The wife of the Prime Minister of Greece has Polish roots. History of Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis
The wife of the Prime Minister of Greece is not only an icon of style and elegance, but above all an entrepreneur of blood and blood. Her education included studies at Boston College and Columbia University, where she obtained a master's degree in international relations with specialization in political economy. Then she won the MBA title in the prestigious Harvard Business School, which opened her path to the world of international finances.
Mareva was born in Athens, in a family with Greek-Polish roots. Her father, Konstanty Grabowski, was the son of the Warsaw pharmacist and art collector, Mateusz, who in 1948 emigrated to London, where he not only opened the pharmacy, but also founded Grabowski Gallery – a space that became an important point on the map of the London world of art. Mareva's grandfather's passion resulted in an impressive collection, some of which gave Polish museums later.
Mareva speaks smoothly in Turkish, English and French. In Polish – not much, however, Prime Minister Mitsotakis in an interview with Reczpospolita admits that his wife is proud of her Polish roots and is still introducing herself using the name Grabowski.
The world of finance and its borders
He starts his career in London's City – first in Bankers Trust, then at Deutsche Bank. He is one of the few women in a team dealing with HNWI clients (High Net Worth Individuals).
In 2007, he throws a corporation and founded the company MG Capital Advisors, specializing in managing investment portfolios of corporate and private clients, and two years later the Eternnia Capital fund registered on Kajmanas. Her name goes to Paradise Papers' documents. He answers briefly: it acted in accordance with the law and the fund was managed externally. The company operated when she was separated with her husband.
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The case returns in 2024, when the opposition MP accuses her publicly of influencing the media and “strange interests”. Grabowski announces a lawsuit, and the Prime Minister demands that the MP of immunity be repealed.
Entrepreneurship with a mission – supporting Greek DNA
In 2012, he surprises everyone once again. In the middle of the Greek economic crisis it connects the world of business with the fashion world. Together with her friend, Dimitra Kolotura, they set up a fashion brand Zeus+Diona. The inspiration is Greek heritage, traditional craftsmanship and the desire to revive the local economy.
Zeus+Diona quickly becomes synonymous with Greek style luxury. The brand, named after the mythological parents of Aphrodite, promotes minimalist elegance, natural materials and unique weaving techniques. Her collections are worn by the wives of politicians, journalist and representatives of the Greek elites.
Her commitment to the development of Greek entrepreneurship goes far beyond the fashion industry. Co -creation in 2012, the Greek branch of the Endeavor organization, Mareva actively supports innovative startups and young entrepreneurs.
It also operates in cultural organizations – among others at Tate Modern, Athens of the Biennale and Museum of Cyclad Art. Promotes Greek art. He sits on the advisory council of the Greek Craft Council, which protects traditional handicraft techniques.
“First Lady” of Greece
The life of Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis takes on a new dimension, when in 2019 Kyriakos Mitsotakis includes the office of the Prime Minister of Greece. To avoid suspicion of using her husband's political influence for business purposes, in 2020 Mareva officially withdraws from running a company and sells her shares.
When Greece is preparing to celebrate the 200th anniversary of regaining independence in 2021. Grabowski initiates a project to renovate the representative interior of the prime minister's residence – the famous Maximos Mansion in Athens. He wants the headquarters of the head of government to be an elegant space presenting Greek history and culture.
He invites Greek artists, architects and craftsmen to cooperate. The space is to be a showcase of modern Greece, but without falling into pathos. According to Architectural Digest, he does not spend public money – organizes a team of volunteers (architects, art curators, designers) and acquires exhibits in the form of temporary gifts from museums and collectors
During official events he appears alongside her husband. Her sense of style is often commented on in the media. Known for classic elegance, she often chooses Zeus+Dione's creations or other Greek designers, becoming an informal Greek fashion ambassador.
“Diplomatic strength of clothing” – this is how it defines its approach to fashion in an interview with the Financial Times, emphasizing that the outfit can be a tool for communication and culture promotion. The Greeks call her “first lady”, although this term is usually assigned to the wives of the presidents.
In your own style
Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis admits that she would not have enough life to try all the paths that fascinate her. He regularly participates in international conferences, panels and forums, dedicated to, among others sustainable development, women's entrepreneurship and culture. He visits the schools of the Greek diaspora, promotes education and culture.
She is sentimental. He brings antiques and vintage items from traveling, which have a deeper meaning – like a backgammon game, which he often plays with his daughter. Her favorite jewelry element is a necklace with pendants from loved ones. Each is associated with some memories.
He loves art, fashion and good design, and has a passion for collecting beautiful items in his blood. He can't resist good books and brooch, which is her favorite jewelry element. She got part of her collection from her mother, who in turn received them from her. There are classics from Cartier, but also costume pearls. Style icons are for her women with expressive personalities, such as Jane Birkin, Phoebe Philo or Iris Apfel, which – as she admits in one of the interviews – jealousy of courage and uncompromising style.
Privately, Mareva is the wife and mother of three children. Although life alongside the premiere imposes some restrictions, Grabowski-Mitsotakis consistently builds his own identity, proving that you can successfully combine the roles of businesswoman, ambassador of culture and public figure without losing your authenticity and passion.
