The world of a unique creator who highlights the art of weaving in Mykonos through a holistic philosophy of sustainability.
Faye Chatzi’s creations have come to be defined for their distinct hand-made quality and cultural elements. We caught up with the designer on the occasion of her latest E P O S capsule collection for 2023 to talk about what inspires her and the age-old processes and techniques she uses.
How has permanently residing on a Greek island affected your shift to using traditional techniques, such as those used in textiles?
Clearly, it influences, inspires and often leads to the need to keep both tradition and traditional techniques alive. Each place possesses its own wealth, tradition and characteristics that make it unique. In Mykonos, Delos and Rhenia, archaeological findings show us that the textile industry existed as far back as antiquity.
In Mykonos, as in other parts of Greece at that time, one of the main occupations that women had, until the first decades of the 20th century, was weaving. There were once 500 active looms on the island and local production played an important role in its economic development.
Of course, the times have changed irreversibly. Fortunately there are creators who insist on keeping certain arts, techniques and traditions alive. I’m glad to be one of them.
How did you decide on the special features of your capsule ‘Epos’ collection for Summer 2023. Which elements inspired you?
The source of inspiration was the island’s bare landscape, its ancient granite, harshness and the unique light that constantly mutates everything. The special features of the collection are light, airy clothes with textures and colors that are reminiscent of how summers in Greece used to be, when everything around us seemed and was more genuine, pure, innocent and wonderfully poetic – when a taste of saltiness seemed to pervade everything. Everything just materialized on the loom, i.e. authentic Greek textiles in natural fabrics, geometric patterns, even hand-painted embroidery during the weaving process.
The new entry, entirely hand-made “Kalathaki” bag in collaboration with the Benaki Museum and the printed silk scarves, inspired by ancient Greek mythology, in collaboration with the illustrator Iliana Alexandrou. The “Kalathaki project’ uses three different techniques: basket weaving (a specific Greek knitting technique that is all but disappearing), weaving and the Benaki Museum’s passementerie.
Do the women who choose your creations recognize the principles of sustainability in your work?
In the times we live in, everything is available to everyone. The principles of sustainability are above all a way of life, the way one sees things and the way one chooses to live.
Therefore, women who value quality and choose carefully from what to eat to what to wear, have a similar lifestyle and vision. These go hand in hand. My creations address what these women are looking for and my hope is that there will be more of these women, going forward.
How long does it take to complete a handmade piece?
It really depends on each piece and its requirements. The processing and collection of raw material, whether that be silk, wool, cotton or linen is itself a process and is the first step. The next step is actually designing each piece followed by the last step which is execution.
It’s a process that requires time and dedication, a journey full of magic and surprises, all the way through to the final result.
What are your plans or goals, after your collaboration with the Benaki Museum?
The goal is and will be to continue my work with the same enthusiasm and passion. The rest will be a surprise, even for me, as, most of the time, I don’t know where what I’m starting to make will actually take me, it’s like a wonderful trip to an unknown destination.
