About Ileana

Greek jewelry designer, Ileana Makri, launched her eponymous fine jewelry line in 1996. Drawing inspiration from her vast and worldly travels, Ileana’s appreciation of all cultures, traditions, and lifestyles is evident throughout her innovative designs. While her collection is always evolving, her brand identity is constant – Ileana’s pieces capture a unique aesthetic, balancing elements that are feminine and edgy, fluid yet sharp, and offering compositions that are both thoughtful and beautifully captivating. Ileana reinforces the concept to create “jewelry to make every day special.”

INSPIRATION

In addition to her travels, Ileana draws inspiration from multicultural symbols and their meaning. Her jewelry features a range of mystical and figurative symbols. “Symbols have a broad, universal appeal that crosses cultures”, says the designer, who draws inspiration from various religions and other beliefs including Greek mythology. Ileana is particularly intrigued by the “evil eye”, a symbol that in Mediterranean countries serves as protection from negative forces.

COLLABORATIONS

Ileana is known for her coveted fine jewelry collaborations with talented London based RTW designer, Marios Schwab. Her jewelry has accessorized Schwab’s runway collection in seasons past including, SS2009, FW2009, SS2010, SS2010 and mostrecently, SS13. In addition to Schwab, Ileana has also collaborated with The Row by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for SS2012.

OLD WORLD CRAFTSMANSHIP

The collection, has an irresistible feminine appeal, stamped by Ileana’s signature refined aesthetic and use of old world craftsmanship as well as the astounding attention to detail and her boundless creativity. The underlying “rock chic” approach to the design makes her jewelry uncompromisingly contemporary and simultaneously timeless. In her own words Ileana Makri creates “jewelry to make every day special”.