Aristidis Tzonevrakis

AristoTechnima

Tailor

©Sarantos Kachrimanis

Enchanted by Greek costume

Aristidis discovered his passion while working as a barista
He can spend upto two months on a single garment
Each of his creations is related to a Greek region

A simple moment and a special meeting were enough to map out Aristidis Tzonevrakis’ career path. From the moment he discovered the atelier of the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation, he became enchanted by the magical art of Greek traditional costumes, and more specifically the “Terzis”, an age-old tailoring and embroidery technique. In his workshop in Argos, the tailor is reviving Greek history, faithfully recreating traditional clothes. His ability to master modern embroidery machines along with using hands-on tailoring techniques are expressed in each garment. Collaborating closely with museums and theatres, but also with Greek ready-to-wear contemporary brands, Aristidis creates a constant dialogue with time gone by.

Interview

©Sarantos Kachrimanis

©Sarantos Kachrimanis

Where do you draw your inspiration from?: Tradition itself. The embroidery, the designs on the old fabrics used at the time, the special cuts in the lines of traditional clothes. Some accessories from a costume. Recently, for example, we made a bag from the hat of the Lefkada women's bridal costume.
How would you define your work?: I would compare it to the old Pickup vinyl records. The Pickup is played by our gauge machine, its needle corresponds to the needle of the mechanism and the disc is the embroidery itself that is slowly shaped by the hands of the craftsman, a song playing through the engraved disc grooves.
What does “well made” mean for a tailor?: To be clean, to have the right line, zero imperfection, and to be functional. Most importantly regarding traditional Greek garments, to be represent accurately the area to which it refers: each region has its very own embroideries and specific patterns.
What advice would you give a young tailor?: To approach the garment with love: it is the only way to conquer this craft. Don't think about the cost and don't skimp on the time it will take to learn it. Rest assured that you will be rewarded through it. Finally, never be disappointed, bad moments are here to teach you!

Aristidis Tzonevrakis is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2002 and he started teaching in 2022