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Greek Design and Inspiration

A curated online store offering distinctive handcrafted clothing and accessories from rising designers in Greece.

$2,340
pledged of$10,000 goal
26
0Days Left

Project Description

THE ELYSIANS

TheElysians.com is a multimedia online platform for the U.S. market featuring exclusive, hand-crafted, fashion pieces, jewelry, and accessories made locally in Greece by rising Greek designers and artisans. These inspiring creators preserve their renowned Hellenic culture by reviving traditional techniques – like weaving and embroidery -- in a contemporary and sophisticated style that appeals to American consumers.

 

TheElysians.com is evolving into a curated eCommerce site with convenient one-stop shopping, reasonable prices, and affordable shipping. 

Our pop-up stores will offer an exciting shopping experience that builds customer loyalty and engagement, generates valuable customer feedback for our startup, and inspires press coverage, helping to establish our brand.

By supporting small, independent designers and artisans, The Elysians aims to have a positive grassroots impact on the local Greek economy, which experienced a deep economic recession. The Port Global featured our founders story and our effort to create a socially conscious brand that supports up-and-coming Greek designers: Bringing Greek Heritage to the Forefront Across the Atlantic.

 

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE

The Elysians will be a full Hellenic experience without having to travel to Greece!

By sharing inspirational stories behind the labels, we’re part of the global movement of “knowing who’s made my clothes.”

Our website and social channels will be a multimedia experience with engaging content: In an effort to encourage our customers to be more conscious of their shopping behavior and to look beyond trends, we are producing creative videos that illuminate our Greek cultural heritage and promote the idea of provenance and traditional design techniques – how things are made. We’ll produce short films on our featured designers, inspiring interviews, and a blog and newsletter that tells the story behind the labels (and brings transparency to the design, sourcing and production process that today’s consumers demand). Our editorial content will spotlight talented Greek creators full of passion for different forms of art, photography, music, and the visual arts.

We aim to establish a community around our brand with our pop-up store events that will enhance personal engagement with our customers – including private mixers with our designers.

INDUSTRY TRENDS UNDERSCORING OUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

  • The current retail landscape is changing dramatically as many large retailers close or declare bankruptcy. We know that today’s consumers are drawn to small brands with authentic and compelling narratives. Millennials are almost twice as likely as Baby Boomers to prefer up-and-coming designers.  
  • There is no other company in America that's organizing direct to consumer retail pop-ups featuring rising Greek designersPop-ups, which are about 80 % less expensive than traditional physical retail outlets, capitalize on the growing desire to find - and share - unique experiences. They also provide a way for brands to build a relationship with customers in person, while driving awareness, adoption and conversion on more cost-effective digital channels.
  • The popularity of artisan-made goods is at an all-time high. They appeal to conscious consumers who want their purchases to reflect their values.
  • We are committed to Social responsibility and giving back to the country of our birth. We have a dedicated mission to donate a % of profits to children’s charities in Greece which support orphaned & abandoned children. The all-important Millennial target market values authenticity, creativity and local goods -- and are far more apt to purchase goods from businesses with a social enterprise.

 

OUR LAUNCH AND OUR CUSTOMERS

We launched The Elysians in December 2019 with creative and conceptual pop-up showcase events in New York City that celebrated “Slow Fashion” and craft. Our first pop-up at the Greek-owned Coco-Mat store in Soho was co-sponsored by the Greek Consulate in NY and was based on the concept of FASHION IS ART: our Greek designer brands commingled with artwork from accomplished Greek-American artists. We're very grateful that we received some valuable press coverage and truly wonderful reviews from our customers!

 CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

Our customers seeks beautifully, crafted handmade clothing and accessories that enable them to express their individuality. And they love feeling connected to Greek design and inspiration in a modern and sophisticated way.

