Stefanie’s Style Diaries Part One

Upon arrival in Athens I instantly felt the warmth of the sun as I stepped off the plane. It was such a great feeling after being in London. As much as I love the city, the weather in the UK is a far stretch from the 20 degrees I was now soaking up and it felt like heaven.

Jumping into a taxi with my film director, we were soon heading off to the Yes New Hotel where we were to stay for our duration and one of our film locations for the TV show. This was to be my first experience of staying in a boutique hotel, and let me tell you it didn't disappoint! It was almost an adventure in itself, staying in a wonderful building filled with art and simply beautiful surroundings. The tour of the hotel was fabulous as I experienced all that the building had to offer, and I was blown away with the penthouse suite with its glass windows from floor to ceiling, overlooking the skyline of this wonderful city and best of all - the Acropolis.

After unpacking, it was soon time to sample the cocktail menu and prepare for the week ahead of filming. The Fashion One concept of the show was to show the viewers a side to Athens that they wouldn't know, almost like an inside guide to the city with a twist. We wanted to show the hottest bars, the cities fabulous fashion, where the people get their inspiration and try my hand at traditional Greek cuisine … which I was sure was going to be interesting!

First fashion stop was Ozon Magazine HQ. Fashion One had been invited to interview the magazines editor Yorgos Kelefis and get a deeper insight into what happens behind the scenes at a globally distributed fashion magazine. I met the team behind the glossy pages and it was genuinely refreshing to see people so passionate about what they do and believe in. I was lucky enough to watch them shoot a fashion editorial for the next print which was great to see the team in action.

After a spot of lunch and my first ever souvlaki I was off to meet the designer behind the clothing brand Digitaria. (For those of you like myself prior to filming that don't know what a souvlaki is.... you simply HAVE to try it. It's a traditional greek food, perfect if your on the go and believe me, it is to die for. After trying it I ended up having it for lunch practically every day of my trip!) Digitaria is a fashion label run by Greek designer Eleftheria Arapoglou. Studying Fashion in London, the greek born creative went back to her roots and took us around her amazing studio space in the heart of the city. The clothing was so innovative, and offers bespoke tailoring with such strong silhouettes that appeal to both the sexes. I soon learnt that if your looking for a label which will offer a style statement, mixed with wearability and high end appeal this is the place to be.

Next on the list was the incredibly secretive members only club Salon De Bricolage. The only private club in the whole of Athens is owned by Chrysanthos. I had previously tried to research the club, without too much success. The website gave nothing away and I was left with nothing but dead ends and just had to go to the club not knowing what to expect. Upon arrival, the entrance was blacked out glass doors... no clues there then. All I could do was go in and hope for the best. The film crew and I were escorted to the upstairs of the building, home to the exclusive members of the club including the world famous Marylin Manson. The interior was beautiful and well designed, after a welcome cocktail I was at ease. Chrysanthos interviewed beautifully and gave me a tour around the building and explained all that the club had to offer... I now officially wanted to relocate to Greece.

After a long day, numerous cocktails and interviews I was ready to head off into the shopping district of the city for some alone time. My first day in Athens was over and already, I was in love.