Entering
Ileana Makri’s, aptly named, store Mageia -- it means "magic" in Greek -- is like entering into a life sized jewelry box lined with an eclectic mix of sumptuous and luxurious items from around the world. But the star of the premises is her eponymous jewelry collection, each piece being so enchanting it can mesmerize casting a spell and charming it’s wearer to never want to take it off.
Other than at either of the Mageia stores in both Athens and Mykonos, Ileana Makri jewelry can be found in the most prestigious stores around the world, including
Barneys New York in the U.S.,
Browns and
Dover Street Market in London,
Colette in Paris, No30 in Milan and Takashimaya in Tokyo and is worn by some of the most glamorous, and respected people today.
When I meet the stunning woman behind the brand, she enters her jewel-box of a store with an outstretched hand, a smile on her lips and an easygoing demeanor that perfectly complements her design aesthetic.
How would you describe your personal style?
Casual and discrete. I would say that comfort and practicality are a must before anything else. I try to dress understatedly especially during the daytime because I like to be able to go all over town and not be noticed; I enjoy being able to people-watch without the people noticing me.
Do you have a go-to outfit that always makes you feel put-together?
In the wintertime I definitely have a go-to outfit; black boots, black leggings, t-shirts by The Row and a Rick Owens jacket or top. In the summer because I’m mostly on the islands and near the beach it would be a t-shirt and easy pants, nothing too particular.
Yellow Gold and Diamond "Desert" Ring
What is the one piece in your wardrobe that you wish you owned in multiples?
My wish has become a reality because I do own my favorite item in multiples and those are The Row t-shirts; I live in them, I sleep in them, I wear them to go out in the evening as well as during the day. They personify me perfectly.
Do you have a “signature” item (i.e. jewelry, sunglasses, watch) that you wear everyday?
Everyday I wear my reading glasses – they are my signature piece. I buy them in New York and they aren’t anything in particular just over the counter glasses. Besides that, I would say my Phillip Stein watch; I never go anywhere without it. Its face shows two time zones and it’s always set for New York and Athens. I also wear a piece of jewelry but that isn’t always the same piece as I go through spells with them all; I’ll wear the Diamond Thread Bands or my current, favorite pair of earrings which I’ll wear everyday for a few months in a row.
Rose Gold and Diamond "Thread" Ring
Do you have a favorite perfume?
I usually don’t wear perfume. However, a couple of years ago in the Barneys Basement I discovered the "Le Labo" fragrances; I wear "Rose 31." The bottle is labelled with my name.
Is there any item in particular that you currently have your eye set-on acquiring?
Actually, at the moment there isn’t anything that I can think of. Mind you, this doesn’t happen very often, but at the moment I’m content and don’t need anything.
What jewelry pieces do you think every woman should invest in?
Investment is an interesting subject when it comes to jewelry. Usually jewelry is valued according to its material; the metal and stones that make it up. So according to that the best investments are one carat diamonds set in metal because with them you have both the stone and the metal which never lose their value. On the other hand, jewelry can be valued as design pieces. For example, Lalique jewelry isn’t valued according to the metal and the enamel it’s made of but is valued as a wonderful piece of art. So, thirty years down the road that jewelry could still have its value as a piece of art unless of course, this type of design doesn’t interest anyone anymore.
So getting back to your question, I would suggest women invest in a diamond band which is a beautiful piece for any women to acquire. Personally, I prefer fine diamond bands because I find the thick diamond bands a little vulgar. Also, any size diamond studs are beautiful and then, of course, any piece of jewelry that makes a woman feel wonderful and like a million dollars is always a good investment.
Emerald "Cat Eye" Necklace
If you had to choose, which would you say is your favorite piece of Ileana Makri Jewelry?
That’s a difficult one for me since it always varies and depends on my different moods. I don’t think I can really choose; that would be like asking somebody which of their children do they like more. However, one of my favorite pieces is also my first piece and the one that I always have with me, which is my Diamond Thread Band.
Any fashion pet-peeves?
High heels during the day – however, I do love them in the evening – and any outfit that is too “matchy.”
Thank you so much Ileana!
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