In the heart of Athens, beneath the shadow of ancient monuments and winding cobblestone streets, there exists a family legacy that has flourished for over a century. This is the story of EL Bags—an exceptional brand born from the Tsantilis family, whose journey began in 1920 with a simple fabric retail store.
What started as a modest business offering high-quality textiles to the local Greek market soon blossomed into an expansive network of 25 stores across Greece, earning the family a reputation for luxury fabrics and garments that embodied the essence of Greek culture.
Yet, it wasn’t until 2016 that the brand would undergo its most transformative chapter, when Soraya Tsantilis, a visionary designer with years of experience in luxury fashion, reimagined the family’s heritage.
With her deep-rooted understanding of both Greek tradition and contemporary fashion, Soraya founded EL Bags—a brand that would marry the timeless beauty of Greece’s rich cultural history with the refined sensibilities of modern luxury.
At the heart of EL Bags is a belief in the power of tradition, versatility, and craftsmanship. Soraya sought to create a collection that not only reflected Greece’s ancient beauty but also provided something unique in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing fashion world. And she did just that.
A Connection to Greek Heritage
The name EL itself was carefully chosen to reflect both the elegance of the brand and its deep connection to Greek history. Each product is named after figures from Greek mythology and history, with their meanings and stories carefully woven into the fabric of every design. The result is a collection that speaks to those who appreciate more than just aesthetics—it speaks to the soul, to the stories that have shaped this ancient land.
The Meander symbol, also known as the “Greek Key,” is one of the most prominent motifs in the brand’s identity. Inspired by the winding path of the Meander River, which flows through the city of Metropolis near the Aegean Sea, this ancient symbol has been integral to Greek culture for centuries. It represents infinity, love, and the eternal flow of life, ideas that Soraya sought to capture in each EL creation. Whether in a bag’s pattern or the delicate weave of fabric, the Meander symbol serves as a reminder of Greece’s enduring legacy, blending past and present in every stitch.
Crafting Timeless Beauty
The production of each EL Bag is nothing short of an art form. Handcrafted in Greece, the bags are made using exclusively Greek materials, sourced from local textile mills. The process begins with custom-woven fabric, produced on an exclusive loom to achieve the perfect balance of texture and durability. Once woven, the fabric is delivered to partner workshops in Athens, where skilled artisans carefully cut and sew each bag by hand.
What truly sets EL Bags apart is their versatility. Designed with a modern lifestyle in mind, the bags cater to every occasion, from the daily grind to evening outings and leisurely beach days. Each bag is accompanied by interchangeable straps, allowing customers to mix and match colors and patterns—giving them the freedom to express their unique style. This flexibility is at the core of EL’s philosophy, empowering individuals to create a look that is as individual as they are.
Supporting Greek Artisans and Economy
Beyond beauty and craftsmanship, EL Bags is committed to supporting the local Greek economy. As a fair-trade company, the brand works exclusively with Greek artisans, ensuring that every bag and accessory is crafted with care and respect for the traditional methods of Greek craftsmanship. By choosing to produce locally and avoiding cheaper outsourcing, EL supports both artisans and the revival of Greece’s textile industry—preserving a vital part of the country’s rich heritage.
A New Chapter: EL’s Flagship Store
In spring 2024, EL opened its flagship store in one of Athens’ most historic neighborhoods, Plaka. Located in a beautifully renovated neoclassical building on Adrianou Street, this boutique is more than just a store; it is a celebration of Greek culture and craftsmanship. Visitors are invited to step into the world of EL Bags, where they can experience the collection firsthand and immerse themselves in the stories behind each piece.
The opening of the flagship store marks an exciting new chapter in the brand’s journey—one that honors the past while embracing the future. As EL Bags continues to grow, they are pleased to offer shipping to the United States and Canada, making it easier for customers around the world to experience the beauty of Greek craftsmanship.
A Legacy of Style and Substance
From a small fabric store in central Athens to a global brand, the Tsantilis family’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship, heritage, and love for one’s culture. With Soraya Tsantilis at the helm, EL Bags is not just a fashion brand; it’s a celebration of Greece—a country known for its rich history, timeless beauty, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Each EL Bag is not just an accessory; it’s a piece of Greece, carefully crafted to reflect the elegance and warmth of its people. And as the world continues to turn, the Meander symbol will forever remind us of the eternal flow of life, love, and beauty—captured in each stitch of an EL Bag.
27 Perikleous and Fokionos, Syntagma, Athens, 105 63, Tel. +30 2103238484
14 Kolokotroni, Kifisia 145 62, Tel.: +30 2108087557
140 Adrianou, Plaka, Athens 105 58, Tel.: +30 2103257714
