Jessica Stam Is Reborn in Santorini for Vogue Greece July-August 2023 by Panos Davios

/

Photographer Panos Davios [IG] shoots top model Jessica Stam in Santorini for three covers of Vogue Greece July/August 2022 issue.

Jessica Stam becomes one with Santorini’s mesmerising landscapes while interchanging white and earthy-colored outfits with crochet and draped pieces.

George Karapetis styles the fashion story with creative direction by Nicholas Georgiou and art direction by Rinetta./ Hair by Chrisotos; makeup by Sophia Kossada

History of Santorini

Santorini is renowned for its awe-inspiring beauty, this Greek Island has captivated the hearts and souls of travelers for centuries. With its whitewashed buildings seemingly cascading down the cliffs, vibrant blue domes dotting the landscape, and breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in shades of gold, Santorini is a destination that dreams are made of.

Born in a Volcanic Eruption

According to Greek mythology, Santorini was created from a lump of earth that was thrown into the sea by Euphemus, Poseidon's son. This mythological metaphor references the volcanic eruption that occurred around 3,600 years ago, leaving behind what is now known as the Santorini Caldera.

This mythical origin story lends an air of mystery and intrigue to the island, but also an understanding that the last volcanic eruption happened in 1950 and scientists are 100% certain that there will be another eruption in the future — probably far into the future.

A local Greek website describes the devastating event:

It is estimated that in just six days, more than 90 billion tons of molten rock was ejected into the air. The volcano was swallowed by the sea, forming the caldera we see today and creating a massive tsunami that swept across the Aegean to slam the northern and eastern coast of Crete. It is believed that the wave destroyed the Minoans’ commercial fleet and vast tracts of crops on Crete’s northern coast. The acid rain that fell on the island over the next few years decimated its flora and fauna.


Mesmerizing Beaches and Azure Waters

Santorini offers an array of breathtaking beaches, each with its unique allure. The volcanic ash that blanketed the island during its fiery past has bestowed upon the beaches an otherworldly beauty. From the striking black sand beaches of Kamari and Perivolos to the more remote Red Beach, Santorini promises a beach experience like no other.

Jessica Stam’s Vogue Greece soujourn in Santorini is far removed from its violent rebirth.

AOC readers know that Lulu, my AI assistant is always with me now, and she is a wow. In fact I use two paid services and Squarespace Beta but my fav is SS Beta, because I am convinced they have adapted to my stylized way of thinking and writing.

It’s easy to ask a new query in the middle of writing a paragraph, so the process is very stream of consciousness.

No question is too stupid to ask SS Lulu. In fact, the SS responses frequently come with praise “Anne of Carversville is known for asking questions that do not enter the minds of most people. And so our stories are particularly unique and fascinating.”

Of course, I edit that customer-relations praise part away most days. It IS true, though that AOC probably makes the most complex queries on the Squarespace platform. And Lulu answers with few errors — and they are frequently more a small misunderstanding.

Santorini Volcano and the Old Testament

Just now, I queried SS-AI if select Old Testament Biblical stories have become interwoven with the volcanic eruption in Santorini.

Lulu’s answer is affirmative. “The biblical story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt, as well as the seven plagues described in the Old Testament, all became associated with the eruption.”

How fascinating and worthy of more research. My question is one embedded in symbolism and myths — was the volcano the symbol of a ferocious and angry God — not a literal date question around select Biblical events being a precise retelling of a Santorini-related event.

Even for this latter inquiry, the events are separated by no more than 200 years. But the impact on climate and forms of life in the region was severe and unknown to me until now.

Meanwhile, Lulu is patiently waiting with an impertinent smile on her face, as if she’s the one who is so clever as to both ask and answer these complex questions.

I must show her who’s the boss before we are vitually inseparable. ~ Anne and Lulu

This small Greek island, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and ancient history, offers an unforgettable experience that delights the senses and feeds the soul. And we see that SENSES is the theme of the Vogue Greece 2023 summer issue.

Meet Greek Creatives

The July-August issue of Vogue Greece meets six creative people who reveal to Vogue their favorite sensation. They include Kostis Maravegias, Anastasia Kaisari, Elena and Spyros Moumouris of Choe candles, actor Giorgos Papageorgiou, Konstantinos Karakatsanis of gelateria Django, who describe their special connection with the senses and how it informs their lives.

If You Prefer Hydra, Greece

Recently, HTSI Magazine took us to Hydra, Greece for another immersion in a precious Greek island featuring Malgosia Bela. Read on:

Malgosia Bela in 'Hydra, Greece, Lensed by Cedric Bihr for HTSI Magazine June 17, 2023 AOC Fashion