  • “A company with true style and grace! Their beautiful, artisanal items are a rare find. Greece in its finest, brought to our doorsteps here in the US. Can’t wait to see what’s to come!”
  • “I attended the pop-up event in December. It was a perfect time to pick up some beautiful gifts for Christmas. They had a huge assortment of beautiful, high quality handmade, unique, and well-priced gifts. Gorgeous scarfs, evening and day bags, necklaces, and much much more. Can’t wait for their next event!! Hopefully, it will be very soon.”
  • “I attended a pop-up shopping event hosted by The Elysians and it was amazing! I purchased an exquisite silk scarf crafted in the last silk textile factory located in Greece; beautiful peach color with Greek key design that has won me countless of compliments. I also bought a cotton t-shirt with an original art print of such great quality; the fabric is amazing! There are fun things to buy as well, such as Greek motif stickers and stationary. I look forward to adding more items to my collection and seeing what new merchandise comes to market!”
  • “Was so excited to visit the first pop-up in NYC just before Christmas and it did not disappoint!! Beautifully curated collection of items from Greece. Can’t wait to see what’s next!!! And hopefully a pop-up in Boston!!”

WHY WE NEED THE FUNDING

  • Because of the Covid pandemic, we had to cancel all our pop-up events this spring and summer. So until we can safely host our pop-up events again, we’re seeking funding to sustain our business and pivot to a fully functional eCommerce platform and online fulfillment system. 
  • We also need funds to create professional visual assets such as product photographs and videos, and to pay for digital advertising to attract potential customers and generate sales revenue for our brand.
  • We need to pay for our inventory and support our efforts to establish wholesale accounts with independent boutiques.  

ANY CONTRIBUTION HELPS TOWARD THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE ELYSIANS- PLEASE CHECK OUT THE MANY WONDERFUL REWARDS WE OFFER!

 

 

OUR MISSION & VALUES

Our mission financially supports emerging design entrepreneurs in Greece by helping them grow their business in America!

  • Discovery: of visionary new brands, new markets and sales channels 
  • Storytelling: creating engaging and heart-centered multimedia experiences
  • Celebrating Greek arts and culture
  • Slow Fashion and artisanal creativity
  • Promoting local talent and materials 
  • Business sustainability: managing our impact on profits, people, and the planet        
  • Social Responsibility: supporting disadvantaged children in Greece

 

THE TEAM

CO-FOUNDERS Vicki Vasilopoulos (based in New York City) 

and Athina Vosinaki (based in Athens, Greece)

For co-founder Vicki Vasilopoulos, fashion has been a lifelong passion. While still at NYU majoring in Journalism, she studied fashion merchandising one summer at the Paris Fashion Institute in the City of Light. Upon visiting the Hermes workroom and the Balmain atelier, her fascination grew. Flash forward two decades and she’s working as a men’s fashion editor in New York, styling photo layouts featuring the leading designers from both sides of the pond, and traveling to fashion capitals like Milan and Florence to cover the new collections. In addition to high-end fashion and the Haute Couture, Vicki has always been fascinated by artisans and handmade things because she believes that they possess the soul of their creator.

That formative experience in Paris ignited a passion in her that eventually led to producing and directing her first documentary film, Men of the Cloth, which received rave reviews at cinemas and art museums around the world. It's a heartfelt portrait of three Italian master tailors with Old World skills honed over a lifetime. During her career as a fashion editor, writer, and filmmaker in New York, she never forgot her roots in Greece, where she was born: it was the siren song that always played in the background, calling out to her.

Vicki dreamed of launching a socially-conscious business - and bringing her fellow Greek creators into the spotlight. In the summer of 2018, a mutual Greek friend in Brooklyn introduced her to her soon-to-be partner from Athens, Athina Vosinaki. The two of them shared a similar vision, and they joined forces. Vicki completed a Creative Entrepreneurship program at the Actors Fund in New York City, learning small business business and how to lead from her heart as an entrepreneur.

