Home JOURNAL Behind The Label | Preekka

Behind The Label | Preekka

Since all of us at Shop Latitude tend think the best choice should always be the most authentic choice, you can imagine how happy we were to be introduced to the Athens based artisan brand Preekka. We have always loved authentic Greek sandals and were desperate to find a way to make a pair with extra long lases for Dree Hemingway; luckily Preekka designer Alexandra was happy to accommodate us. The sandals were such a hit; we now have them in stock in both black and natural and have added a variety of additional sandal styles for both women and kids- all made the same way they were in the days of ancient Greece. Read more about the amazing story behind this hot new label and order your own pair of authentic Greek sandals before they sell out!

The sandals were such a hit; we now have them in stock in both black and natural and have added a variety of additional sandal styles for both women and kids- all made the same way they were in the days of ancient Greece. Read more about the amazing story behind this hot new label and order your own pair of authentic Greek sandals before they sell out!

Describe your brand.

In English, Preekka translates to ?Dowry?, so the concept was to create a style that is timeless and can be passed down through generations. By hand making all of our sandals, we honor the traditions of artisanal craftsmanship in Ancient Greece.

How did you start Preekka?

When I was visiting home in Athens, I found some vintage sandals form the 1920?s that evoked a style I wanted to recreate. I sought out craftsmen who could help me produce these shoes in the same way they were made originally.

Speak about your previous work experience.

Before starting Preekka, I was working for an interior design firm. We would also recreate antique pieces of furniture, this is when I learned that you can borrow from your past to create new and interesting things.

How does travel inspire your collection?

Because we travel so frequently, I wanted to create a style that is effortless and unfussy. I wanted to make something that no matter where you are going, you can easily pack and know that you have something that you will be comfortable wearing. I wanted to create a travel essential.

Speak about the process of working with artisans.

I wanted to make something special, something that you can tell is made by people who are passionate about what they do. I work with a family who have been making sandals in Greece since the 1920s, and it is a third generation business. Our sandals are hand-stitched through both the inner and outer soles, We also use screws to help the sandals retain their shape and structure. I like that the stitching and screws are visible throughout, because it is the signature of our handmade products. We are also using the same lasts to create the shoes that they have been using for almost one hundred years.

Your collection continues to grow, what creative endeavors are on the horizon?

I want to challenge myself to evolve the styles that we offer, first by experimenting with different leathers. I want to work with exotic leathers that are not as common to sandals. I?d love to eventually be able to offer clients the ability to customize their shoes by collaborating with me on the designs. It?s the really great thing about working with people who are hand-making your product to order, that anything is possible.

What city do you have an endless love affair with?

New York

Can you share your top spots for eating, drinking, and shopping in NYC and Greece?

Food: Lion Restaurant New York

Drinks: Paul?s Baby Grand New York

Shopping: Flea Markets all around the world

Restaurant :Yasemi - Athens Plaka

Bar:Cantina Social - Athens Monastiraki

Shop:Monastiraki (flea market neighborhood in old town of Athens) Sunday mornings

What is your most desired passport stamp?

India

Best trip so far?