Jean-Claude Jitrois

Greece inside him

I met Jean-Claude Jitrois in his atelier in Paris, among artworks and photos of Stephanie of Monaco wearing his blue leather ball gown at the Bal de la Rose in Monaco, of Elton John who once ordered 35 jackets, of Jonny Hallyday with a blue crocodile suit who came close to quitting smoking when, wearing one of Jitrois’ leather jackets, he did not know how to prevent his cigarette from ruining it.
With much passion he told me that because Greece always inspires him, he returns to his beloved villa every year, a very relaxed place called the Magic Garden. The name says it all. It was his travels to the island that inspired his collection this year, which can be found at Luisa Beach. Based on the colours white and blue, the most representative example is none other than the white Leila dress that bears similarities to the ancient Greek style. After this revelation about this year’s inspiration, he told me about when he first came to Mykonos and what he remembers from then:
“I arrived on Mykonos 30 years ago, and I still remember the airport very clearly. It looked so traditional. There were no seat belts on the plane, and we carried our luggage by hand. It was not the modern airport we see today. It was unknown to everyone, it looked like a shack. The landscape was completely natural and the people – as strange as it may sound – were conservative but proud and willing to reveal their local culture, food and architecture. My first feeling was that the wonderful natural landscape made you feel relaxed and happy, in contrast to the frenetic pace of larger European cities.”
In fact, Jitrois considers the island's climate and beaches simply amazing. “The bright white of traditional houses and the blue of the sea give me a feeling of tranquility and freedom”, he say. “I am a bon vivant. I always enjoy the simple things on the island, such as the food, music and art. Am I epicurious? I love every type of art and, therefore, good food is also part of that. The first time I came to the island, I discovered a local fish taverna right next to the sea. Fishermen brought their fresh fish in the morning and cooked them right in front of you. You couldn't have anything fresher or tastier than that. Unfortunately, this taverna has become more and more famous. All the celebrities want to go there and you must book a table 3 weeks in advance to enjoy the fresh fish!”
I wondered whether he would change anything on the island he first discovered 30 years ago. '”Today, life in Mykonos has changed. Famous people realized the beauty of the island and, despite the conservatism which still exists within, the superficiality of people who come nowadays is almost devastating. The tourism industry has become enormous. So, I would say that I am nostalgic for the past, when I would come to enjoy every place, just like you, as a man who truly loves the island. Not as an accidental tourist. I want the culture of Mykonos to resist and reinvent itself, to remain something unique. As it always was!” Jitrois touches me because apart from being a very talented man, he is a great philhellene. Before some years , among other things, he honoured me by giving me his notes, a painting he made for Greece and he promised to prepare something special for my exhibition. Also, it was with much joy he allowed me to take his picture, with him holding a Greek flag on a yacht in Psarrou, to remind the world that Greece needs to be supported. When you have a French legend before you, you cannot but ask him about everything, and especially about the more spiritual issues that you feel he understands best. I wanted to ask him about Delos, and once again he impressed me: “In French culture, we consider ancient Greece our motherland”, he said. “I have been to Delos twice in my life. It is a Holy Island full of history. I know that Delos played an important role in Greek mythology and that Poseidon asked Zeus to create this island. It is true that the moment you step on this uninhabited sacred place you feel the spirits of the gods surrounding you. The atmosphere is unique and I immediately felt the intense power of Delos as a sacred place. However, the whole of Greece is sacred for the French. Do not ever forget that!”