Christiana Vardakou is a brand of ethical, handcrafted textiles, celebrating natural dyeing, sustainability, and timeless design.
The atelier, located at Parren 3 in Athens, produces one-of-a-kind clothing and homeware. Crafted with organic fabrics and yarns from Greece, all materials are dyed with plants, resulting in pieces that are as unique as the process itself. The collections share a story and celebrate slow processes, natural materials, aesthetics, the combination of the old and the new, the modern and the traditional.
Beyond its core collections, the brand collaborates with other fashion designers, architects, interior designers, event planners, and hotels. Whether it’s custom textiles for an architectural project or bespoke pieces for a fashion line, the brand’s versatility and commitment to quality have made it a trusted partner for creative professionals.
Slowly Made. Long Lasting. Limited Waste. Endless Value. Unique Creations. Simple Design. Luxurious Pieces. Naturally Dyed.
Christiana Vardakou is the founder of Greece’s first natural dyeing atelier, based in Athens. After completing her BA in Textile Design at UAL: Chelsea College of Arts in London, Christiana traveled to Southeast Asia to deepen her knowledge of traditional textile techniques. There, she explored natural dyeing, weaving, embroidery, batik, appliqué, and eco-printing, all of which continue to influence her work today.
In 2019, she launched her small business, specialising in ethical, handmade textiles for interiors and fashion. Her brand is built on the principles of Slow Design and Emotionally Durable Design, creating pieces that are individually designed, handcrafted, and fully customisable. Each item tells its own story, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the uniqueness of the handmade process.
Workshops & Collaborations
Sharing the art of natural dyeing is at the heart of Christiana’s mission. She regularly teaches workshops at her studio and collaborates with prestigious organisations such as the Stegi Onassis Foundation, SNFCC, the Interactive European School, the Silk Museum, the Ethnological Museum of Thrace, the British Council, the Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino Hotel, and others.
These workshops offer participants an opportunity to learn about sustainable practices, connect with traditional crafts, and experience the transformative beauty of plant-based dyeing.
Sustainability at the Core
At Christiana Vardakou, sustainability is not just a guiding principle—it’s the heart of everything we do. From the materials we source to the techniques we use, every step of our process is designed to minimise environmental impact and promote conscious consumption.
Natural Dyes & Processes
All of our creations are dyed using plant-based materials, such as leaves, flowers, roots, and natural extracts. These dyes are non-toxic and biodegradable, ensuring that our work is kind to the Earth. By using traditional dyeing techniques, we reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals and energy-intensive processes, fostering a more harmonious relationship with nature.
Organic Fabrics & Yarns
We carefully select organic fabrics and yarns, using only Greek suppliers to support local communities and reduce our carbon footprint. These materials are free from harmful chemicals, making them safe for both the environment and the wearer.
Zero-Waste Philosophy
In our atelier, we are committed to a zero-waste approach. Leftover fabrics and dye baths are repurposed to create smaller items or new designs, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. This creative reuse not only minimises our environmental impact but also results in unique, small-batch products.
Slow Design & Conscious Consumption
We embrace the Slow Design philosophy, which focuses on creating timeless, durable pieces meant to be cherished for years. Each item is handcrafted with care, highlighting the beauty of imperfection and the individuality of the natural dyeing process. Our goal is to encourage conscious consumption, inviting our clients to invest in meaningful, high-quality items rather than mass-produced, disposable goods.
Our Team
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Violetta Kotsi
Our in-house Head Pattern cutter and Seamstress. Violetta studied Fashion Design at PANSiK Fashion School. She is the sweetest person. She loves Christmas, giving treats to our studio pup Ito and any reason to celebrate. She is always the one with the big smile!