Biography

Elena Syraka’s studies in fashion & jewellery commenced with a degree from the renowned Veloudakis School of Fashion in Athens, the first prize in textiles from EUROMODE TEXTILIA in Thessaloniki, Greece, as well as a Diploma in Fashion and Jewellery design from ESMOD in Paris. After that, she studied Gemology.

Over the last 15 years, Elena has been creating unique pieces of jewellery. Much of the emphasis for her collections lies in the uniqueness of form combined with the use of unconventional materials. Due to the often dramatic tone of her creations, Elena has regularly created pieces for cinema, theatrical plays, solo and group art exhibitions, jewellery lines for fashion designer’s collections and designs for brands, such as her “Absolut Love” handbag for Absolut Vodka’s national ad campaign, Clinique, Levi’s®, Lacoste and a number of other international brands.

Her solo exhibitions are in 1997 at the « Olga Georganea » gallery in Athens, in 1999 at the « Zoumpoulaki » gallery in Athens, in 2007 at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Greece, inspired by the artifacts exhibited at the Museum, she created the ‘Idols’ collection. Motivated by this collaboration, she altered her philosophy and began to focus on her Greek heritage, creating jewellery with a contemporary interpretation.

Her love for Greece and its culture extended into her following collections that combine tradition with modern design. The “Demi-Gods”, inspired by the 12 mythical Gods of Olympus and the “Protect Me” collection, a range of evil eyes.

In 2012, at the Museum of Islamic Art of Benaki Museum, she created the “NOUR” collection, 45 jewellery pieces in gold and precious stones, inspired by the artifacts exhibited at the museum.