ancient Greek aesthetics. At the same time, my mother, who isn’t Greek and had spent most of her life in New York, exposed me to a different lens through which Greek design could be appreciated globally. Every piece I create aims to bring Greece into people’s homes in a modern, refined way.
MOJEH: The Hydra Collection, with its silk kaftans and dresses, captures the essence of Greek island life. What inspired you to create this collection, and how does it reflect your personal connection to Greece?
TZ: Each THEMIS Z ready-to-wear collection is inspired by the sophisticated lifestyle of the Greek islands and the elegant summer aesthetic of Athens. The Hydra collection in particular draws inspiration from the island of Hydra - which is known for its picturesque harbour, art scene and its association with icons like Jackie Onassis, who often frequented the area in the ‘60s and ‘70s. I wanted to create a collection that embodied the island’s timeless sophistication and effortless glamour - and voila, the Hydra collection was born.
MOJEH: Sustainability is a key part of your ethos. Could you share how this commitment influences your creative process and material choices for both your fashion and homeware designs?
TZ: Sustainability and ethical production is a key part of what we do. All our collections – both home and fashion – are handcrafted by artisans in Greece. When certain materials are locally unavailable, we ensure that any international production supports local artisans and ethical manufacturing practices. From our porcelain to our linen tablecloths, we source only sustainable materials. Our fashion fabrics and prints are created exclusively for us, and this allows us to maintain a zero-waste policy. Any excess material from clothing production is repurposed into home accessories, such as cushions and throws.
MOJEH: From bespoke porcelain tableware to silk garments, your collections span multiple disciplines. How do you balance the design processes for fashion and homeware, and do they ever inspire one another?
TZ: THEMIS Z’s home and fashion collections are tied together by the patterns I design, which are all inspired by Greek architecture and aesthetics in a way that feels Greek without going into folklore. Every collection begins with a pattern, which first takes shape in tabletop designs before evolving into porcelain and homeware. These same patterns are then adapted for our fashion pieces, ensuring a seamless, cohesive aesthetic across all our designs.
MOJEH: Greek decorative arts are a recurring theme in your collections. Are there specific historical or artistic influences that have played a significant role in shaping your designs?
TZ: Inspiration is everywhere – whether I’m strolling through the heart of Athens, spending my summers on the Greek islands, or even visiting a museum. My designs reflect the richness of Greek culture, from ancient times to contemporary times. This connection to history and heritage is a defining pillar of THEMIS Z.
MOJEH: What are the fundamentals of a beautiful tablescape?
TZ: There is nothing that makes me happier than creating beautiful tablescapes! I simply adore plates, glasses and everything that can make a table look beautiful. I love eccentric prints, and vibrant colours – both colour-coordinated, as well as mixed and matched. Fresh flowers are essential; I always create my own floral arrangements when hosting, and I encourage others to do the same. For evening gatherings, candles are an absolute must – lots of them! They add a sense of warmth, ambience and understated luxury.
MOJEH: You’ve collaborated with iconic brands like Dior Maison and Atelier Swarovski. How have these partnerships shaped your creative vision, and what do you take away from working with such renowned names?
TZ: I have been very fortunate. My partnership with Dior Maison came early in the brand’s journey and played a pivotal role in elevating THEMIS Z’s recognition. I designed tabletop collections for Dior, and we also produced exclusive porcelain collections - which is a wonderful testimony to the quality of our porcelain and homeware lines. Working with Dior was a dream come true, and collaborating with Dior’s artistic director Cordelia de Castellane, who is now a dear friend, has been a wonderful experience.
Atelier Swarovski was a completely different experience, as I had never designed jewellery before. I was quite nervous when asked to design a collection for the Atelier – especially knowing that designers like John Galliano had previously worked with them! But the experience was exhilarating, and working with Swarovski crystals opened up so many new creative possibilities. This collaboration has also inspired me to make a bespoke jewellery collection for THEMIS Z, which will be launching very soon.
MOJEH: The Middle East has a deep appreciation for art, culture and luxury. How does this region inspire your designs, and have you found similarities between Greek and Middle Eastern aesthetics or traditions?
TZ: Culturally and aesthetically, Greece sits at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East. I would say the way both cultures embrace elegant yet effortless design is remarkably similar. Many of our tunics and dresses reflect this balance of sophistication and sensuality, which resonates deeply with our Middle Eastern clientele.
Beyond fashion, our homeware collections also appeal to clients who love to host. Both Greek and Middle Eastern cultures cherish hospitality, tradition and the art of bringing people together. No one entertains quite like the Greeks and the Middle Easterners! Our clients in the region also appreciate the exceptional craftsmanship and timeless luxury woven into every THEMIS Z creation.
MOJEH: With the Middle East’s growing emphasis on luxury as a lifestyle, how do you envision THEMIS Z resonating with audiences in the region?
TZ: I’m incredibly grateful to have such a loyal following in the Middle East, where our clients deeply appreciate both our fashion and homeware collections. Our ready-to-wear line embodies prêt-à-porter luxury, in which each piece is handmade with the highest level of craftsmanship and exceptional quality. The look and feel of the collections allow our clients to feel elegant, comfortable, and sophisticated at the same time.
Greek artistry and culture hold a special place in the hearts of many in the MENA region, which is why our Greek-inspired patterns and homeware collections are so well received. Gold, in particular, is beloved in both cultures, and we ensure it is used in unique and refined ways throughout our designs.
MOJEH: You recently collaborated with Collective Africa. Could you share more about this partnership and how it aligned with your brand's philosophy?
TZ: I am very honoured that I got to work with Collective Africa! We seamlessly see eye-to-eye when bringing beautiful designs to our customers! We both appreciate craftsmanship and luxury through exceptional quality. The collaboration brought Greece to Dubai, just as Collective Africa brings beautiful designs from all over the world to one place.
MOJEH: What is your vision for the future of THEMIS Z and are there any upcoming projects or collaborations in the works?
TZ: THEMIS Z is a brand that has gravitas and meaning. To wear THEMIS Z or entertain with our products at home is to love craftsmanship and quality. THEMIS Z is more than just a brand – it embodies heritage, craftsmanship and timeless elegance. My vision for the future is that this message is repeatedly felt across all our clients around the world. Whether wearing our pieces or setting a table with our homeware, our clients embrace artistry and quality. Our designs weave together influences from cultures with deep historical roots, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
We have many exciting projects and collaborations ahead, and we have just launched our tableware collection for Avli by tashas. Explore the collections
