Urania Giourmetaki

Urania Gazelli

Bag maker

©Paul Kampis

Acrylic dreams

Urania creates her bags from scratch
At the age of 13, she made her first acrylic card for her dad’s birthday
Marquetry is one of the techniques she uses

Having studied interior and industrial design, Urania Giourmetaki learned the craft of acrylic sculpting from her father, working alongside him in their family business. Her father, Pavlos, transferred to her his love for creativity from an early age and his passion for and knowledge of plexiglass. “He taught me everything I know about this material and I continue to learn everyday,” says Urania. Her creations are a unique blend of classicism and modernism made using the finest acrylic materials. She was awarded by Vogue Italy as an internationally recognised talent and by Camera della Moda Italy for the brand and creation of an acrylic bag. In 2012 Urania started her bag making studio called Urania Gazelli, inspired by her late grandmother’s name.

Interview

©Paul Kampis

©Paul Kampis

When and how did you start working in this field?: I began my career in 2012 after about two years of research and testing. I made a jewellery box as a gift for my mother and eventually evolved it into an acrylic bag. I presented my first collection at an internationally recognised trade fair for fashion accessories in Paris, and everything took off from there.
What do you love most about your craft?: That there are no limits, neither personal nor material. Maybe acrylic gives the impression that it has limits as a material... Technology changes every day, with new machines, new materials that also change, giving you possibilities for progress and ever more creativity.
What was the first object you created?: The first object I created entirely on my own was a seahorse which was made to hold a vanity unit in a country house. The first item I made at my studio was a transparent bag, in the shape of a clutch, with beautiful curves and impeccable technique. I then created the deck of cards bag, which was my first marquetry bag, and established me in the fashion industry.
Where do you draw inspiration?: I am always inspired by nature and the seasons, their colours and changes. I am fascinated by looking at great painters’ work and listening to classical music or to Michael Jackson, one of my favourites. I also draw inspiration from simply being in my studio alone, among my tools and materials.

Urania Giourmetaki is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2010