THE MARPISSA COLLECTION, A NOTE FROM BUGGY

The Marpissa Collection was born high atop the tiny Village of Marpissa at the Monastery of Agios Antonis four years ago. The drive to reach the summit was not for the faint of heart. We were rewarded with the most gorgeous vistas and a spectacular monastery to boot. Imagine feeling as though you are on top of the world floating on clouds with the Aegean at your feet. The warmth of the sun reflecting off the white of the monastery as the sun was setting was just an explosion of color. I knew then and there that I was destined to return. And return I did!

There is something so calm and peaceful and healing about this spot. We forged a special friendship with Arsenia, the woman who keeps the monastery open whom we have dubbed our guardian angel. Actually, if you mention Arsenia’s name to any local, they will tell you she is as close to a Saint there is. And I agree! As very few visitors attempted the treacherous drive to the top, Arsenia greeted our group with bundles of fresh herbs she had gathered, a homemade liquor we drank as shots to give us courage for the descent, and individual rocks with drawings of the winding road and monastery. The rock has had a permanent home on my bedside table for the past 4 years.

I wanted to create a collection that felt grounding yet beautifully feminine. Pieces you would reach for in your closet again and again but that still felt special with each wear, and carried the loving imprints of many hands of artisans who created each piece.

The restorative colors of the sand and sea play in the same sandbox as Paros hot pink, a color seen everywhere on the island’s Bougainvillea vines. And what is hot pink without a little green? Our skirt and crop top sets are not a lesson in color restraint! These are fun, let’s get ready to party outfits. Outfits you will definitely be noticed in. The Ophelia halter top and Maxi skirt set is our first foray using BCI Cotton. Not only is this set amazing, but it also has a better sustainable footprint. Our new A-line skirt in sand, I am in love with. Paired with lace up sandals, a spaghetti strap top, or linen tie shirt, you will feel dressed for most any occasion. The pashmina evil eye wrap in natural is a great pairing for cooler nights. We listened to you and have added more tops, skirts, nightwear and home.

This whole collection feels very triumphant and personal. As many of you know, I have battled long haul Covid for quite some time and did not know if I was ever going to be able to resume a full time work schedule. Simultaneously, my mom, who is my partner is waging her own battle with stage 4 lymphoma. But guess what? We both have that stubborn Greek gene and the directive from my mom was , “You can do this!!” And so off to Paros I went. Filming a Collection with a bit of a heavy heart but there is just something so magical about Greece. It is my happy place and as soon as I got to Paros I knew everything was going to be all right. It really does take a village, and so many lovely people helped propel me forward and gave me strength. It was important to me that you, our customer, could experience San Antonis through my eyes, and to feel what I feel, so I photographed the collection myself! I hope you enjoy this collection as much as I do and wherever your personal journey leads you, don’t forget to pick up a rock and tuck it away.

Thank you for your continued support. XO, Buggy.