A Traveler’s Tale with Antonia Mitroudi
Her lifestyle and career choices have always defied convention, but with her 70’s state of mind, this bohemian queen is gifting the fashion world with vintage wardrobe treasures through her label – NIDODILEDA.
What began over six years ago in a dreamy attic home has transcended into a philosophy, an idea which makes you feel free; “And as she grew, we grew with her! We are now at our headquarters in Kifissia — Athens surrounded by trees and flowers and you will mostly find us sitting under our tipi in the yard on warm days,” shared Tonia — founder of Nidodileda. All about bohemian and vintage treasures, each piece is unique and theatrical. “We love embroidered and embellished fabrics, richly decorative brocade, colors and any breathtaking fabric that will speak to me. So our signature is a combination of all the above. If you see our collections you will find different patterns and fabrics combined to create statement pieces for all the free spirits out there,” exposed the free spirit herself.
Born and raised in the Grecian region of Thessaloniki, Tonia is one of three sisters — twin to Nadia and younger sister of Fay. “All my favorite past-times are with my sisters mostly on summer vacations in Chalkidiki,” reminisced the designer. “The dream of Nidodileda was established during the financial crisis of Greece, which was a huge risk at the time for me. I was a fashion editor for magazines, such as France’s L’Officiel Magazine, so I quit my job to begin Nidodileda. I kept my fingers crossed and slowly everything fell into place. Nidodileda (Nido di Leda) symbolizes “Ledas’ nest”, a constellation of the Gemini, that embraces the brotherly love of Castor and Pollux, Ledas and Zeus twin sons, also known as Dioskuri,” shared the Grecian native on the origin of her professional namesake.
Finding inspiration from anywhere and everywhere it is also from her travels where she collects her innovation. “From looking at the sky, listening to music and watching old films, even just by looking at a fabric lying around, or a woman walking down the street… Morocco and Bali were amazing journeys as well as Cappadocia. To discover the culture of places like these is a gift. Vanessa Paradis is exactly what Nidodileda’s aesthetic is all about and I look up to Cher for her boldness and creativity. I can just go on and on about the women I grew up with and admire.” Drawn to the one of a kind jewelry, colors, and fabrics of Morocco, it was easy for this world traveler to divulge her most fashion-forward endeavor. “It represents everything Nidodileda and I stand for.” Grateful for the extreme differences in each country around the world has to offer, we explored her knowledge of the global fashion scene. “First of all, Asia is related to its tradition, which is so alive still and remarkable. Europe has amazing aesthetics no matter where you visit, there is a strong relationship from design to fashion. America, I noticed has a more urban feeling and can be easily adjusted to European influences. For me, it's like playing a game of mix and matching by adopting anything that catches my eye,” shared the creative director.
All about different colors and textures, the upcoming AW 19-20 collection features richly decorative coats and vibrant detailing. No doubt an inspired result of her enriching, cultured travels, and love for the free spirit fashion statements of the 70s. With a very specific identity that veers away from trends, “the Nidodileda woman is beautiful, and embraces her body; she is strong and free,” shared the designer. Not an advocate of strapless dresses, but in tune with the structure given by a padded shoulder, we had to ask, what is Mitroudi’s go-to NIDODILEDA piece? “Any Kimono dress can be worn from day to night and easily, just add a belt and statement earrings and you are ready for anywhere.” Noted!
As eager as we are to uncover what is next for Nidodileda, Tonia only needed a few words: “Each season has a story to tell and I am looking forward to creating beautiful ones!”
