Elia Collection

Legend has it that Zeus proposed a contest between Athena and Poseidon for the control of Athens. Poseidon smashed his three-pronged trident upon the hard rock of the Acropolis, which unleashed a spring. Whilst Athena, produced an Olive tree, with its silvery-green leaves and abundance of rich fruits. The Athenians chose Athena’s gift and, in turn, the Olive tree has remained a much-loved part of Greek life ever since! It became clear that the Olive tree held special importance over all other trees when the great King Xerxes’ Persian armies swept through Greece. In 480BC, the buildings on the Acropolis, which contained Olive trees, were set on fire and destroyed.

However, the olive trees ‘sprouted the same day to a height of two cubits’ (1 metre!). As well as this, seeds from the remnants of this sacred tree were replanted across Attica. Doing this, meant that all the olive groves, surrounding Athens, have a touch of Athena’s original tree. Olive trees require little in terms of nutrition, as they have evolved over the centuries or poor, stony soils. Although they appreciate an annual top-dressing of fertiliser to keep them glowing with health! They are incredibly drought tolerant, and if allowed to grow naturally, may reach a height of 2 metres in 15 years. This is a print that highlights the purity of nature and the power of olive tree! Kimonos and dresses, with ancient Greek aesthetic and ethereal details make Elia collection being one of the most loved for SS21!