The lovely Ms Filippou

At 27 years old, Katerina Filippou is already a successful self-taught fashion designer and young entrepreneur working in Athens, Greece. Warm, lovable and a real girl’s girl, Katerina’s designs are exactly like her; colourful, embellished, playful creations for fun-loving women.

Kat (as her friends call her) was born in Athens but spent her childhood in Australia. When she returned to Greece she graduated top of her class from Art & Design College with a B.A in Fine Arts. In her final year, she was offered a teaching position at New York College in Athens. In the meantime, Katerina also began to design and sell jewellery. In 2006, her first collection debuted at Athens Fashion Week and soon enough she began to supply boutiques across Greece with her unique and very desirable bracelets, necklaces and belts.

But this wasn’t enough for the tons of ideas that she had brewing inside her. She quietly began to work on her first full fashion collection. Her main label–KATERINA FILIPPOU—is a stylised, limited edition with one off pieces that are personally either printed, stitched, crystallized, and machine or hand worked. Katerina is always up for trying something new and each collection reveals this with notable differences between them. Supporting her self-named label is KEY by Katerina Filippou. This collection has simple pieces—viscose dresses, skirts, tops—in basic colours  without decorations. Unlike, her main label these pieces are factory produced and affordable.

Katerina has been featured on Fashion TV, in European press and her pieces can be found in boutiques across Greece. This summer she launched her Etsy store and her designs are sold across the Middle East through the online store gojiboutique. This month Katerina is taking another step in her already dynamic career. Alongside two partners she is launching a new boutique that will house pieces by other Greek designers as well as brands from across Europe. Dress Affair will exclusively hold Katerina’s own Fall/Winter 2010 Collection.

www.katerinafillipou.blogspot.com

Have you always wanted to be a designer?

I’ve always admired designers. I would wonder about the imagination and ability someone must have in order to create a style that later becomes a trend. Personally, for as long as I can remember I have wanted to make things that people will admire, accept and want to wear.

Some of Katerina's fun flipflops

What was teaching like?

I taught a Drawing and Design class. It was hard as I was only 20 years old and here I was teaching students who were my age or older. The only way I felt confident was with my fake “teaching specs” a suit jacket, pencil skirt and pair of heels!

Who helped you along the way?

My friends and my family; they have supported me through the years with my constant changing decisions and the risks I took with my work.

Who inspires you and who are you influenced by?

When I first started designing I was inspired by the works of great painters; I am a big fan of Klimt and Hundertwasser. Both use a lot of colour and you can see their influences in my early jewellery design. As I became more experienced, inspiration came from difference sources. Usually through the materials that I used; like lace or leather or a specific colour or texture. While I respect and admire other designers I do believe that having your own style never goes out of style! I trust my senses and I like to experiment with picking materials that inspire me to create something I have never done before.

What do you think is the biggest problem in Greek society today?

The biggest problem in Greek society at the moment is the economic crisis. The fashion industry is suffering, but I always remind my friends and customers that you don’t need money to look stylish. All you need is time; time to know what you look like and what you look good in. Spending five extra minutes in the morning can transform an outfit.

Do you feel Greek or European?

100% European! I have never really felt Greek; I guess that’s what a childhood of seven years in Australia did to me.

A cute dress and belt ensemble

Who are listening to at the moment?

M.J. (Sniff, sniff)

What’s making you smile?

This was the first summer that I sold my designs on Gojiboutique. I imagine women in Dubai walking around in my ‘I heart’ flip flops and that really makes me smile.

Favourite trend for this season?

I’m wearing a lot of black; something I never usually do. Also, I love watches as bracelets. I’m wearing three, thin, delicate lady watches right now. But only one of them is actually working.

What couldn’t you live without?

My Blackberry, red agenda, separate shoe wardrobe that stores my 119 pairs of shoes, toothbrush and my dog and friends and family.

Dream purchase?

A pair of black knee high, gold studded Christian Louboutin boots I spotted in Selfridges on Oxford Street last Christmas. Why didn’t I buy them?

Favourite movie?

Two words. Dirty Dancing.

One garment every girl should own?

All time classic – Jeans in all forms; dark; light; skinny; baggy. This season – faux furs!

Favourite European city and why?

London, baby! For the shopping of course.

KEY by Katerina Filippou

Desert island book?

Vogue. I am a proud owner of many, many copies; in all languages.

Favourite bar?

Is Starbucks considered a bar?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

No, no no. I never think so far ahead. I prefer to take it day by day. I’ve always wanted to be one of those people that live every moment like it’s the last. But it’s hard to do!

Can you run in heels?

Of course I can. It’s easier to run in heels than to actually stand in them!

Katerina’s designs are available to buy on Etsy and Gojiboutique.