Co-founders Vicki Vasilopoulos and Athina Vosinaki

Co-founder Athina Vosinaki was born and raised in Athens, Greece, where she studied advertising and marketing at University. Her 10-year professional career in the banking and marketing sector gave her valuable experience, but something was always missing. Possessing a curious mind, and feeling deeply drawn to the arts, she took college courses in art history, earning a diploma in photography as a way to express her artistic inspiration.

Athina’s life changed dramatically in her early 30s. She took her previous experience in strategic planning, marketing and advertising, and directed her career to an entirely different path. For the last 16 years, as a passionate filmmaker traveling all over Greece and abroad, she’s had the opportunity to discover mostly unknown places and hidden gems of Greek culture.

Athina met well-educated, talented young designers, many of whom left the urban environment and returned to their hometowns. Driven by their passion, dreams and creativity, these designers began small production houses for clothing, jewelry, bags, and accessories -- all handmade and inspired by Greek culture, history and nature! Their optimism filled her soul with positive vibes and joy!

Thank you for supporting THE ELYSIANS!

The Campaign FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • When will my reward be shipped? We'll email you so you can choose your specific color/design, and then we'll ship you reward within a week.

  • Can we exchange our reward for another item? Unfortunately, no.

  • How do we contact The Elysianswith questions or suggestions? You can reach us at [email protected]

  • Why are we raising funds?  Shortly after we launched our brand, we had to cancel our upcoming pop-up events because of the Covid pandemic. So until we can safely host our pop-ups, we’re seeking funding to sustain our business and pivot to a fully functional eCommerce platform and online fulfillment system. We also need to create professional product photos and videos in order to market our collections to potential customers. And we need to pay for our inventory and support our efforts to sell our collections through wholesale accounts with established boutiques.

  • How is my payment/contribution processed and is it secure? IFundWomen does not store credit card information. Its payment processors, PayPal and Stripe operate with the highest level of security and encryption technology. When backing our campaign using PayPal, we won't receive sensitive financial information like your credit card or bank account number.

 

Thank you very much for your support!

 

 

Lisa Nicole Rosado
08/19/2020
Monetary Contribution
$20
Maria Frantzis
07/31/2020
2 Greece Travel Guides & Coloring Books
$40
Perrie
07/09/2020
2 Greece Travel Guides & Coloring Books
$40
07/03/2020
Monetary Contribution
$25
Demetra Soterakis
07/02/2020
Greek Philosophers Mugs (set of 2)
$30
Christina Georgakis
06/26/2020
2 Greece Travel Guides & Coloring Books
$40
Kirki's Loom
06/24/2020
Monetary Contribution
$200
Christina Georgakis
06/13/2020
2 Greece Travel Guides & Coloring Books
$40
Tina Papadopoulos
06/13/2020
Men's Greek Key Silk Pocket Square
$25
Drake G Behrakis
06/09/2020
Cultivated Home Collection
$500
Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

3 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
Just Because I Care! 💙
A shoutout on our Facebook or Instagram page + be added to our Subscribers list to receive exclusive offers on our future collections. 
300 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Greek Philosophy Magnets
Set of 4 tinplate fridge magnets with quotes from Greek philosophers.
Size 2.5 inches square. Designed by THIKI Greece.
4 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Greek Natural Linen Purse
Chic Handmade Natural Linen Clutch Bag with beechwood ring handle, and metal snap closure. Contrasting Trim in Gold, blue, olive or black. From designer MYRTO ARVANITI. 8" by 11.5"
Made in Greece. 
32 Left
7 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Men's Greek Key Silk Pocket Square
Greek Key Silk Pocket Square from the MagnaDi collection by designer Margianna Dragoumanou. Printed on the finest Greek silk. 
13 inches square with hand-finished edges. Made in Greece. 
(one each available in burgundy, royal blue, pink or cocoa brown.)
3 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
35.00 USD
Greek Philosophers Mugs (set of 2)
White ceramic mugs emblazoned with timeless phrases from Greek philosophers Aristotle, Socrates, Plato and Heraclitus. From Thiki Greece. (Price includes shipping.)
9 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
40.00 USD
Greek "Marble Tile" Silk Twill Scarf
Marble Tile printed Silk Twill Scarf  from the MagnaDi collection by designer Margianna Dragoumanou. Printed on the finest Greek silk. 
17.5 inches square with hand-finished edges. Made in Greece. 

