CONTESSINA

Clara Poulantza is the designer, founder of Contessina London, and one of the many talented women behind Contessina brand. A family business that runs for three generations, today based both in Athens & London.

Contessina started in 1958 in Athens by Clara’s grandmother. It started as an emporium representing famous fashion houses like Emilio Pucci, Moschino, Thierry Mugler, Christian Dior, Pierre Balmain, Givenchy, Guy Laroche, Ginocchetti. The brand soon became known for the quality, the sophisticated aesthetics of its merchandise, as well as the warm and personal customer service. So much that in 1971 Christian Dior entrusted Contessina with the opening of its first exclusive boutique outside of France. The collaboration included the license of manufacturing the C. Dior Pret a Porter collection in the Contessina Atelier in Greece under the high supervision of Dior’s qualified personnel.

Clara’s experience in knitwear design and her love for the elaborate, delicate quality of lace, made her create this contemporary, sophisticated and feminine jewelry line 'My Precious Lace'.

'My Precious Lace' honors old European Fine Artisan lace making techniques. Highly skilled artisans using time-consuming and hence expensive techniques were commissioned by affluent clients such as Royals for the creation of intricate cuffs and collars, as often seen in Rococo and Baroque paintings.  

Each item of the collection is made lovingly by hand with silk, metallic threads and natural gemstones. Light and durable, this easy-to-wear collection is effortlessly contemporary with echoes of heritage and tradition.

The collection has been hosted in various art spaces and galleries. Clara has also created unique pieces for costumes in Performance Arts and for special Art Exhibitions.

'The statement earrings that are light as a feather' -Sunday Times UK