Meet third-generation Greek sandal maker Olgianna Melissinos
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Loading... - Alessandra Amato
- 15 Sep 2022
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In the heart of Monastiraki, Olgianna Melissinos’ little shop is hidden away.
Olgianna’s grandfather, George Melissinos established the store in 1920, at the foot of the Acropolis- adjacent to the ancient agora of Athens. From the early 20s to the early 50s, the store served as a small-scale shoe factory that produced a luxury line of shoes as well as rubber-sole climbing boots.
His son, Olgianna’s father, Stavros Melissinos -known as the poet-sandal maker – inherited the business. In the early 50s, he made the very first Greek sandals since the fall of the Ancient Athenian Republic. In 2004, after 50 years, he had to move out from the shop at Pandrossou Street.
Olgianna recalls her father “started designing sandals on his own but also ‘stealing’ designs he saw on ancient statues, frescoes, depictions of ancient Greek sandals – he studied a lot. And he started experimenting,” Melissinos told Xinhua.
The first pair was sold in no time. “In a matter of a few years, this whole neighbourhood changed and even those who were sceptical at the beginning started making sandals,” she added.
Nowadays, the sandal is an iconic fashion item and remains the top go-to summer footwear. Read More...
