Ioanna Kourbela was born and raised surrounded by threads, fabric and soft knits. People from all over the world, people of every color and nationality imaginable, frequented her family's shop, located in Plaka, just below the Acropolis. It felt as though people were celebrating endlessly her visitors being on holiday, were full of smiles and laughter. Her clothes dressed people and when worn by them reflected their diversity. During her studies and up until now, this has been a factor that has influenced and inspired her a great deal. The most important thing though is joy. The great variety of color and form have let her create freely flowing pieces, ready to adapt to one's mood, the space and the moment one is in. Her approach in designing a new piece is that clothes should have a life of their own. They should be open to change as people are. When one gives one's imagination free reign when getting dressed, clothing follows somebody's mood and evolves as people do,  the result is that every item in one's collection is a reflection of the different versions of their owner. She adores natural fibers. They not only enrich and add to an item's design,  they also dress one in the best desired fashion. The hectic pace of city living stimulates her creativity. The bustle excites her and in nature she can find herself again.. her pieces contain elements of both. But her center is the human being. The figure. Always specific. And with a story of its own to tell.