💙 Code Blue: The story of a rare book 💙
Today, I want to share with you the story of how I tracked down a rare book that unlocked the history behind the traditional garment of Lesvos - my inspiration for my design for the Blue Wrap Project Runway.
The Search Begins
When I decided to represent Greece with a garment inspired by Lesvos, I naturally turned to my library. With shelves full of books and research papers on Greek folk art, I expected to find something useful.
But, to my surprise, there wasn’t a single mention of the Lesvos garment in any of them. Not one.
So, I reached out to a few trusted scholars I often turn to when my resources come up short. Their response? “There’s one book you need to find.”
Just one!
The Hunt for The One
It might sound limiting, but with tight deadlines for both research and design, a single lead was exactly what I needed.
I scoured the internet. There are a lot of Greek folk art books out there. This one? Nowhere to be found.
As luck would have it, my mother was planning a trip from Greece to visit us in the US. So I asked her to try her luck in folklore museum shops and antique bookstores in Athens.
Nothing.
The search had only just begun.
I then asked her to move on to libraries and archives, calling every place we could think of. Again, nothing. This book was turning out to be the rarest of rare.
I’m no stranger at tracking down some pretty obscure titles when I need them, so I wasn’t ready to give up!
A book from Lesvos
During a call with my mom, we came up with a new plan: cultural organisations from Lesvos based in Athens. The next morning, she began calling them one by one. Most lines rang out unanswered. But then — finally — someone picked up!
It was the president of one such organisation. Not only did he answer, but he was genuinely touched by our interest.
A few weeks later, a parcel arrived — sent all the way from Lesvos. Inside was the book!
In its pages was a handwritten note from the island’s Deputy Mayor of Culture:
“To the seeker of the traditions and history of Lesvos,
which are being lost in the depths of time.”
Some thoughts
Finding the book felt like finding treasure. Not just for what it contained, but for everything it took to get it — the obstacles, the dead ends, the people who cared enough to help.
In a way, this mirrors the spirit of the project itself: a collective effort, grounded in care, aiming to preserve something valuable — just as the medical professionals are working to offer aid and hope to those in need.
Want more inspiration? Then join my newsletter today! See you there…