February 23, 2013

It's all vintage Greek to me


What do alarm clocks, vending machines, the Olympics, abstract geometry, the science of optics, and fire hoses have in common? They're all things that were invented by the ancient Greeks.

Though the Greeks - often seen as the founders of modern society as we know it - were not as technologically advanced as the Romans, many great minds emerged from amongst this ancient population, whose work - across a broad spectrum of subjects - we still use to this very day.

Much like the scientific, philosophical, and even medical legacies of the ancient Greeks, the world has long held onto a general fascination with this Mediterranean culture (which interesting, is technically named the Hellenic Republic, not Greece). From the stunning azure coastlines to the arid hills, the lush olive groves to the cobblestone marketplaces, Greece beckons one with all the might of a thunder bolt cast down by Zeus himself, and though not a land I've had the pleasure of visiting in person yet myself, it is one that I very much hope to see some day.

Beyond the geographical pleasures of this southeastern European nation, there are many elements of its civilization and cuisine that appeal to people the world over (far beyond bed sheet togas worn at frat parties). Greece is a country at the crossroads of three mighty continents (Europe, Africa and Asia), each one of which has placed a significant role in shaping its culture over the centuries.

In recent years Greece has been effected tremendously by economical problems, however it once flourished as one of the mightiest and wealthiest nations of the world, during which time many motifs, styles, materials and foods were created that remain popular the world over to this day.

While Greek culture (past or present) didn't factor into the design field during the early and mid-twentieth century as heavily as influences from certain other societies (such as the ancient Egyptians, for example) necessarily did, one can still find many a piece from the 1900s-1960s which channels a distinctly Greek vibe.

One very chilly, snowy morning recently, I awoke with thoughts of Greece on my mind. I was craving its scrumptious cuisine (much of which, if we take bread and pastry out of the equation, is - or can easily be made - gluten-free, a huge plus for those like me with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance), daydreams of dipping my toes into its warm, sparkling blue waters, and wishing that I had more Greek inspired garments in my wardrobe.

I haven't been able to stop my thoughts from wandering back to Greece ever since, and so today I want to share with you some of the wonderful Greek related vintage items (while ancient Greek antiquities are highly prized and much collected, the items in today's post are all from the twentieth century, as is keeping with the theme of this blog) that I've recently found on etsy.

I haven't purchased any of these, but a couple are definitely on my wish list at the moment (I wonder which of the Greek Gods good side's I'd need to get on to receive them?).




{The iconic repeating motif often seen as a border on all manner of Greek or Greek influenced articles is known as the Greek key or Greek fret, and its use is one of the best ways to instantly inject a Hellenic vibe into any piece. Here a black Greek key border adorns the hem of this circa 1960s empire waist cocktail dress, further adding to the timeless appeal of this beautiful garment. Fits up to 36" bust/30" waist. $95.00 from Swing Kat's Vintage.}




{Conjure up thoughts of a 1950s vacation to Greece with this lovely 31"x31" nylon souvenir scarf, which hails from that era. $28.00 from Lost Lake Vintage.}




{Pick up this adorable pair of 4" tall 1950s/60s traditional folk costume adorned dolls to use as a centerpiece at your next Greek dinner party. $11.50 for both from Country Cove Creations.}




{For that special Adonis in your life, a dapper 1940s-50s red jacquard satin necktie featuring images of Greek medallions on it. $30.40 from The Vutique.}




{A beautifully attired Greek lass sashays her way across the corner of this charming vintage hand painted handkerchief (which measures almost 28"x30"). $5.50 from A Better Time.}




{Never serve Baklava on a plain plate again when you can bring it to the table on this elegant 11.75" enamel on copper serving platter that's a reproduction of an original Grecian Etruscan design. $11.00 from Trixie Devereaux's Junk Shop.}




{Bar none, my favourite item in today's delightful roundup, this beautiful pink and white 1950s dress is fit for Aphrodite herself. Fits up to a 40" bust/30" waist. $135.00 from Tova's Vintage Shop.}




{For all the sewing fans out there, this charming 1950s pattern would be a great way to whip up a Greek maiden, or goddess, inspired outfit for your next costume party of Greek themed shindig. $14.00 from SydCam123.}




{Look as though you hail from one of ancient Greece's most well-to-do families in this chic 1960s silver tone necklace and earrings set featuring Greek style coins. $148.00 for the set from Ver Unica.}





{Slinky, alluring, and timelessly lovely, this Greek inspired white 1950s cocktail dress strikes me as something Marilyn Monroe would have happily worn. Fits up to a 36" bust/26" waist. $148.00 from Wear It Again.}






{You'll have no need for an interpreter when you've got this lovely and handy vintage English-Greek in your suitcase. $16.00 Attention Vintage.} 



{As many of them tend to be, this gorgeous novelty print circle skirt depicting scenes from ancient Greece fits a very tiny (22") waist, however a sewer with the know-how could always add in in an extra panel of fabric to widen it to accommodate a larger waist. $165.00 from Vintage Devotion.}







Now, tell me, don't these elegant, lovely vintage Greek themed pieces put you in the mood to book a flight to Athens right now? Or if that's not very feasible, at least don a crown of laurel leaves and whip up a feast of pita bread, souvlaki, spanakopita, and tzatziki right this very minute! I know they certainly put me in just such a mood, and indeed, I'll be stocking up on the ingredients to make a Greek feast the next time I go grocery shopping.

