Design tribute to Steve Jobs (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011)

As a tribute to Steve Jobs I decided, instead of writing one more thing among the many written about him, to just make a visual design tribute to him, through the things he was instrumental into bringing to the world, affecting many people, in the way they live their everyday lives but also their aesthetics.

Thessaloniki Metro stand at 76th International Fair, by Tetragon Ltd.

This is the third time Tetragon design the stand of Thessaloniki Metro. Winning the tender of the particular competition is not easy, as all major competitor companies from Greece vie for it. The reason is not only the relatively high budget of the project, but mainly the chance to deliver a modern, sophisticated design with elements usually not found in other exhibits featured in Thessaloniki International Fair.

This time the concept was more ambitious then before: first of all there is a clear separation of the stand space, by colour blocking, into two distinct areas: the reception and media area, in anthracite grey and the display area, all in white. All these are framed by a hanging L-shaped ceiling element, with recessed lighting. The result is surprisingly minimal but imposing.

The map of the main Metro line, as well as the future expansions, is always the main display of the stand. This year it was put on a reclining table, emerging from the floor as if being peeled away, revealing the ground below it, a direct reference to the excavations of the Metro taking place throughout the city. Lava pellets were used instead of soil, giving a brilliant earthen colour. Through it, three 17" screens emerge, projecting slide-shows of ancient artefacts discovered in the excavations. The map itself is printed on backlit canvas. On its left a literature holder contains the company's brochure.

The main attraction of the stand is the display behind the map. A geometric simulation of the two distinct tunnels of the main line (one for each direction) becomes a double back projection of a film made in the real tunnels (footage was shot by me, the editing done by Icon 4D), giving a chance to the public to catch a glimpse of what is going on under their feet. One can see the TBM at work as well, an imposing spectacle indeed (and one of the best experiences this work has ever given me). The "tunnels" are set on a wall featuring inclined white beams, with a printed soil section photo set between them, giving a sense of them being actually underground.

To complete the media onslaught, a set of 2X2 seamless LED screens feature a small video showing footage with various works in three different stations of the main line, Railway Station, University Station and Euclides Station. I was lucky enough to visit all three and film footage for the video there. In this area, the reception is located, right across the stand from the screens, with a display featuring the lava pellets and the miniature safety helmets of the Metro workers, given as a memento at the stand.

The graphics are simple: there is a huge print of the city's grid plan in black and white that starts from the front of the stand and goes on covering part of the back walls. On this plan, another map, a simple geometric layout of the main line and expansions is featured, as well as a sign with the parent company's (Attiko Metro) name on it. A similar background is used for the back side canvas cover, made at the last minute, when we found out that it would remain empty as no other stand would be erected behind it. Three backlit columns frame the right side of the stand, featuring photos at various work-sites of the Thessaloniki Metro. I designed these, making a jagged line to separate the photos, alluding to the letter "M" of the Metro but also giving a hint of a pulse sign, alluding to the activity of the sites. 

The stand was designed by architect Ilias Papadopoulos, one of the three Tetragon Ltd. partners. The stand was constructed by Tetragon Ltd. Film footage for the stand media, slideshow production and graphics by Stratos Bacalis for Tetragon Ltd. Video editing and production by Icon 4D. Audiovisual equipment by M-Spirit. Graphics printed and placed by Whale Graphics. Stand photos courtesy of Stratos Bacalis.

Historical Museum of Alexandroupolis

Alexandroupolis is one of the newest cities of Greece. Created in late 19th century from the settlements of French and Turks employees of their respective railroad companies. It was first known as Dedeagatch based on a local tradition of a wise dervish having spent much of his time in the shade of a local tree and being eventually buried beside it.

The city went through a varied and tumultuous history, renamed Alexandroupolis in honour of King Alexander I of Greece in 1920 (not Alexander the Great of course). A port and the last Greek city before the Turkish borders, situated near the Evros river delta, it is a city filled with life. Tetragon has special ties to it, having already had lots of projects done there (the Natural History Museum in the delta, the Lighthouse square) and was picked to design and construct the city's history museum, established through a local association of history buffs and collectors. 

The Historical Museum of Alexandroupolis' permanent exhibit takes up a whole floor of the building in which the museum is housed. It guides the visitor through the area's and city's history, from ancient times till now. With the help of interactive displays, audiovisual equipment and the incredible archive it houses, it helps one learn many things about the city and its history, particularly learn about its people.

The museum is situated on the city's main street, right across the city hall. I am proud to have taken part into making its main exhibit a reality. (Photos courtesy of Stratos Bacalis)

Dimitris Petrou - Theros (or how I met one of the best Greek designers out there)

You must remember my previous post about the talented Dimitris Petrou, if not, freshen up your memory here before reading on. When I was in Athens last April, my dear Margarita (another extremely talented person who I am so lucky to have met) arranged for me to visit Dimitris in his atelier in Kolonaki, Athens and see his newest collection, Theros (means Summer in Greek) first-hand. I must say I approached the atelier with a little trepidation. Kolonaki is a very haute-bourgeois quarter and fashion people are notorious for their huge egos and condescending approach to anyone outside their cocooned world. Boy, was I in for a huge and pleasant surprise.

