INTERVIEW : ALICE HAJIPANAYI

She's tiny. The lines of her face are a bit strange. So is here strong smile. Her eyes are full of life, energy and confidence. Alice Hajipanagi is definitely not the kind of woman Greeks are used to and this is due to her multiple origins and the fact that she has lived abroad for many years and carries this international era that you rarely come across in Greece. She is the designer behind the new brand EMPIRE and insists that she wants to be known as such. Her clothes are well sewn, contemporary and elegant. The international market already loves them and so does the Greek one, making her first fashion show in March a must-go event. When I chose to host her on my blog, my initial intention was to discuss strictly about fashion and her new Fall 2011-12 collection. However, her spontaneity and positive energy made me end up with an interview showing Alice's genuine freedom, just like her EMPIRE clothing line is.

You were working as a sound engineer before entering the fashion market. How was that?

Music and fashion always go hand in hand. I always admired great designers such as Lagerfeld, Gaultier, the techniques of Vionnet. I had the bug from a little girl as my aunts and grandmother were great seamstresses. I loved the colors and textures of fabric. I stopped working in the music business to fulfill my passion!

If you were asked to speak about the current aesthetic of your brand, how would you describe it?

Feminine, contemporary, minimal with a dynamic but sensual edge.

After New York, Montreal and Paris you are now based in Athens and you are selling worldwide. How does the international market react to the fact that your clothes are manufactured in Greece?

They are very surprised actually! I was in Paris where I had interest from the Asian market and the American one! They haven't heard of many Greek brands. And I say brand, because I present it as a brand and not myself as a designer.

Canada has an underground fashion scene with quite interesting brands, expanding worldwide. How do you feel about it? Would you ever like to be part of it?

I like the idea of being part of Europe although it would be great to have a follow in Canada. After all, it is my birth home!

How do you feel about the Greek market? Are you interested in it?

It's tough! Greeks are still very stuck with major labels and "status" of wearing something with a name on it even if it looks awful on them. That is why copies are so popular here!Concerning the market, I think very few boutiques know how to understand their customers and their psychology.

You are a mother, a wife and a designer who lives in Athens and needs to buy and wear clothes. Is there anything you would never wear, not because you don't like it but due to the limited perspective over fashion in Greece?

I am generally pretty free with my choices of attire but I do feel uncomfortable sometimes if I dress up to go to a party in something dressy and most people are in jeans. The are not like New Yorkers!

Part of your origins is Egyptian. Are there any oriental or Middle-Eastern fashion elements that you are really fond of?

Well, I don't really think about my family's origins. I do love the white cottons and linens men in Egypt wear. Egyptian women have so much power in their eyes and an incredible sensuality with their manners and movement.

Alexander the Great or Cleopatra suit best in your EMPIRE?

Both!

You will be eternally optimistic that...?

I am always looking forward and aiming for the best. I always expect the best even if it has led me to make mistakes. This attitude has made who I am in my life today and I am eternally grateful! A pessimist always expects the worst or dampens their own desires and those of others. They often call it reality!