As far as personal style goes, I would like to say that every woman should wear what speaks to them. We have come out of the time when everyone has just been following rules and trends! Be yourself, feel good in your personal style, and be happy! Happiness is what makes a woman beautiful more than anything she wears…”
Themis Zouganeli, Creator/Designer, THEMIS•Z
Themis Zouganeli is the creator and designer of the Greek luxury lifestyle brand THEMIS•Z. The brand is rooted in patterns that Themis designs herself, drawing inspiration from Greek architecture. These designs are featured on homeware and clothing, all of which are handcrafted by artisans in Greece. The THEMIS•Z brand embodies a sophisticated and contemporary Greek aesthetic, distinctly departing from the traditional folklore style associated with Greece until now. The objective is to showcase the sophistication and exceptional quality of Greek design, allowing it to be worn and appreciated internationally…
C&B: “Themis, congratulations for appearing on the CITY & BEACH INTERNATIONAL BEST DRESSED LIST 2025! How do you define your personal style, and how has it evolved over the years?”
TZ: “My style is that I like to feel elegant, with style, and always with a touch of glamour! I love wearing clothes that have quality because they make me feel more beautiful, and I love both colour and gold, which remind me of the Greek sun! For this reason, many times you will find gold details on our clothing – never too much, but just enough to add light and a touch of glamour. I never like to be overstated, so I love my vintage jewelry collection, which I always add to my everyday look. My style has always been to have style and glamour without overdoing it at the same time. It’s in the clothes I wear and now produce – ‘quiet elegance’ has always been my motto and I have never changed that!”
I’m really not very much a current trend kind of person. I love good quality clothing, accessories, and shoes that you can wear over the years and pull out again and again, always feeling elegant and sexy when wearing and using them! Quality never loses style, and that’s what I always ensure our THEMIS•Z clothing has: Quality!”
Themis Zouganeli, Creator/Designer, THEMIS•Z
C&B: “Your pieces are stunning and very distinctive; who would you say are your biggest style inspirations, past or present?”
TZ: “I’d say my biggest style inspirations are the 60s and 70s styles, and mostly my mother, who was an extremely well-dressed woman – voted by Glamour Magazine in New York at the time as one of the best-dressed women in NY! I love that era because of its beautiful colours, its shapes, and its glamorous look while being at the same time cool and sexy! I also loved their big funky jewelry, wonderful headbands, and accessories that added to their style! My mother also taught me that style comes from the inside, not the outside, and so I always try to find inspiration from within while drawing patterns from the outside!”
C&B: “Yes, that classic era shines through in your collections. Which fashion designers have been your favourites over the years?”
TZ: “I absolutely adore Halston! His style, elegance, and sophistication in his simplicity I just find fabulous and so inspiring! I have some vintage dresses from my mother that still look fabulous; the quality is amazing and just so chic! YSL is another one of my favourites; again, I love the uncomplicated figures they created, but with such style at the same time! For more a more contemporary style, I love Johanna Ortiz. I appreciate the Colombian feel of her clothing and the artisanal way in which she makes them! It’s the Colombian version of THEMIS•Z!”
I pack lots of caftan dresses when I travel, as they are so versatile. White shirts are an essential; you can never go wrong with a pair of jeans! Additionally, I take a fabulous coat or our stunning THEMIS•Z cape with me, as it always adds style to any outfit. Beautiful shoes and jewellery are also a must!”
Themis Zouganeli, Creator/Designer, THEMIS•Z
C&B: “When you think back over the years, which outfit has been your favourite?”
TZ: “All of my THEMIS•Z caftan dresses, both for the summer and their winter version, have been my favourites! I love that they make one feel sensual, glamorous, and elegant. I appreciate that I can pack them in my suitcases and dress them up or down, from morning to dinner parties, styling them in so many different ways, and they always look different. A belt, jewellery, and a change of shoes can completely transform their look, making them versatile!”
C&B: “Accessories are the perfect way to transform a look; what are your must-have fashion accessories that you never leave home without?”
TZ: “My vintage jewellery collection! These are my fashion accessories that I simply cannot be without. They add glamour to any occasion, from morning to night, whether worn with a white shirt or an evening dress…”
In my handbag I always have my Carmex and a lipstick! I don’t like to wear a lot of makeup but my lips I always try and have hydrated! I love my Barbara Sturm hand cream (above, left) also which I alway have in my bag, as well as my sketch book!”
Themis Zouganeli, Creator/Designer, THEMIS•Z
C&B: “Your pieces look great in the city and on the beach – when you travel, which type of places are you drawn towards to relax and unwind?”
TZ: “I love all kinds of places; I love traveling the world, discovering new places, destinations, hotels, and restaurants. I would say that my favourite hotel I have stayed in is Al Moudira in Luxor, Egypt, as it has a unique atmosphere and design that is both contemporary and takes you back in time! On the Greek islands, the choices are endless! However, I would say my favourite place to have breakfast or lunch is a beach shack at Livadi tou Geranou beach on Patmos Island (above, right). The family cooks fresh eggs and vegetables that they harvest. It is the simplest place, but so sophisticated at the same time, beautiful and unique, and the energy of the beach is just amazing!”
C&B: ‘When we think of Greece, pristine beaches, crystal water and clear blue skies always come to mind – how does your own brand approach sustainable fashion?”
TZ: “I do believe in sustainable fashion, and THEMIS • Z is very much a sustainable fashion brand! It is very important to us. We create our own materials, as our patterns are unique and then printed on our fabrics. We do not produce large amounts of each style or colour, and we produce on demand for our wholesale partners and small bespoke collections for ourselves. Once the material is finished and a style is sold out, we don’t make more. We create small quantities, all handmade by our artisans, and we aim for zero waste. If there is ever any material left over, we transform it into cushions. We believe in using local materials and local artisans, and even when we need to produce an item abroad, such as our Iraca Palm collection, we always ensure to collaborate with local artisan partners…”
CONTACT: http://www.themisz.com