Dimitris welcomed me in the atelier himself. He was alone, waiting for me, and even though I was a bit late (I will  be late for my own funeral just like Liz Taylor, trust me) he welcomed me with a warm smile and seemed genuinely happy to have me there. Extremely well mannered and polite, he offered me a cup of coffee (in a vintage cup just like one my mother used to have ages ago) and we sat on one of the minimalist white sofas (in Le Corbusier style) that make up the few furniture of the atelier, matching the lovely 3D effect wallpaper on one of the walls. The whole place is painted in grey and white and decorated (sparingly) accordingly, in line with the winter collection. We talked a bit about how he wanted to change that and bring some colour in, to match the latest offerings and the theme, Theros - also his summer mood I must add. In no time we were talking like old friends (I found out he is from Northern Greece as well, Naoussa to be exact) and I felt really at home.

He had a fitting before I arrived there, with a Greek singer named Tamta for her new show opening the week after, and earlier in the day a couple of magazine editors were there for interviews and the new collection. He told me business was going well and the new clothes were greeted very positively from the Greek press and fashion people. I must remind you that his work is sur mesure - so you can find these exquisite pieces only in the atelier at 32 Kanari St, Kolonaki, Athens. 

As enjoyable as our conversation was, it was time to look at the clothes as well. Contrary to the winter collection, the summer one seems infused with colour, even though in reality he is using only three: a caramel/copper brown, a dark navy blue and a lighter blue on denim that looks really old and washed but very uniformly. His fabrics are gorgeous to feel and exquisitely cut while his idea of using a huge batch of silk scarves to make up whole items or part of clothes was brilliantly used and informed rather than dominated the collection. I got to see his incredibly textured knits up close, where he uses 3 or 4 materials knitted together in one piece that looks delicate and feels airy to touch (and wear as well). The denim he uses in this collection has a bit of stretch in it of course; he cut it into a most beautiful evening gown that must surely become one of this season's hits (see last photo of the post). As for his leather, it is soft as fresh butter and even the details made with it on some outfits are meticulously stitched and cut, adding an edge to them.

I loved the fact that again men and women's outfits are equal in the collection - Dimitris does not focus on one part more than the other, while some pieces can be worn by both men and women alike. Some details of course are mostly for the catwalk effect or a client mostly interested in stage clothes than every day (like the heavily embroidered cuffs and collar on a male shirt or the long almost transparent sleeveless knit top shown on male models but being on the women's rack in the atelier). I absolutely adore the shorts and I definitely would have gotten one if I had the time to do the fittings (the prices are really good and very very very affordable). I promised myself I will get something from the next winter collection instead.

Dimitris told me he is working a lot with couples getting married. I loved the idea of a bride and groom getting something made for them in the atelier by Dimitris and recommend it wholeheartedly. Plus it will be something you will surely want to wear again and again and not let it hidden in the back of the closet.

I must also point out that the accessories are designed by Dimitris as well: brilliant belts and gorgeous bags were there, in matching colours to the clothing, while he told me of his bespoke service too. There are two bag designs in two sizes each, where a client can pick the colours she wants for it from a palette and it will be made for her in two weeks. This service is also available in Thessaloniki, at the boutique of Anna Kapsali, Stylefax at 19 Proxnou Koromila St.

After checking out all the clothes of the summer (and last winter's too) collection, it was unfortunately time to go. I promised my self to visit again when in Athens, and said goodbye to Dimitris, wishing him all the best - he really deserves it. If you find yourself in Athens, go and check the clothes - I bet you will not be able to resist getting a piece of the collection. And it is a keeper. Promise.

Photographer :Yiorgos Kaplanidis
Fashion editor: Manos Jojos
Make up artist: Christina Agatha
Hair stylist: Dimitris Sarantou
Models:Idan - vn models, Kelvin - d models
Graphic Design : Angelo Pantelidis.

A few words about the show (which took place ten days before Easter, in April) at Thision theatre, with about 150 special guests, due to the size f the venue (Dimitris always shows his collections during their proper season and not earlier as the clothes are made to measure and there is no sense in making them 6 months before). The show started with a dance, choreographed by Apostolia Papadamaki and performed by Ioannis Emmanouilidis and Maria Lambropoulou, dressed of course in Dimitris' clothes, bringing to life the painting by Michael Tsakounti, made especially for the collection and featured on the invitation cover (designed by Aggelos Pantelidis). Then the proper fashion show began with 30 models parading like an army of modern reapers, with music by Amateur Boyz and video art by Thanassis Tsimbinis. 

The make-up was done by the talented make up artist Yiannis Marketakis with MAX FACTOR products. Hair was designed by Dimitris Sarantou and fashion direction by Manos Jojos.

Sofia Alexiadou took care of lighting (alluding to summer light) while the twin 2D gave a sense of a field of wheat on stage under the direction of scenographer George Asimakopoulos. The art direction was by George Nanouris. And of course Margarita Gourgourini was helping organize the whole thing. So much talent together!