As CEO and co-founder of sustainable fashion label Zeus + Dione, Dimitra is redefining Greek craftsmanship through a combination of tradition, heritage and modern design
I wake up at... 7:30am every day, rain or shine. To be honest I would love to sleep longer and get the benefits from more than six to eight hours’ sleep, but it’s like an inner alarm clock.
My morning routine normally consists of... a warm shower — before anything else — and gradually I turn it into cold. That works as a ‘mini shock’ to my system and releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Then I have my morning cappuccino, plus yoghurt with Greek thyme honey and walnuts — I enjoy having my breakfast with my daughter when possible.
I'm responsible for... everything at Zeus + Dione. I’m the CEO, but as many entrepreneurs know, you tend to be involved in all aspects of the operation. I’m responsible for the business development, the merchandising and the collaborators — we recently created and produced the Aegean Airlines uniforms and that was a project very close to my heart.
View this post on Instagram
My typical day... doesn’t exist, there is no typical day! One day I might travel to the silk factory in Soufli (a remote little town in the northern part of Greece) and I’m surrounded by nature and my local colleagues, and the next day I might be in New York or Dubai setting up a pop-up store.
My go-to working wardrobe consists of... silk shirts with black jeans or silk trousers and skirts from my brand. I like to be comfortable but also look smart. I’ll tend to add a tailored jacket too or a shearling vest during winter.
My go-to beauty look for the 9-to-5 looks like... a very thin layer of makeup by Armani and mascara. I start my beauty routine with a quick facial massage, a new habit introduced by my teenage daughter, and I also add moisturiser by Augustinus Bader and sunscreen.
For lunch I eat... everything! Most days I pretend to be on a diet, but I normally eat anything I am craving. I live by the motto “life is too short — eat the pizza, get that shoe.”
What I love most about my job is... the creativity, the passion and the fun. I love the fact that I’m able to get inspiration from my culture and the heritage, the history and the people of my country and translate them into everyday items.
View this post on Instagram
And what I enjoy the least is... numbers and financial discussions. Even though I can do these as well, I have to admit I prefer choosing the colours for the next collection than talking about margins and costs.
I’m most passionate about... discussing the next collection and the ideas around it with Marios Schwab, our creative director. I love discovering a new technique in pottery or another form of weaving. Education is everything and I have a passion for transferring knowledge to the younger generation.
My favourite place... is my home. It’s my sacred place and I’ve created a space that completely represents me. I love throwing relaxed dinners for friends and family.
I couldn't live without... music, flowers and art. I have flowers everywhere — my home, my office and my summer house, and I’m always listening to music.
When I feel stressed I... meditate and I write down my thoughts. It works every time. I used to travel the world in order to find places to meditate and take that inner journey, but now I can meditate everywhere. I believe meditation should be practised in schools.
If I wasn’t in my current position... I would be an architect. I tried to become one at the age of 18 but it didn’t work out then. I also believe that I could study it in the future — I’m only 50, so you never know. Discover Zeus + Dione here
Read Next: Huda Kattan Takes Audiences Behind The Scenes Of The Huda Beauty Rebrand In Her New Documentary
