Known as the “Queen of the Print”, Mary Katranzou has never been afraid of injecting colour into her collections.
The internationally-recognised Greek designer earned her stripes at London’s Central Saint Martins and went on to exhibit the first collection of her eponymous label in 2008. She remained a stalwart at the capital’s Fashion Week throughout the years with a show that was always guaranteed to feature the label’s signatures; mood-boosting designs, bold trompe l’oeils and striking shades with each ensemble as eye-catching as the last.
Through a process of digital printing, her designs play with volume, depth and perspective with a 3D quality, an undertaking that is juxtaposed by the use of traditional craftsmanship. Stocked in retailers around the world - Selfridges, Matches Fashion and Neiman Marcus to name but a few - she is also no stranger to a collaboration, teaming up with Topshop, Longchamp and Adidas over the years.
Most recently, Katranzou has lent her eye to Lipsy to create 30 pieces for the label with exotic, print-led designs that will bring a vibrant edge to any summer wardrobe.
We caught up with the design to discuss wardrobe staples, home and jewellery.
What are you up to at the moment?
I am a first-time mum as of two and a half months ago and that is a new all-encompassing role, but it was so much fun to collaborate with Lipsy while I was pregnant and it was so great to be able to include a small capsule of childrenswear within the collection. It’s our first time doing it, so it felt so fitting. That’s really what I’m up to at the moment. This is kind of a happy break from nursing baby Michael.
How would you describe your style?
I’m known to always wear black and I think it’s such a strong contrast with my work which is so bold and colourful and positive and artistic in many ways. I think it’s part of my personality, but it gets expressed more through my work rather than my own personal style.
So I would say bold, colourful, artistic.
What are your wardrobe staples?
I think what I’m most known for is what I’m wearing right now which is an A-line black dress. In this case an Alaia dress, but really a black dress and it really has become a uniform. I think when you work with so much colour and you make so many decisions with colour, texture and form, you almost want a palette cleanser for your day-to-day.
Can you walk us through your favourite jewellery pieces?
I love collecting jewellery and I love vintage jewellery and we were lucky enough to be collaborating with Bvlgari first at the temple of Poseidon show in Sounion and then on their Serpenti bags. As a gift for our collaboration and for giving birth, I just received the most incredible Serpenti watch, so that’s my favourite piece of jewellery right now.
What is something you’ve recently purchased for your home?
We just went through a renovation and my latest purchase is our feather marbled rug from the Rug Company which I love because there’s such great movement and colour and form and that will be the first rug that I have from that second season in our new home.
What’s the one item you couldn’t live without?
Probably my baby’s stroller which keeps him entertained and keeps me sane at the moment.
How do you treat yourself?
I think for me travelling is always a treat. Being here back in London right now is a treat in itself, but also a day at the spa is always the best.
