Callista Bags – A Greek Designer Brand Bridging Heritage and Luxury

Among the names that stand tall in the conversation around Greek designers, Callista Bags has become one of the most compelling. Founded in Athens in 2013, the label carries with it the essence of Greece: artistry, heritage, and a quiet kind of elegance brought together in a single object you can hold in your hands.

I was fortunate enough to step into the Callista workshop years ago when I still had my boutique store in Greece. Watching artisans knot leather cords and sew each stitch by hand left a lasting impression. My own Callista bag remains one of my most treasured possessions. It is not only beautiful but also a reminder of that moment, and of how deeply craft and culture run through Greece.

Celia Sigalou

Eleni Konstantinidou

The Founders and Their Vision

Callista’s story began during the turbulence of the Greek economic crisis. Two women, Celia Sigalou and Eleni Konstantinidou, decided to create something enduring when much of the world around them felt uncertain. They were not trained in fashion, one came from engineering and the other from marketing, but they shared a belief that Greece could offer something original and lasting. The name Callista, drawn from kallos, the ancient Greek word for beauty, captures both their vision and the timeless qualities they wanted to express.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Heritage

Step inside the atelier in Kifissia and the atmosphere is worlds away from mass production. The sound is not of machines but of quiet concentration, hands working leather into form. Each Callista bag takes shape slowly, stitched with around 950 stitches and 356 knots. The macramé handles are so distinctive they were patented, becoming a hallmark of the brand. Collaborations with the Mentis Passementerie of the Benaki Museum connect Callista directly to the country’s long history of cord-making and textile craft, grounding each bag in a wider cultural story. These details are why Callista has become known for producing truly luxury Greek handbags.

Expanding Collections

From the first tan tote that sold in Mykonos to today’s wider collections of bucket bags, crossbodies, travel pieces, and men’s accessories, Callista has never strayed from its philosophy of careful craft. Limited-edition straps woven with century-old fabrics at the Benaki Museum add a layer of storytelling to each season. The Bespoke & Repair Service ensures that every bag is designed to be restored and carried for life. Today, their collections are stocked in more than 50 prestigious boutiques worldwide, strengthening Callista’s role among leading Greek fashion designers.

Building a Community of Talents

What makes Callista stand out is also the community behind it. Their Talents program brings together young designers and artisans, giving them the chance to learn, contribute, and shape the future of the brand. This approach keeps knowledge alive while inviting new ideas, proving that heritage and innovation can sit comfortably side by side.

Recognition on the Global Stage

Recognition has come quickly beyond Greece. Sofia Richie, Katherine Schwarzenegger, and Arizona Muse have been photographed with their designs. In 2025 Callista opened a boutique on Rue des Saints-Pères in Paris, placing them alongside Europe’s established luxury houses. Partnerships with Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, and other international retailers followed, while coverage in Vogue Greece, L’Officiel, and The New York Times has carried their story to the world. This success has cemented Callista as one of the most recognisable Greek designers today.

Experiencing Callista in Athens

For travellers, the experience of discovering Callista is best felt in their flagship boutique in Kolonaki. This neighbourhood, known for its marble sidewalks and café terraces, is the heart of modern Athenian style. Inside, the boutique feels part gallery, part workshop, with the scent of leather and the quiet presence of craft surrounding every piece. It is one of the highlights of any Athens shopping itinerary. Beyond Athens, their journey began with Kessaris in Mykonos, and today their bags can be found in select boutiques and hotels across Greece. Their official online store extends that reach worldwide, allowing travellers to shop luxury Greek handbags from anywhere.

Why Callista Matters

Callista is female-founded, women-led, and deeply connected to Greek tradition. At the same time, it is forward-looking, global, and sustainable in its practices. For Australians travelling to Greece, a Callista bag is not just a purchase. It is a cultural keepsake, a way to bring home something that embodies both resilience and artistry. For many, owning a Callista bag is about more than fashion, it is about carrying a piece of Greek creativity with you.

Micro Crochet Tote in Black Raffia

Cleo Bag in Camel Grained Leather.

The Callista Legacy

Callista is part of the wider narrative of Greek designers who continue to honour craft while shaping new paths. To hold a Callista bag is to carry centuries of skill and imagination in a form that belongs to today. If you are in Athens, visit their boutique in Kolonaki and see the work firsthand.