Lia Kastanidi of Enoe Me
Lia is the founder and creative force behind the chic fashion label Enoe Me. While she was born and raised in Patra, Greece, she has lived abroad for a number of years in pursuit of gaining knowledge and experience in the fashion business.
She spent nine years in London, five of which were dedicated towards Fashion Studies Undergraduate degree from London College of Fashion, and the rest were focused on gaining fashion experience working at Liza Bruce. Lia then moved to New York, where she focused her post-graduate studies in styling, visual merchandising, and branding at FIT. In 2007, she returned to Greece and created the Enoe Me brand. Challenges of starting your own fashion brand? The idea of creating my own fashion label came while i was living in London, but it was when i moved back to Greece that it all came to life. I wanted to make clothes that identified with my personality. I'm designing out of desire for comfortable, feminine and exciting classic cuts with a modern touch. Although I had people telling me that the field I chose was going to be hard, I decided to do it anyway, all by myself - with only the help and support from my family. They say all the beginnings are difficult but if you love something and you invest all your energy, you succeed. That's my plan.
Your creative influences?Style is a way of expressing your culture, your identity, your passions and your spirit. Greece is the country of sun and sea. It has influenced my style a lot. I get inspired by the history and the mythology of my country. It's very easy for me to get inspired here. When I'm in my hometown, I walk around the city, meet up with friends, go near the beach for coffee, and then go back home and do a collection. New York...for me is the best place on earth - after my home of course! The city has such a vibe, the people, the shops, the smells (well, except the bad ones!), the buildings, everything! It was a dream come true for me moving and spending time there. I was influenced by everything that the city was offering. In NY its all about uniqueness. I heart NY!I design for my own world, for the one I live in and for those who I would want to be surrounded by.
What is Enoe Me?
"Enoe me" was inspired by my native land of Uenye in the Black Sea of Asia Minor, where my grandfather came from. I wanted to dedicate something to my family for having done so much for me.
Favorite Stores in NYC?
New York is the place where you can find absolutely everything. I love the department stores! Barney's and Saks are my favourite ones, but the area I spent most of the time when I'm there is Soho, Nolita and East Village. Favourite boutiques.. Scoop, Atrium, Kirna Zabete, Patricia Field (even though it's too extreme for me I always find something to mix and match with my clothes) and Lolli on Stanton Street for cute dresses!
Favorite NY Designers?
Zac Posen
Tom Ford cause he is a genius - he is like Midas, everything he touches turn into gold!
Donna Karan for her simplicity and elegance in style. I think her image is the epitome of NY.
Fashion Icons?
I like people who choose clothes according to their inner muse, and they project an aura of confidence. I always loved Audrey Hepburn for her posture and sense of style, Gabrielle Chanel for being a powerful and unique woman, Kate Moss for her casual chic looks. Love women and men with character and great style!
My moto in life is "The biggest trip begins with the smallest step" and whatever happens in life, the show must go on!!
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