Half German, half Greek—and living between Munich and the Big Apple: Iljana Tokouzbalidis, CEO and founder of the handbag label Seyer, moves effortlessly between worlds, languages, and styles. Her biggest source of inspiration? The New York subway.
Falstaff: Do you have a place of longing?
Iljana Tokouzbalidis: One? There are so many places that fascinate me. I'm particularly drawn to Asia - especially Myanmar. The country still seems undeveloped in many ways, more pristine than other parts of Southeast Asia. That's exactly what makes it so appealing to me.
Do you choose destinations based on the adventure factor?
Absolutely. I'm less drawn to classic vacation destinations than to countries that demand something of me - in the best sense of the word. Places that tell stories, have corners, create friction: the more a country smells of adventure, the greater my curiosity.
What makes a trip an experience for you?
For me, the quality of a vacation lies not in perfection, but in the unexpected moments: a small restaurant that you stumble into by chance - and which turns out to be a culinary stroke of luck with authentic local cuisine. And above all: the exchange with strangers. There are people who want peace and quiet on vacation - for me it's exactly the opposite. I collect encounters.
Your favorite dish - and in which restaurant?
As a half-Greek, I'm naturally biased: I love traditional mezze - those little dishes to share. In New York, one of my favorite places is Kiki's in Chinatown - a real hidden gem among Greek restaurants. There's an average wait of an hour and a half for a table because they don't take reservations, but the food is just great. In my second home in Munich, I love Taverna Kalypso in Schwabing. Honestly, I prefer a real Greek taverna to any three-star restaurant in the world.
Hotel or Airbnb?
Boutique hotel. I like houses with character, an individual signature and a sense of detail. But there are also great Airbnbs - it all depends on the type of trip.
Do you have a favorite hotel?
Crosby Street Hotel in New York, in the heart of the trendy SoHo district - I love the mix of British eccentricity and urban elegance; every detail is designed with style and personality. And then this location, in the middle of SoHo - it couldn't be better. A special highlight is the hotel's own garden - a virtual miracle in New York.
Long or short distance?
Where I want to go, it's almost always long distance. I have pretty much grazed Europe. But for a short getaway, it can also be a short trip in between - the main thing is a change of scenery!
Rolly or travel bag?
Clearly: a solid four-wheeler. I only have one back - and I still need it! And a high-quality handbag to go with it. I prefer to travel with hand luggage only.
What was your most memorable travel moment?
Driving in India - between honking mopeds, completely overcrowded buses and animals standing in the middle of the road. Getting from A to B in India is a real adventure.
What's your source of inspiration as a designer?
The New York subway, that's where I get most of my ideas. So many different people and styles - this subway is a rolling source of inspiration for me. That's why you only see me in cabs in exceptional cases.
