Satos' Australian surprise

NATIONAL: Greece-based expatriate designer Samantha Sotos is set to make a triumphant return home. The Middlesex University fashion graduate, who moved to Athens aged 18, has announced plans to launch her self-titled label into the Australian market in time for spring/summer 2009.

Having always had an interest in sewing in garment construction and textiles, Sotos completed her early education but moved to Athens upon finishing her HSC. She studied in both Athens and London before returning to Australia with a degree in fashion.

Once back on Aussie shores she began her career working in Collette Dinnigan's production department before switching to Vallen as design assistant. After two-and-a-half years Europe again beckoned where, following brief stints at renown fashion houses Kathy Heyndels and Man & Mannetti, Sotos launched her own label in Athens in 2006.

After selling her first resort collection to stores across Athens and Mykonos, Sotos managed to stitch up an exclusive deal with retail brand Carouzos that had previously only worked with overseas labels such as Prada, Vera Wang and Jil Sander.

Targeted at stylish women within an undefined age range, Sotos said her label's chief point of difference lay in its unique Australian/Greek heritage. "We like things more simple in Australia while Europe craves more. I have pieces that create a balance to these different outlooks. For example I have a dress where the top half starts out to be a simple singlet but continues on the skirt part to become what I call draping drama."

Featuring dresses in jersey, silk dresses in plains and prints, as well as twist tops retailing at price points of between $180 and $380, the collection uses a viscose/elastane mix for her jersey pieces we well as 100 per cent silk and cotton fabrications. Most trims are made from guipire lace sourced from Italy, India, Greece and France.

Sotos aims to include at least one one-piece jumpsuit in each collection. "This summer it's in a strapless jersey design as I love the ease and the idea of just wearing one piece."

The colour palette for the 'Kaleidoscope' debut Aussie collection includes ocean blues, musks, yellows, whites, tans and blacks. Available in sizes small, medium, large and extra large, the range will be instore from August at stockists including Cedar Leaf and Melbourne's Hokey Curator.

By Tracey Porter