From ancient Greece to pop design: introducing Sophia and its enjoy thinking

Met at Pulse London, Alexandra is a greek designer, devoted to – but not scared by – ancient greek iconology; she founded the brand Sophia, and I have found seductive and lively her collection of home and fashion accessories inspired by her country amazing heritage.

 

Tell us something about you, as a designer, that you think we should know.
Designing for Sophia Enjoy Thinking is an emotional and fulfilling journey for me. I find happiness in twisting something old and meaningful into something new and interesting, whilst preserving ethics, authenticity and transparency.
The idea of inviting ancient philosophy with an added modern touch into contemporary interiors as something valuable and closer to the heart, is a new home deco trend that I personally believe will become long lasting.

So, I decided three years ago to found SOPHIA Enjoy Thinking. Since then my team and I have managed to achieve a strong presence in influential concept stores, such as Assouline in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Geneva, Wolf & Badger in London, Artemis in Beijing, Nela Longari Home in Milan, Il Cesendello in Barletta and well known museum shops, such as the British Museum, the Grand Palais, the Louvre Museum and the Getty Museum.

After our consistent and successful presence for three year now in the Maison & Objet Show in Paris, SOPHIA Enjoy Thinking has been nominated as an Ambassador of the Maison & Objet. SOPHIA Enjoy Thinking has also taken part in important international fairs, such the Top Drawer Show and Pulse Show in London and the Homi in Milan.

What is Sophia and how it was born?
SOPHIA (Greek for wisdom) is a brand, which strives to evoke the authenticity and the beauty of ancient Greek heritage through modern home, fashion accessories and gifts.

SOPHIA Enjoy Thinking was born through the desire to share the beauty, the art, the passion, the knowledge deeply engraved in Ancient Greek civilisation. By adding a modern twist to the past we create timeless object to match with any contemporary home interior.

Why do you use the motto “EnjoyThinking”?
Our motto is “Enjoy Thinking”, as we truly believe that through thinking, as well as through sharing valuable ideas, one can change themselves and thus change the world around them. Thoughtful design becomes thus a means to make our life at home better.

Do you think that we should be closer and more careful of our heritage?
There is something comforting about the past. At harsh times like this, we believe that it is important to look back through a nostalgic prism at all those fundamental cultural values that have remained constant, beautiful and true and translate them into modern design objects. Therefore, through our collections, inspired by our history, we aimed to ‘open’ the museum doors and integrate our heritage in every home all over the world.