The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2022 - Issue 31

bitemen A t the age of eight, a shy young Panos Papadopoulos dressed windows for a local shop in Athens. When he was older, he noticed Greece was rife with nepotism and corruption, so whilst working in a local foundry; he reported these findings of fraud and injustice to the authori- ties. Instead of investigating his concerns, the police and officials began threatening him, and he had to flee Ithaca, the mythical island home of the Greek god Odysseus. When he landed in Sweden in the late ‘70s, Panos worked several jobs, including washing dishes and peeling potatoes in kitchens, a correctional guard and parole officer, a rest home carer and a substitute teacher. He studied sociology which gave him an in- sight into people’s behaviour. Soon he imported undergarments into the country, acquiring a car to peddle his wares on the road. “Those were not easy times,” he admitted. “Any other man with less determination would have given up.” Panos founded swimwear brand Panos Emporio in 1986 in Goth- enburg after studying the significance of fashion in Stockholm’s nightlife for his university thesis in behavioural studies. His in- tervention into this genre boosted the industry and demonstrated that colour, fit and choice of materials could be significantly im- proved. Actress Traci Bingham, Swedish model Victoria Silvstedt and Greek-Swedish singer Elena Paparizou modelled his swim- wear which garnered much attention and labelled him the ‘king of swimwear’. He started the brand because he recognised that holidays are es- sential for people and their wellbeing. “They are often planned early, sometimes years in advance; they are among the most im- portant moments in our lives.” Panos wanted to brighten up peo- ple’s holidays and give them peace of mind and body with com- fortable and stylish, immaculately made swimwear that would make them look and feel good on the beach or by the pool. By mixing classic couture with a contemporary edge, Panos Em- porio makes distinctive beach fashion for intelligent and self- aware individuals with integrity and an eye for luxury and quality. They acknowledge that people like to express their personality, the joy of living and sensuality. Hence, the brand respects the hu- Images courtesy of Panos Emporio