Enter Queen Calliope’s bright and bold world of fashion eloquence
In our New Athenians series, Calliope Karvounis shares her sartorial passions, her itinerant photography career, and her keen curatorial eye in collecting fabrics, traditions and stories from wherever she’s been – a world she has recreated in her fabulous store, Queen Calliope on Merlin Street. Calliope’s personal style radiates through her space, where every corner brims with unique handcrafted treasures, eclectic finds, and a striking ready-to-wear collection—each item a piece of wearable art. Imagination and elegance blend seamlessly here, creating a vibrant celebration of colour and creativity. Her pieces, inspired by her global journeys, range from Ikat kaftans to meticulously hand-embroidered Indian jackets, block-printed accessories, and finely crafted homeware that speaks to an appreciation for detail. For her clients, she offers an array of evening dresses, skirts, and blouses that transition effortlessly from day to night, adding a joyful touch of color perfect for the festive season.
ABOUT YOU
What do you do?
From a young age, beauty and creativity have been my passions, expressed through art, fashion, and photography. I first picked up my dad’s camera at 12, capturing images that hinted at what would later become my profession. Styling was second nature—I’d dress up my friends in my mother’s clothes and photograph them, creating my own mini editorials. This love for creative expression has led me through an extraordinary life, for which I am endlessly grateful.
London and Milan were my early homes while working as a fashion editor for Vogue and Condé Nast, styling fashion stories that gave me my first taste of the industry. New York, however, became the city of my heart. I spent the most vibrant part of my career there, traveling the world, photographing campaigns and magazine features, and meeting extraordinary people who enriched my life.
Despite my love for New York, my husband and I eventually felt the call to return to our roots and raise our two daughters in our beloved Athens. Here, I found new ways to merge my love for Greek culture with my career. I created two photography books inspired by Greece: one celebrating traditional Greek costumes and another titled Children of the Light, an ode to Greek youth and beauty.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion remains a vital part of who I am, and with a deep appreciation for global cultures, I opened a boutique in the heart of Athens.
I also collaborate with local artisans to produce garments, pillows, and handblock-printed quilts from Rajasthan, blending local and global artistry.
How would you describe your style?
My own wardrobe is a mix of designer pieces, vintage finds, and beloved handbags, and I adore the creativity of mix-and-match styling—a Zara top with a designer skirt, or a vintage necklace paired with one of my caftans.
ABOUT ATHENS
How would you describe your boutique, Queen Calliope?
All things for free spirits! The shop has an ethnic flair, filled with carefully curated treasures—jewelry, bags, caftans, luxurious pashminas, embroidered coats and dresses, special textiles from India and Central Asia, and vintage finds from the USA. Every piece is chosen for free spirits, those who appreciate beauty with a story.
Where do you shop for fabrics?
I’m deeply passionate about what I do, from sourcing Kashmiri-embroidered coats to handwoven huipiles from Oaxaca. I operate by appointment, offering flexible hours—even on Sundays—to accommodate busy schedules. But don’t get me wrong! For me, work is a joy; designing, creating, and traveling to source beautiful textiles and treasures has never felt like work.
Sum up the Athens fashion scene in 3 words.
Athens is buzzing with creative energy, and designers like Daphne Valente are creating beautiful work, inspiring more women here to experiment and express themselves through fashion.
What will we always find in your closet or hand bag?
My closet is full of vintage clothes mixed with designer pieces like YSL and Ralph Lauren. I am also a big handbag lover. I cannot resist a new handbag!
A typical Queen Calliope client is…
My clientele is cosmopolitan, well-traveled, and sophisticated, with a love for unique pieces. Many international clients return to my shop year after year, knowing they’ll find something special for themselves or their homes.
YOUR FAVE ATHENIAN PICKS
A perfect evening out would be:
Evenings are for unwinding—cooking my family’s favourite meals or dining at familiar Athens spots like Ratka, L’Abreuvoir for French cuisine, and Dourambeis for fresh seafood.
Visit Queen Calliope on the 3rd floor at 9 Merlin, Kolonaki. Tel: 210 7211821, + 30-6934868888. By appointment (on whats up or viber)
Queen Calliope Online Store, @queencalliopestyle
