When you discover that your other half is a super cool design studio which has not only got superb ideas, but it also works with great consciousness, at that point…
This is my love story.
One day two friends of mine told me that they knew my ‘other half’. I was a bit surprised as I was not in a relation.
When in Athens, they bumped into a cozy shop which sells fine handmade bags, and guess what, its name is 3QUARTERS.
I was as surprised as if I could have found a boyfriend. Very surprised!
1quarter + 3quarters. Unbelievable.
I visited their website, I fell in love with their creations and I contacted them out of the blue.
The best part comes when I met 3QUARTERS few weeks ago in Athens.
I found myself in front of their window by chance, one day before our meeting. The shop looks like a studio, and actually is. It has a strong vibe and character. I also peeked few pictures by Taryn Simon, one of my favorite artist: at that point I grabbed my phone and shouted: ‘Mum I found my other half!’.
3QUARTERS is a studio run by two Greek siblings, Gary and John.
I first met Gary. She is a sweet and brilliant woman, and she is also an architect.
The day after I met John. He is a bright and solid man, also a photographer.
They both went back to Athens after years living abroad, Rotterdam for Gary and London for John.
Their are running their own studio creating fashion accessories committing to the principles of sustainable design.
Their bags are made by leftover and used awning fabrics from the Athenian balconies, which is very romantic.
They are trendy and practical at the same time and they reflects the soul of Athens.
They are handmade and unique pieces.
This is not a place where you would go for a quick look.
This is a place where you want to get in, a bit scared: two cute dogs probably will welcome you barking.
It’s a place where you should ask for a cup of tea and spend some time talking to Gary.
Listening to her story, her coming back to Athens after living in Rotterdam, made me feel home.
When you see that other great people out there, for different reasons, are struggling and rejoicing as you are, for their own projects, makes you feel part of a community, part of a big family.
Talking with John was not less interesting. We share the love for visual culture and living experience in London.
He is very fun.
They are both very open and grounded people.
Once you get to know Gary and John, you can get the spirit of their concept.
And you can see how much these bags represents young Greeks who are trying very hard to create a new life in Greece.
The past should always be studied, elaborated, re-shaped, in order to create our own future.
3QUARTERS
Ag. Dimitriou 19
Athens
On line shop
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram
©Nicoletta Barbata/One Quarter Greek
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