(Available: 2 scarves in black & gold; 1 scarf in rose pink.)

3 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
40.00 USD
Artistic Men's Silk Pocket Squares
These exceptionally elegant printed silk pocket squares come in ten different unique artistic designs - See them all here.
Made in Greece by AMARIS Mykonian Art Stories.
10.5 inches square.
17 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
40.00 USD
2 Greece Travel Guides & Coloring Books
Inside these inspiring 40-page travel guides & coloring books on Athens, Crete, Santorini, Thessaloniki and the Cyclades, you'll find a map, and places to visit and color! (With historical descriptions in both English and Greek!) This set from Colour Greece includes your choice of 2 guides, plus one framed Coloring Poster (8 x 6.5 inches) plus shipping. 
14 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Handmade Two-Tone Cotton Shoulder Bag
Handmade stylishly textured cotton/linen 2-tone shoulder bag with leather handles. Very roomy, lined, 19 X 25 inches. From designer MYRTO ARVANITI. Made in Greece. 
Available in both light grey solid and herringbone patterns. 
19 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Belted Linen/Cotton Caftan
Chic, versatile and lightweight  Linen and Cotton Caftan, with black trim and matching fringed belt. By designer Myrto Arvaniti. Handmade in Greece. Available in taupe or light grey/blue heather.
12 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
65.00 USD
Greek Clutch Purse & Cotton Scarf Combo
One Handmade Cotton Zip Clutch purse from designer Myrto Arvaniti. With bronze hook & leather handle (in grey herringbone & solid patterns) + One handmade cotton fringe scarf (in grey, olive or pink).  Made in Greece. 
6 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
80.00 USD
Greek Weekend Bag & Linen Purse Combo
One handmade stylishly textured cotton/linen weekend bag + One Handmade Natural Linen Clutch Bag with beechwood ring handle (Contrast Trim in Gold, blue, olive or black). From designer MYRTO ARVANITI.  Made in Greece. 
5 Left
5 Supporters
Select this reward
80.00 USD
Men's Handwoven Belt
Men's handwoven belt  with metal buckle & leather trim. (For 36 - 40 inch Waist. Available in brown, black, blue or olive.)
Textured design created by LOOM% on weaving looms according to the traditional weaving technique of Naxos. Made in Greece. 
1 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Greek Silk Twill "Marble Tile" Scarf
Large Marble Tile printed Silk Twill Scarf from the MagnaDi collection by designer Margianna Dragoumanou. Printed on the finest Greek silk.  Retail value= $150.
35 inches square with hand-finished edges. Made in Greece. 

(Available: 2 scarves in Teal Blue; 1 in black and gold.)

 

3 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Greek Printed Silk "Key Sun" Scarf
Spectacular large printed Silk Twill Scarf from the MagnaDi collection by designer Margianna Dragoumanou. Printed on the finest Greek silk.  (Retail value = $150.)
35 inches square with hand-finished edges. Made in Greece. 

(Available: 1 navy blue, and 1 taupe.)

