λιβαισ (pronounced “lee-vace”) is a new fashion brand that has generated a lot of buzz in the industry. A Greek designer Demitrios Livais founded this brand in 2019. λιβαισ offers modern clothing and accessories with an advanced edge.
In a few years, λιβαισ has become favoured among fashionistas and style influencers for its contemporary pieces. This article will explore everything about this brand.
Origins
Originally from Athens, Greece, Livais drew inspiration from ancient Greek mythology, architecture, and the cosmopolitan energy of New York.
After graduating in 2017, Livais worked for a couple of years under famous designers. In 2018, Livais decided to launch his label that balanced timeless Greek motifs. The λιβαισ brand was born in the spring of 2019.
The name “λιβαισ” comes from a rearranged spelling of the word “salives”, meaning “smartness” or “wisdom” in Greek. This name reflects Livais’ goal of creating enlightened pieces that make confident statements.
Aesthetics
The λιβαισ style balances elements of classical Greek fashion with contemporary urban looks. Most pieces feature solid colors, clean lines, and rich textiles like silk, linen, and fine cotton.
Livais has cited ancient column architecture as well as the sleek lines of modern art and home design as inspiration. This influence can be seen in subtle geometric patterns and asymmetric draping. Simple, striking dresses, trousers, and shirts make up most of the collection.
Minimalism sits at the core of λιβαισ designs, but the accent details pack a punch. Looks may feature a bright pop of color, shiny buttons, or one lavish texture like sequins or embroidery. These eye-catching elements keep the silhouettes modern and intriguing.
The color palette tends to encompass neutral black, white, and beige along with pops of gold, sky blue, wine red, and olive green. These colors reflect both Greek island landscapes and bold metropolitan nights.
Products
The first λιβαισ collection featured women’s apparel only, including dresses, jumpsuits, blouses, skirts, and pants ranging from $400-$1,500. Some early staple pieces included a crisp white column dress, black cigarette pants with a satin stripe, and a one-shoulder midi dress in scarlet.
In 2022, λιβαισ expanded into handbags like sleek leather totes and small embellished clutches. The accessories perfectly matched the aesthetic of the clothing. Recently in early 2023, the brand began unveiling men’s shirts, trousers, and jackets as well.
While the products skew towards more formal cocktail and eveningwear, λιβαισ does offer a small capsule of casual pieces like shirts, shorts, and sweat sets each season. The line also includes a selection of silk scarves in unique shapes and dimensions, ideal for creative draping or tying.
Overall, the λιβαισ shopper tends to be someone who values striking, artistic pieces that make them stand out in a crowd. The pricing sits at the high end since the products require fine materials and specialist construction techniques like ruching and draping.
Future Directions
In the few short years since its founding, λιβαισ has quickly become a label to watch. Thus far, the brand has only shown its seasonal collections at New York Fashion Week, but rumors are circulating that Livais may take his show on the road to Athens sometime in late 2024.
Livais also hints that 2025 may bring the unveiling of the first λιβαισ retail location where fans can interact with the world of the brand year-round instead of just seeing occasional pop-ups. Further expansion into more casual categories like knitwear and denim could support a retail space.
On the design front, fans can expect more play with asymmetry, volume, and avant-garde shapes balanced with minimalist fabrication. Livais credits architects like Zaha Hadid as continuous sources of inspiration to push silhouettes in new directions while upholding the core identity of refinement.
The λιβαισ brand promises to be one of the key labels to push fashion forward in the 2020s. With interest from top retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Net-a-Porter, this creative label proves that it took inspiration from the past while keeping an eye on the future. The mysterious, thoughtful ethos at the heart of λιβαισ will undoubtedly continue to produce conversation-starting collections that merge Greek history with modern sensibilities.
Conclusion
In just three short years, the λιβαισ brand has established itself as a coveted name in high fashion defined by minimalism with a Greek twist. Founder Demitrios Livais draws from his heritage and reverence for architecture to create strikingly modern pieces. As the label continues expanding into new categories and potential retail spaces, discerning fashion lovers everywhere will keep their eyes peeled on this burgeoning symbol of cosmopolitan Greek style.
FAQs
What does the name λιβαισ mean?
The name is a variation of the Greek word for “wisdom” or “smartness”. This reflects the brand’s goal to make thoughtful statements through design.
What are λιβαισ aesthetics?
The look balances classic Greek elements like draping and silhouettes with sleek, contemporary lines and avant-garde accents. Solid colors, high-end fabrics, asymmetry, and subtle patterns define the vibe.
Who is the λιβαισ founder?
Demitrios Livais, a Greek native raised in Athens founded the label in 2019. He formerly studied fashion design in NYC and worked under Thom Browne before launching his label.
What products does λιβαισ currently offer?
The label provides women’s clothing like dresses, pants, blouses, and skirts ranging $400-$1,500. Recently, it expanded into handbags and men’s pieces. Unique silk scarves are also available.
Where can I buy λιβαισ designs?
For now, the brand only sells seasonal collections through its website and partnerships with luxury retailers like Saks and Moda Operandi. There is chatter of Athens runway shows and standalone stores potentially debuting between 2024-2025.