Since Antiquity, Greece has been a land of extraordinary maritime trade. This industry has built its reputation in the hundreds of surrounding islands and is now being honoured by the Serapis collective. Based in Athens, the group is made up of four members: Manolis, Giordos, Krini and Dimitra, who have chosen to remain anonymous. Passionate about art and fashion, they all received specialised education, either from the Fine Art School of Athens or Central Saint Martin in London or studying maritime law and finance. In 2014, they united around the idea of creating something that would combine their knowledge as well as their common interests, while also sharing the nautical management company founded by one of their fathers in the port of Pireas in 1976. For its first collection, the group created some pieces that were then photographed on board an oil tanker travelling from Poland to Saudi Arabia via the Suez Canal. The photos were then printed on the brand's silk pieces and immediately garnered attention from labels such as Acne Studios and Comme des Garçons.
Outside of these signature creations, Serapis draws inspiration from industry designs to create fashion for everyday wear. Taking uniform codes and maritime work clothing as an example, they rework functional elements to transform them into original detailing. Wishing to honour the treasures of Greece, the collective has all its pieces produced locally and only uses cotton from Athens and silk from Soufli. Named after an ancient deity who ruled over the Mediterranean Basin in the 2nd Century AD, the brand has all the potential to reach the world, one scarf at a time.
