A close-up of a silk scarf, naturally dyed with logwood bark, hibiscus petals and marigold flowers, sitting among dry plants and twigs.

Christiana Vardakou is a brand of ethical, handcrafted textiles, celebrating natural dyeing, sustainability, and timeless design.

The atelier, located at Parren 3 in Athens, produces one-of-a-kind clothing and homeware. Crafted with organic fabrics and yarns from Greece, all materials are dyed with plants, resulting in pieces that are as unique as the process itself. The collections share a story and celebrate slow processes, natural materials, aesthetics, the combination of the old and the new, the modern and the traditional.

Beyond its core collections, the brand collaborates with other fashion designers, architects, interior designers, event planners, and hotels. Whether it’s custom textiles for an architectural project or bespoke pieces for a fashion line, the brand’s versatility and commitment to quality have made it a trusted partner for creative professionals.

Slowly Made. Long Lasting. Limited Waste. Endless Value. Unique Creations. Simple Design. Luxurious Pieces. Naturally Dyed.

Christiana Vardakou

Christiana Vardakou is the founder of Greece’s first natural dyeing atelier, based in Athens. After completing her BA in Textile Design at UAL: Chelsea College of Arts in London, Christiana traveled to Southeast Asia to deepen her knowledge of traditional textile techniques. There, she explored natural dyeing, weaving, embroidery, batik, appliqué, and eco-printing, all of which continue to influence her work today.

In 2019, she launched her small business, specialising in ethical, handmade textiles for interiors and fashion. Her brand is built on the principles of Slow Design and Emotionally Durable Design, creating pieces that are individually designed, handcrafted, and fully customisable. Each item tells its own story, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the uniqueness of the handmade process.

Christiana Vardakou weaving in her Athens based studio
Person with long hair harvesting purple flowers using scissors, with a wicker basket hanging from their arm, surrounded by more purple flowers. Ready to use them for natural dyeing.

Sustainability at the Core

At Christiana Vardakou, sustainability is not just a guiding principle—it’s the heart of everything we do. From the materials we source to the techniques we use, every step of our process is designed to minimise environmental impact and promote conscious consumption.

  • Purple fabric in boiling water in a pot, with a black cooking utensil. Natural dyeing with logwood to create a purple dye and to dye cotton fabric.

    Natural Dyes & Processes

    All of our creations are dyed using plant-based materials, such as leaves, flowers, roots, and natural extracts. These dyes are non-toxic and biodegradable, ensuring that our work is kind to the Earth. By using traditional dyeing techniques, we reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals and energy-intensive processes, fostering a more harmonious relationship with nature.

  • A pile of un-dyed cotton, silk, linen and banana yarn, on a beige fabric surface. Ready for natural dyeing in a textile studio in Athens.

    Organic Fabrics & Yarns

    We carefully select organic fabrics and yarns, using only Greek suppliers to support local communities and reduce our carbon footprint. These materials are free from harmful chemicals, making them safe for both the environment and the wearer.

  • A fabric hair scrunchie with a red velvet top and a silver satin bottom, placed on a light-colored textured surface with dried white flowers in the background.

    Zero-Waste Philosophy

    In our atelier, we are committed to a zero-waste approach. Leftover fabrics and dye baths are repurposed to create smaller items or new designs, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

    This creative reuse not only minimises our environmental impact but also results in unique, small-batch products.

  • Person wearing a long, silk, naturally dyed silk kimono/ robe with a V-neck and a tie at the waist. One of a kind.

    Slow Design & Conscious Consumption

    We embrace the Slow Design philosophy, which focuses on creating timeless, durable pieces meant to be cherished for years. Each item is handcrafted with care, highlighting the beauty of imperfection and the individuality of the natural dyeing process. Our goal is to encourage conscious consumption, inviting our clients to invest in meaningful, high-quality items rather than mass-produced, disposable goods.

Our Team

  • A woman smiling while working with a sewing machine in a warmly lit room with orange walls.

    Violetta Kotsi

    Head Pattern-Cutter and Seamstress

    Violetta is our in-house Head Pattern Cutter and Seamstress. Violetta studied Fashion Design at PANSiK Fashion School. She has been an integral part of the studio since 2022, creating all of our silk and linen clothing collections.

    She is the sweetest person. She loves Christmas and decorating, giving treats to our studio pup Ito and any reason to celebrate. She is always the one with the big smile.

  • Woman creating tie-dye fabric design with jars of dye on a table in a bright room.

    Maria Dourida

    Seamstress and Natural Dyer

    Maria shares her time in the studio sewing and naturally dyeing. She started off as an intern and has now been part of our team for the past year.

    Maria loves the mountains, she goes hiking and rock climbing every weekend and collects a lot of leaves for us. After lunch she always brings out something sweet on the main studio table for us to snack on.