Today however, as winter is still digging its heels in here, I'm going to curl up with some of my favourite works by Socrates, a bowl of yogurt with walnuts and honey, and thoughts of one day seeing Greece and experiencing its legendary Mediterranean warmth firsthand.

I might not make it to Mt. Olympus anytime soon, but as the vintage items in today's post prove, one can still very easily inject a hearty dose of Greek culture into their home and wardrobe anytime. Now if that's not worth enthusiastically saying "opa" over, I don't know what is! :)




 
 
 

37 comments:

  1. Love the circle skirt! It would be so great to came across that kind of novelty print fabric, so I can make my own version.

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  2. What a wonderful post! Full of history, fashion and pretty pictures. You're the full package, Jessica. :)

    Every educated person should learn about the contributions of the ancient Greeks, to philosophy, politics and civilization. Oh, and to yogurt!

    I'm glad you mentioned the terrible economic situation over there now; I'm friends with a former-blogger (dimi) who reports all of her friends can't find jobs and nobody has any money. Greece's troubles threaten the entire EU.

    I can't conclude this comment without expressing my affection for the pink dress you picture and thanking you for your apron-links. You're the best!

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  3. Firstly, Greek (and Turkish) has long been one of my favourite cuisines... I have to confess that I've not bothered much with it sartorially but your post makes me think again. I love the first dress and, like you, the pink one! And my mind is filling with pretty, flowing dresses and bold jewellery now... Thanks for making me think afresh about a different country and culture.

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  4. OH MY GOSH! That pink dress and skirt are so pretty! Holy smokes -- you're gluten intolerant, too? Me too! Sheeze, I'm finding more and more people are these days. What in the world is going on with our wheat? Over-modification of genes, of course ... "super gluten" I heard a doctor say one day. Oi!

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    1. Hi dear gal, thank you very much for your comment. That pink dress is so, so marvelous! If my budget would have permitted, I would have snapped it up on the spot (alas, such was not the case).

      Yes, I have (medically diagnosed) celiac disease and am extremely sensitive to even the most minute amount of gluten. I become incredibly, horribly ill if I have any gluten (and remain ill for weeks afterwards), so I must avoid it like the plague. I agree that more and more people are developing celiac disease, gluten sensitivity and gluten allergies in recent years. In part awareness of these conditions may also simply be allowing more people who perhaps might have other wise suffered without a diagnosis, be able to get to the route cause of what may be ailing them (gluten!!!).

      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Greece is lovely. Makes me long for summer and sun. Fortunately, we have a little of that today.

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  6. Great things from Greece! I would buy the pink dress and the black circle skirt at once. They're so beautiful items.

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  7. hopefully the greek will find back to their old form as being creative and smart. this would help europe so much.
    love the pink dress. it's fabulous.

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  8. I don't know if you've seen it, but my friends and I just watched "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" this week, and I was also put in the Greek mood. :) I'm getting ready to travel soon, and all these wonderful Greece-inspired items have reminded me that I want to get items on my trip that are inspired by the country I'm in and wearable in my wardrobe. Enough knick-knacks! I want to get some usable souvenirs, like all these wonderful Greek things!

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    1. Hi sweet gal, indeed I saw that movie way back when it was in the theater (I've never been able to look at Windex the same since! :D) and thoroughly enjoyed it.

      How exciting that you're getting ready to travel soon. I hope that you have an amazing trip, filled with plenty of awesome, usable souvenirs.

      ♥ Jessica

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  9. Great post! Except now I'm craving Greek food! Haha.

    We have a small Greek population in the town where I live, and every spring they host a festival at the Greek Orthodox church with dances, skits, family heirlooms on display, and most of all FOOD! It's one of the highlights of the year....half the town turns out to buy meals and sweets, and the elder ladies of the church make a pretty good haul of cash! :)

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  10. These designs are amazing!! What a fabulous collection. I especially love that pink dress :)

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  11. I love the Greek theme. I notice there was a big Greek theme in the early 30's too when I am looking at the vintage magazines. The circle skirt is amazing!

