These are probably the coolest Greece souvenirs I have ever seen – and trust me, I’ve seen them a lot! Conceived at the foot of the Acropolis hill in Athens, Greece is for Lovers have been avidly producing their awesome products since 2006. The creative minds behind it, Thanos Karampatsos and Christina Kotsilelou, have introduced a new sense of “Greekness” to contemporary product design, by mixing up a concoction of their country’s spiciest ingredients:humor, irony, nonchalance and extravagance.
Inspired by the stereotypical notion of what is widely held to be Greek, their designs comment on habitual activities and behavioral patterns both of the past and the present. Unwilling to compromise, the G.I.F.L. trademark aesthetic sits comfortably in the controversial area between luxe and kitsch.
Tougher than Leather
A leather covered skateboard incorporatinga pair of Greek sandals.
Build Your Myth
A set of Herculean dumbbells in solid brass. Borrowing the kitsch visual language of souvenirs sold in touristy Athens.
Amen Tableware
A humorous view on the popular rebellious sentiment of modern Greeks. Printed china plates, available in two sizes.
Zeus!
A letter knife to rip through hatemail with the stealth and fury of Zeus, the bolt – throwing ruler of mount Olympus. In solid or silver – plated brass.
Atlantish
A silk scarf featuring the map of the Lost Atlantis. Reminiscent of the disposable paper tablecloths found in restaurants all over insular Greece; an impromptu yet handy souvenir featuring the map of each island. Digital print on silk twill.
A ceramic take on a Greek design classic: the ubiquitous Styrofoam water cooler. Red clay, glazing, macramé handle, chromed fittings.
Claymate
A full-scale skateboard hand made in red clay, decorated in the style of ancient Greek pottery.
Flavour of the Month
A delicious-looking paperweight made in white marble and chromed brass.
Demigod
A pot coaster / paper weight choc-a-block with semi-divine charm. Water-jet cut in black or green marble.
Hermaphrodite
Hermes by Praxiteles and Aphrodite of Milos, accessorized. A set of candles in 100% natural beeswax.
Hookers’ Delight
Martini glasses, accessorized with a silver olive hook.
No Sleep till Hades
A range consisting of a mug, a tote bag and a plush pillow.
R.I.P.
Fill in the gap with an appropriate x-lover’s name and burn the blues away with this cedar-scented candle.
Ridden in Stone
Traditional technique, contemporary theme: A classic sculpture of a street culture icon. In white Attica marble.
Via Greece is for lovers.
