Modern Jewellery Brand Tastefully Embracing Ancient Greece

Whether your style is dainty and elegant or big and bold, Zénaïs Jewellery has a piece (or two) that can definitely be admired. The stunning and modern designs tastefully embrace the importance of Ancient Greek history and practices with symbols, heritage, and even the sourcing/production of each piece.

Owner and creative director Zoe Skiadopoulos launched Zénaïs with her elegant yet exoticInsights Greece - Modern Jewellery Brand Tastefully Embracing Ancient Greece collection, “Python” which embodies not only her theme of Ancient Greece but also sticks to the brand’s theme of embracing the curves and movement of life. This collection is the stepping stone and strong foundation of  Zénaïs that is allowing Zoe to build her empire. IN+SIGHTS GREECE recently had a chat with the director about her striking designs. 

Tell us a bit about your background and training in jewellery?

I was always drawn to aesthetics and style so even though I studied law, my passion for creation and design drove me into the fine jewellery industry. Before founding my own brand, I was working alongside a few Greek designers where I had the opportunity to learn more about the jewellery and fashion industries (i.e. manufacturing process) as well as getting involved in many creative projects. 

When did you launch your brand and what was the concept behind it?

Zénaïs was born in the spring of 2019 and I’ve been in love ever since. My first collection was Pythoncreated to celebrate the importance of snakes in ancient civilizations as a symbol of rebirth, immortality, healing and strength. 

Insights Greece - Modern Jewellery Brand Tastefully Embracing Ancient GreeceEvery Zénaïs handcrafted piece merges the world’s ancient heritage with modern energy. They are all made from precious materials while treasuring strong symbols and creating timeless style with an edge.

What inspires your creations?

All the designs are inspired by nature’s shapes and curves and represent life’s eternal movement. 

How would you describe your brand?

Modern, elegant with an edge. Insights Greece - Modern Jewellery Brand Tastefully Embracing Ancient Greece

Are the materials sourced locally and where are they made?

Everything is sourced locally and ethically made in the centre of Athens, from local manufactures that produce jewellery with the ancient lost wax casting method. 

Who are the pieces created for?

For all the people who cannot live without a little bling. I feel naked without my jewellery even when I go to bed! 

Tell us about your latest collection?

Sahara Collection is all about the different textures and shapes of the desert. You can see Insights Greece - Modern Jewellery Brand Tastefully Embracing Ancient Greecethe flow among the jewellery, the desert’s irregular textures and even the glow of the sun. 

What is your favourite item in your range at the moment? 

I’m in love with all my designs as each piece represents something different, but if I had to choose only one I would go with the Python large necklace. It’s the first design I created back in 2019. The rest followed.

What are the current projects you are working on and is there anything exciting coming up you would like to share? 

Oh, apart from our latest Collection “Sahara”, we also launched our 2021 charm for good luck. It will be available until the first few months of the new year. 

Where is your brand stocked? Insights Greece - Modern Jewellery Brand Tastefully Embracing Ancient Greece

We are located in Athens, Greece where everything is made with much love. 

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, of course, we do! Our designs have travelled across the globe; from New York to Mexico and Paris. 

Though summer in Greece may not be on the agenda for some of us this year, Zoe’s pieces can be viewed at zenais.

 

A-31 Wins Distinguished Architizer Award for Modern design in Andros

Athens based A31 has been named one of the best architectural firms in the world for 2020, taking home a prize at the internationally acclaimed Architzer Awards for their ‘Nonagriam Twins’ design, which is currently being built in Andros.

Set on the mountainside of this Cycladic island, this property features two detached houses. 

‘Residence A’ consists of a living/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms with sea views, a subterranean master bedroom, and an independent guesthouse on a lower level. A stairway links the residence to an existing natural stone cave. While ‘Residence B’ features a living /dining room, kitchen, bathroom, one bedroom with a sea view, and two subterranean ‘en-suite’ bedrooms, accessible through an interior atrium. This house also has an independent guesthouse, a basement, and a swimming pool.

 

“Modern and rigorous, the design bears clear lines and is organically linked to the natural landscape of Andros. The commitment to fully integrate with the surrounding area, as well as the need to maximize the utilization of the plot’s seamless view due to the land’s topography and position, lead the design team to the creation of open (airy) spaces with large openings without columns or walls,” says A+A.

The underground abode boasts smart examples of energy-efficient architecture such as geothermal heating and passive design that keep the interior comfortable while minimising the need for heating or cooling in the winter and summer months. 

Focusing on functionality and soundness of engineering, A31 creates spaces that are characterised by a clean-cut layout and reputable construction, tailored to the needs of people as well as the land and its surrounding environment.

You can view the full list of winners of the Architzer A+A Awards for 2020 here.

Architect: Praxitelis Kondylis Design team: Praxitelis Kondylis, Iro Papadopoulou, Stefanos Nasopoulos 3d visualizations: code3dd A31