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  12. Oh my, where do people find sewing patterns like that?? I love it! I think my favorite item here is actually the hand painted handkerchief... The detail is divine. The white dress is VERY Marilyn!

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  13. I love all the Greek inspired items in this post, Jessica! What a beautiful post to pore over on a rainy Saturday afternoon. I love the handkerchief, but i agree with you. My favorite thing here is the magnificent pink dress!! :)

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  14. Hello sis.. Long time no see. How are you?
    Vintage <3 nice to read it, somuch help me in kind of vintage inspiring also learning my english
    you are a good writer:)

    Xoxo,Ila

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  15. These pieces are amazing! I love the dark skirt and the pink dress! Gorgeous! I love Greek style design so simple but very sophisticated, elegant and timeless.It's a lovely post!
    I wish you a wonderful Sunday!:)
    http://balearaitzart.blogspot.com.au/

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  16. I love the first two dresses. Darling! My boss is half Greek / half Italian. That must have been a great kitchen to grow up around!

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  17. Sounds lovely- I've always had a thing for Greece and the ancient Greeks :)

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  18. What a wonderful wish list, I especially like the handkerchief and the second cocktail dress. Your post makes me want to attempt making the Grecian dress one of my 60's magazines has a pattern for. :)

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  19. What a great post! I di'dn't know the Greeks invented vending machines and I love many of the pieces that you have included in your treasury...especially the pink dress, the brown skirt - I just adore the skirts pattern! That coin bracelet is such a wonderful statement piece(I have always wanted one)I can almost hear the gypsy like tinkle from here. xx Shauna

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  20. I, too, love that darling pink dress. And the circle skirt is simply gorgeous, but how insane is that 22" waist. lol

    Great post and roundup of wonderful greek inspired items.

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  21. Wow, I actually have never looked to Greece for style inspiration. These items are all lovely, particularly that pink dress.
    Grecian things remind me of summertime, in a way, and this seems to be a very fashionable and comfortable way to dress when the heat rolls in.

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  22. I really quite love the scarves! I don't wear scarves that often actually, but I really love the art that goes into them.
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  23. Very interesting post Jessica :) I love the images on the circle skirt with the greek scenery and the pink dress is lovely

    Much Love
    Katy

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  24. Great post, loved it, as always! I bet the pinky dress would look gorgeous on you. xo

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  25. What a wonderful post, Jessica. I never know what I will find on your blog...but its always interesting and informative. Love it.

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Lisa, what a wonderfully lovely thing to hear.

      ♥ Jessica

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  26. As a Greek gal, i felt very proud reading your post! As you might have heard, Greece nowadays is in a middle of economical crises and we need lots of courage to come through this hell...
    Anyway, i thank you so much for your love within your words for my country!...

    Hugs and kisses from Greece!
    Now, you have a greek friend forever!

    :0) Eva

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    1. Dear Eva, thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment. As I was writing this post, I was secretly hoping that it might be read by some folks from Greece who could add their own impute to this topic. I sincerely appreciate your comment and am returning hugs and kisses right back to you.

      ♥ Jessica

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  27. Oh goodness Jessica you have so many awesome, beautiful items here. The skirt is just a dream to look at because there's no way I could afford or fit into something like that.

    I find ancient Greece so interesting the mythology and tales that still move us to this day. I hope one day I can tour all of Mediterranean Europe.

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    1. That sounds like a dream vacation! There are few places I'd love to explore more myself, too. I hope dearly that your Mediterranean tour is able to happen one day, sweet gal.

      ♥ Jessica

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  28. oh i adore since ever those beautiful greek borders on skirts and dresses, i definitely need to find a fabric with it to make a full circle skirt for summer. and also the drapings of typical greek goddess robes are so beautiful and stunning!!! really a wonderful post which makes me longing for summer even more now ;)
    love and kiss,mary
    http://www.maryloucinnamon.com/

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  29. Oh that pink dress is glorious, I can see why you like it so much and the circle skirt too is lovely, but eeeek! The price!

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  30. I am all for your same pick: the pink dress, just plain gorgeous.

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  31. Love this post! You just gave me the idea of hosting a Greek dinner party. I haven't visited Greek either and I'm closer to it than you, so I hope to one day. Love all the dresses, and if I could screw (as we say in Denmark, and it has nothing to do with the F-word) myself into the pink one, I had bought it on the spot. But alas my waist is 29-30, and not in the small twenties as vintage dresses most often are. Love your writing. :)

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Sanne. I really hope you get to visit Greece one day. It seems like such a strikingly beautiful, warm, wonderful part of the world. Don't feel bad, so many vintage dresses and (especially) circle skirts were made for those with super teeny waists. The gorgeous pink and white frock here might work for you, it fits up to a 30" waist.

      Thanks again - big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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