Discover Cleo
Inspiration for this design was found in Early 19th-century jewellery that drew references from ships and mythical creatures, both of which formed the underpinning of the design, which is evident in the Cleo prints.
Spring Summer 2021
Hydra
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Cleo
Shop Cleo
The Cleo print is sharp and elegant in its contrasting blue and white colourway, making it easy to style with your existing summer wardrobe. We love how it looks mixed alongside our White & Navy solids or paired up with its matching counterparts.
This ornate print draws on a myriad of cultural references related to her research of 19th Century jewellery, as well as depictions of the Greek Mythological legends of mermaids – or Sirens – who supposedly lived in the Aegean Sea.
Sirens were beautiful, sea nymphs that would seduce approaching sailors with their enchanting singing, causing them to sail onto the cliffs and drown. Some might call them the original femme-fatale.
These timeless investment pieces sport beautiful elevated detailing such as gold hammered buttons that are reminiscent of ornate Greek jewellery.
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Efterpe
Discover Efterpe
Shop EfterpeThe Efterpe print was conceived after a research trip to the Benaki Museum in Athens. Founder and Creative Director, Anna Paola came across an ornate dowry box and fell in love with its beautiful hand-painted decoration.
A dowry box or “Hope Box” historically signified a transfer of parental property to the daughter (and her husband) on the occasion of her marriage.
The box might consist of money, coins, and jewellery but also less obvious signs of wealth, such as bed linens, quilts and sometimes even dishware.
The strong association of the poppies with Springtime in Athens instantly conjured up childhood memories for Anna Paola. Growing up as a child in the city, her own back garden would be filled with these vibrant blooms each year.
What you might not also realise is that these illustrative poppies are also strategically hiding the “evil eye’ within the Efterpe print. Ancient superstition throughout the Mediterranean dictates that wearing the eye as a symbol will ward off evil spirits.
With two colour ways and a whole host of statement silhouettes, the Efterpe print offers a classical sophistication your wardrobe will love for years to come. Mix & Match your favourite swim pieces with our head-turning resortwear for summer styling that’s sure to turn heads.
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Calliope
Discover Calliope
Shop CalliopeDiscover the kaleidoscopic Calliope print. Inspired by the layering of jewellery in traditional greek dress, the Calliope print imagines all these historical references in a colourful rainbow!
The Calliope is a bold, vibrant print inspired by the layering of coin necklaces and jewellery worn by women in Greek traditional costume, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Calliope Ruffle Top
£67.50£135.00
Interwoven within this kaleidoscopic print you will also find details such as an intricate, repeat paisley pattern, inspired by the paisley belt buckles worn over the layered and pleated dresses of the time.
All of these elements have been re-imagined as a multi-coloured rainbow!
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Urania
Discover Urania
Shop UraniaOur Urania print comes in a variety of colour ways and materials, from glistening metallic silk to our illustrative placement prints on a variety of swimwear. Inspired by geometric structures of many intricately embroidered coats and waistcoats, worn by both men and women, in 19th century Greece.
This beautiful print was inspired by the geometric structures of many intricately embroidered coats and waistcoats, worn by both men and women, during the 19th century. These ornate garments were constructed using the finest of gold thread, which would serve to create a beautiful contrast against the rich palettes of deep reds, blues and charcoal greys.
Drawing on these references, Creative Director, Anna Paola, used these rich colours to create the canvas for the Urania print.
The coins are also a key feature, historically coins would have been widely used for decoration and would be worn by women as necklaces or bracelets. This element not only forms the placement print of the Urania one piece but can also be seen laced throughout the collection.
Behind The Collection
The Story
This season, designer Anna Paola, has taken inspiration from early nineteenth-century Greece, specifically focusing on the traditional costumes originating from this era.
Researching from Greek archives, the collection references colours very typical to this time, such as charcoals, deep reds, metallics as well as vibrant hues of blue and turquoise representative of the Aegean Sea.
The beautiful and illustrative hand-drawn prints pay homage to the ornate jewellery worn by the Greek women and laced throughout the collection you will notice many beautiful intricate illustrative references.
From The Designer
Developing the Sustainable Swimwear range has been a dedicated focus for us as we have strived to discover the most pioneering processes that both ensure the most environmentally conscious production methods while also allowing us to maintain our high-quality fabrics. We are proud to have adopted this new innovation, which marks a step towards further product developments as we continue our commitment to responsibly source and produce our future ranges.Anna Paola Founder, Creative Director
Behind The Collection
The Design Process
2021 marks an important milestone for me as I celebrate the 10-year anniversary of my first collection, so I had to make this collection meaningful.
Having grown up in Greece, I thought it was a funny coincidence that 2021 was also the two-hundred-year anniversary of the Greek revolution. I began to develop an obsession with researching more about it and soon discovered these incredible women, the art and culture of that time – and as a result, the ‘Hydra’ Collection was born.
Whether you are travelling near or far this summer, we are looking forward to brighter times ahead and hope the ‘HYDRA’ collection will bring some of the colour and vibrancy we are all craving!