GALANNI: The globally renowned couture brand that started in a small Greek village

·

Lenna and Catherine Vasilas talk to The Greek Herald about fashion, how the Galanni brand began, and how two girls from Lamia managed to create a very successful fashion brand in Sydney.

 “When a woman wears GALANNI, we want her to radiate presence, we want her to feel confident and empowered, by her beauty and by celebrating the female form. The way we do this is by designing wearable art combined with our signature fits.”

For the Vasilas women, it proves true that talent is in the blood. As both mother (Lenna) and daughter (Catherine) believe fashion was their calling.

“Fashion is a platform where we can freely express our creativity and art through design. Often we always made dresses for ourselves and every time we wore them found interest by women wanting and sometimes even demanding to buy our designs, so in 2004 we took the plunge and launched Galanni,” explains Catherine.

“Starting a high end couture label was always dream of ours. Crafting wearable works of arts whilst achieving the ultimate fit transformed the brand to new heights. Being woman designers allowed us to have an advantage as we know exactly how we wanted to feel and look when wearing a glamorous gown.”

GALANNI photoshoot in Santorini.

Catherine believes that what took GALANNI from a family idea to a high-end couture label was hard work, late nights and focus.

“We feel it is really important to stay true to your creativity, trust your creative intuition, always be original, and don’t take any short cuts in the quality and the journey,” said Catherine.

Lenna Vasilas, who founded GALANNI in 2004, experienced the migrant success story first-hand when she and her family migrated from Lamia, Greece, with one suitcase.

“A lesson that my parents taught me is whatever your situation is or where you come from you can achieve whatever you want. All you need is a vision and just go for it,” said Lenna.

The mother-daughter duo have not forgotten their Greek roots, and say their Greek heritage influences their inspiration for their work.

“Being Greek and being proud of our heritage and culture has always been one of our main sources of inspiration and you can see that through each of our designs, there’s always an element of Grecian flair,” said Catherine.

“When we are designing the Greek summers are always the backdrop to our vision!! And one of our proud highlights of our brand was when we did our campaign photo-shoot in Santorini.”

The GALANNI success story is reflected in their clothing, as well as the highly commendable people who wear their clothing. Some of their most prominent GALANNI fans include Mel B, Paula Abdul, Jennifer Hawkins, Samantha Jade, Jessica Mauboy,  Jesinta Franklin, Sophie Monk, The Veronicas and Brandi Glanville. 

Jennifer Hawkins in GALANNI.

The duo seek constant motivation from new goals which inspires new creations. They say an ultimate honour of theirs would be to dress Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé or Rihanna!

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne set for derby showdown at Jubilee Stadium

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne reignite their rivalry at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for another chapter in the Australian Championship.

Sydney Olympic AGM: Hanlin tackles logo backlash, funding offers and a new direction

Sydney Olympic FC held its AGM on Tuesday, where President Damon Hanlin presented a wide-ranging update on the club’s future direction.

A legacy continued: Celebrating 50 years of the Navarino Society of SA

The 50th anniversary of the Navarino (Pylion) Society of South Australia was marked with a night of pride, nostalgia, and optimism.

Renos Haralambidis reflects on time, art, and the spirit of Hellenism during Sydney visit

Greek filmmaker Renos Haralambidis concluded an insightful and warmly received visit to Sydney, which featured his entire body of work.

Oakleigh Grammar marks OXI Day with heartfelt tributes and student-led performances

With emotion, pride, and deep respect for history, Oakleigh Grammar held its annual celebration for OXI Day on Tuesday, October 28. 

You May Also Like

Greece records warmest summer and winter in 2024

According to data from meteo.gr/National Observatory of Athens, Greece experienced its hottest summer and winter on record in 2024.

Eleni Efthimiou becomes first Greek Australian to swim across the Corinth Canal

15-year-old Greek Australian, Eleni Efthimiou, has made history after placing second in a race across the Corinth Canal in Greece.

Greek Day Canberra festival set to bring the music and food of Greece to the city

The Greek Day Canberra festival is set to arrival in the Australian capital city on Sunday, June 19 from 11am to 7pm.