2 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Greek Graphic Cardigan
Lightweight, elegant, flowing Cardigan with graphic printed satin border. Waist-length in the back; 40 inches from shoulder to hem in the front. Available in red, orange, blue, green, or black.
Designed and Made in Greece by Marie Gyparaki of Amaris Mykonian Art Stories.
9 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
110.00 USD
Hand-Embroidered Linen Resort Dress
Linen/rayon “Laurel” dress with hand-embroidered detailing. From designer Alexandra Theohari of KLOTHO, a sustainable brand from Crete, Greece. Available in small, medium, large.
2 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
125.00 USD
Suede Hand Embroidered Shoulder Bag
Suede Shoulder Bag with woven strap in blue, silver and gold hand embroidery.  Available in royal blue or black. Made in Greece. By designer Alexandra Theohari of KLOTHO. 11 x 15 x 3.5 inches.
2 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
Him & Hers: Handwoven Purse/Men's Belt
For her: Handwoven envelope purse adorned with a geometric pattern inspired by Greek history and tradition.  Suede tassel. and trim. 11.25 X 7.75 inches. Zip closure. (Available in 6 colors/styles)
For Him: Men's handwoven belt  with metal buckle & leather trim. (For 36 - 40 inch Waist. Available in brown black, blue or olive.)
Textured design created by LOOM% on weaving looms according to the traditional weaving technique of Naxos. Made in Greece. 
1 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
500.00 USD
Limoges Porcelain Men's Cufflinks
Limoges Porcelain Men's Cufflinks in blue and yellow. Limited edition 16/25, handcrafted by Mr. G Paris for AMARIS Mykonian Art Stories.
Set includes presentation box, certificate of authenticity, and 3 silk pocket handkerchiefs made in Greece from AMARIS Mykonian Art Stories. Retail value = $800.
1 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

New york, NY
Created 1 Campaign
Lifestyle

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

3 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
Just Because I Care! 💙
A shoutout on our Facebook or Instagram page + be added to our Subscribers list to receive exclusive offers on our future collections. 
300 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Greek Philosophy Magnets
Set of 4 tinplate fridge magnets with quotes from Greek philosophers.
Size 2.5 inches square. Designed by THIKI Greece.
4 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Greek Natural Linen Purse
Chic Handmade Natural Linen Clutch Bag with beechwood ring handle, and metal snap closure. Contrasting Trim in Gold, blue, olive or black. From designer MYRTO ARVANITI. 8" by 11.5"
Made in Greece. 
32 Left
7 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Men's Greek Key Silk Pocket Square
Greek Key Silk Pocket Square from the MagnaDi collection by designer Margianna Dragoumanou. Printed on the finest Greek silk. 
13 inches square with hand-finished edges. Made in Greece. 
(one each available in burgundy, royal blue, pink or cocoa brown.)
3 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
35.00 USD
Greek Philosophers Mugs (set of 2)
White ceramic mugs emblazoned with timeless phrases from Greek philosophers Aristotle, Socrates, Plato and Heraclitus. From Thiki Greece. (Price includes shipping.)
9 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
40.00 USD
Greek "Marble Tile" Silk Twill Scarf
Marble Tile printed Silk Twill Scarf  from the MagnaDi collection by designer Margianna Dragoumanou. Printed on the finest Greek silk. 
17.5 inches square with hand-finished edges. Made in Greece. 

(Available: 2 scarves in black & gold; 1 scarf in rose pink.)

3 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
40.00 USD
Artistic Men's Silk Pocket Squares
These exceptionally elegant printed silk pocket squares come in ten different unique artistic designs - See them all here.
Made in Greece by AMARIS Mykonian Art Stories.
10.5 inches square.
17 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
40.00 USD
2 Greece Travel Guides & Coloring Books
Inside these inspiring 40-page travel guides & coloring books on Athens, Crete, Santorini, Thessaloniki and the Cyclades, you'll find a map, and places to visit and color! (With historical descriptions in both English and Greek!) This set from Colour Greece includes your choice of 2 guides, plus one framed Coloring Poster (8 x 6.5 inches) plus shipping. 
14 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Handmade Two-Tone Cotton Shoulder Bag
Handmade stylishly textured cotton/linen 2-tone shoulder bag with leather handles. Very roomy, lined, 19 X 25 inches. From designer MYRTO ARVANITI. Made in Greece. 
Available in both light grey solid and herringbone patterns. 
19 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Belted Linen/Cotton Caftan
Chic, versatile and lightweight  Linen and Cotton Caftan, with black trim and matching fringed belt. By designer Myrto Arvaniti. Handmade in Greece. Available in taupe or light grey/blue heather.
12 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
65.00 USD
Greek Clutch Purse & Cotton Scarf Combo
One Handmade Cotton Zip Clutch purse from designer Myrto Arvaniti. With bronze hook & leather handle (in grey herringbone & solid patterns) + One handmade cotton fringe scarf (in grey, olive or pink).  Made in Greece. 
6 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
80.00 USD
Greek Weekend Bag & Linen Purse Combo
One handmade stylishly textured cotton/linen weekend bag + One Handmade Natural Linen Clutch Bag with beechwood ring handle (Contrast Trim in Gold, blue, olive or black). From designer MYRTO ARVANITI.  Made in Greece. 
5 Left
5 Supporters
Select this reward
80.00 USD
Men's Handwoven Belt
Men's handwoven belt  with metal buckle & leather trim. (For 36 - 40 inch Waist. Available in brown, black, blue or olive.)
Textured design created by LOOM% on weaving looms according to the traditional weaving technique of Naxos. Made in Greece. 
1 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Greek Silk Twill "Marble Tile" Scarf
Large Marble Tile printed Silk Twill Scarf from the MagnaDi collection by designer Margianna Dragoumanou. Printed on the finest Greek silk.  Retail value= $150.
35 inches square with hand-finished edges. Made in Greece. 

(Available: 2 scarves in Teal Blue; 1 in black and gold.)

 

3 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Greek Printed Silk "Key Sun" Scarf
Spectacular large printed Silk Twill Scarf from the MagnaDi collection by designer Margianna Dragoumanou. Printed on the finest Greek silk.  (Retail value = $150.)
35 inches square with hand-finished edges. Made in Greece. 

(Available: 1 navy blue, and 1 taupe.)

2 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Greek Graphic Cardigan
Lightweight, elegant, flowing Cardigan with graphic printed satin border. Waist-length in the back; 40 inches from shoulder to hem in the front. Available in red, orange, blue, green, or black.
Designed and Made in Greece by Marie Gyparaki of Amaris Mykonian Art Stories.
9 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
110.00 USD
Hand-Embroidered Linen Resort Dress
Linen/rayon “Laurel” dress with hand-embroidered detailing. From designer Alexandra Theohari of KLOTHO, a sustainable brand from Crete, Greece. Available in small, medium, large.
2 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
125.00 USD
Suede Hand Embroidered Shoulder Bag
Suede Shoulder Bag with woven strap in blue, silver and gold hand embroidery.  Available in royal blue or black. Made in Greece. By designer Alexandra Theohari of KLOTHO. 11 x 15 x 3.5 inches.
2 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
Him & Hers: Handwoven Purse/Men's Belt
For her: Handwoven envelope purse adorned with a geometric pattern inspired by Greek history and tradition.  Suede tassel. and trim. 11.25 X 7.75 inches. Zip closure. (Available in 6 colors/styles)
For Him: Men's handwoven belt  with metal buckle & leather trim. (For 36 - 40 inch Waist. Available in brown black, blue or olive.)
Textured design created by LOOM% on weaving looms according to the traditional weaving technique of Naxos. Made in Greece. 
1 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
500.00 USD
Limoges Porcelain Men's Cufflinks
Limoges Porcelain Men's Cufflinks in blue and yellow. Limited edition 16/25, handcrafted by Mr. G Paris for AMARIS Mykonian Art Stories.
Set includes presentation box, certificate of authenticity, and 3 silk pocket handkerchiefs made in Greece from AMARIS Mykonian Art Stories. Retail value = $800.
1 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward