Minas was born on June 4, 1938, in Nea Ionia, Athens, shortly before the outbreak of World War II.

He came from a family of Greek migrants from Asia Minor, who had relocated from Pontus, a former Greek territory near the Black Sea.

From an early age, Minas displayed a passion for design and a relentless pursuit of perfection, which was evident in his dedication to classical music and competitive sports.

At 14 years old, Minas created his first and only oil painting—a portrait of an old man for a school competition, earning first place.

From a young age, he possessed a keen visual perception and an exceptional ability to translate ideas onto paper. Though he never returned to oil painting, this one-of-a-kind piece remains in his private collection—a rare expression of a young boy’s vision of the world.

At 15 years old, Minas was introduced to the world of jewelry when his father helped him secure an internship at Angelos Vourakis, the official supplier to the Greek royal court.

Starting as an unpaid apprentice, he spent an entire year learning the art of jewelry making. His talent and dedication quickly became evident, earning him 10 drachmas a day, and by his fifth year, he was making 2,100 drachmas per month—surpassing his father’s salary as a senior officer in the Hellenic Army.

At 15 years old, Minas bought his first bicycle with money he had earned from his work as a jeweler. One day, after hearing about a bicycle race organized by AEK, he decided to compete—placing fifth despite having no training or a racing bike. This marked the beginning of his competitive cycling journey, as he officially joined AEK’s cycling team.

In 1957, he competed in the Pan-Hellenic Cycling Championships in Rhodes for the first time. A year later, in 1958, on the same velodrome, Minas became Pan-Hellenic Track Champion at just 20 years old.

In 1959, Minas began his 27-month service in the Greek Royal Navy. During this time, he was assigned to transcribe and draft technical manuals, a task he excelled at due to his natural understanding of mechanical design.

This experience provided him with valuable insight into mechanical engineering, a skillset that would later become instrumental in his approach to design and craftsmanship.

The Biggest Gamble of His Life

In August 1969, Minas took a one-way ticket to America with just $200 in his pocket, determined to chase his dream. The adventure had just begun.

Upon arrival, he quickly realized that while he didn’t see America as his forever home, it was a land of endless opportunities. Overwhelmed by a sense of wonder and possibility, he embraced the challenge ahead. He soon secured a job at David Webb, one of the most renowned jewelry manufacturers of the time—marking the beginning of his American dream.

Shortly after arriving in New York, Minas established his own workshop, marking the first time he had a fully operational creative space. Now organized, he began producing his own designs, quickly building a sales network of over 220 stores across America.

During this period, he created some of his most emblematic and influential designs, including the Clasp Earrings. Drawing from his mechanical engineering background, he developed the iconic Universal Joint Bracelet, a design that became a passport to his success.

In 1975, Minas became an American citizen, and by 1976, his recognition grew as he expanded internationally, exporting his jewelry to 52 cities in Italy—each piece proudly bearing his name.

While still in America, Minas’ Italian journey began, bringing recognition and access to the European market. His designs, rooted in simplicity, ergonomics, and harmony with the human body, quickly gained attention.

This led to a collaboration with Roberto Cusi, one of the greatest gemologists of his time. Later, Minas worked with Cusi’s prestigious jewelry house on Via Monte Napoleone in Milan, securing a showroom in Italy and gaining exposure through ad campaigns in Vogue Italia, Vogue Uomo, Linea Italiana, and Harper’s Bazaar. At the time, he was among the few jewelry designers exporting to Italy.

His collaboration with House Cusi came to an end following the passing of his dear friend, marking the close of an important chapter in his journey.

The Odysseus Syndrome: His Desire to Return to Greece

In 1981, Minas returned to Greece, driven by an unstoppable desire to create on his own terms. He immediately set out to transform his childhood home into a fully functional workshop, designing and building everything himself—from workbenches and tools to the centrifugal casting machine. This hands-on approach ensured that his manufacturing processes met his exacting standards.

Minas left his signature not only on his jewelry designs, but also on furniture, machinery, and tools, a tradition that continues to this day—a mark of authenticity and craftsmanship that defines his legacy.

In 1986, Minas began the construction of his home in Mykonos, a year before marrying on the island in 1987. Just months later, his first son, Arion, was born, marking a new chapter in his life.

The Mykonos home is a seamless blend of modern and Cycladic architecture, perfectly reflecting Minas’ design philosophy. Perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of the island, the house naturally integrates with its surroundings. Every aspect was designed with ergonomics and harmony in mind, with Minas personally overseeing every construction detail to ensure respect for the landscape.

The interior is meticulously crafted, furnished with pieces made by him using American walnut, stainless steel, and marble, always staying true to his distinct aesthetic and dedication to functional beauty.

In 1987, Minas designed and built Astra Bar in Mykonos, fulfilling his longstanding dream of creating a space for the public. Every architectural and design detail was personally crafted by him, ensuring a space that seamlessly blends with the island’s aesthetic.

One of Astra’s most striking features is its roof, a faithful reconstruction of the northern hemisphere’s night sky, reflecting Minas’ passion for precision and celestial beauty. Inside, an emblematic image of Apollo stands as a tribute to Delos, the neighboring island and mythical birthplace of the god of light and music.

Since its creation, Astra has remained unchanged, becoming one of the most iconic locations in Mykonos, hosting a multitude of renowned artists over the years. The Astra symbol, now synonymous with the venue, was originally created as a celebration of his son’s birth.

In 1992, as Minas awaited the birth of his second son, Prometheus, he unveiled the full body of his work in a lavish first exhibition at the Zoumboulakis Gallery in Athens.

For the first time, he presented his hand-carved marble sundial, alongside marble design objects, furniture, and even a proof of concept for the 1996 Olympic Torch—a testament to his visionary craftsmanship.

Following the exhibition, Minas established contact with the renowned Danish company, Georg Jensen, laying the groundwork for an exciting new collaboration.

Minas embarked on a ten-year collaboration with a prominent Danish brand, marking a significant milestone in bringing his vision to an international audience.

Major exhibitions followed, including Copenhagen (1996), New York, London, and Paris (1999). His designs were sold through the Danish brand’s stores, yet he remained their only external designer, preserving both his name and brand identity. At the time, he was also the only non-Scandinavian designer working with them.

Expanding further, he collaborated with Royal Copenhagen to create an exclusive porcelain series and partnered with the Danish brand on a limited-edition wristwatch. The collaboration successfully ran until 2000, leaving a lasting legacy of Minas’ influence in global design.

During a decade of creative exploration, Minas opened his first official store in Mykonos in 1998. The chosen building, one of the last remaining historical landmarks on the island, once belonged to Manto Mavrogenous, a prominent hero of the Greek Revolutionary War.

Built in the 17th century, the space remains one of Mykonos’ most emblematic buildings, making it the perfect setting for his first store. More than just a retail space, it has become a symbol of heritage and craftsmanship, a landmark we are committed to preserving for generations to come.

In the following years, Minas dedicated himself to the creation of new design objects, further expanding his artistic vision. He developed new porcelain pieces to enrich his existing collection, while also introducing furniture and industrial design into his growing body of work.

During this period, he also presented his proposal for the 2004 Athens Olympic Torch, showcasing his commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless design.

In 2005, Minas opened his second store in Athens, choosing an 18th-century neoclassical building in the northern suburbs as its home. More than just a retail space, he transformed it into a gallery-like experience, where visitors could fully immerse themselves in his world of design.

From the door handle to the furniture and displays, every detail was meticulously designed and built by Minas himself.

The store’s entrance, marked by heavy doors with hand-carved ebony handles, sets the tone for what lies within. A Pentelic marble threshold, shaped to mirror the store’s fluid interior, leads into a space where dark American walnut floors, black walls, and soft flowing lines create a harmonious balance of elegance and artistry.

At the same time, work had already begun on his new workshop, further cementing his vision of uncompromising craftsmanship and timeless design.

Minas continued to push the boundaries of design, experimenting with carbon fiber to create his iconic table lamp and drinks trolley. The lamp seamlessly blends classic design elements with modern materials, ensuring its timeless appeal. The drinks trolley, handcrafted to the finest detail, showcases a sophisticated combination of stainless steel, American walnut, carbon fiber, and aluminum.

During this period, Minas also collaborated with the Noack Foundry in Berlin, producing a limited series of large bronze candlesticks. With the successful creation of his first large-scale bronze piece, the path to even greater sculptural works was set in motion.

In 2016, the Mykonos Project began—a personal challenge for Minas to create something that would enhance the island’s aesthetic and redefine its public spaces. With his distinctive touch, he designed a street lamp and a bench, blending functionality, durability, and artistic vision.

The lamp features a dual lighting system—one light facing the sea to warn approaching boats, and another illuminating the pavement. Its aerodynamic design optimizes airflow, while its stainless steel structure resists the harsh marine environment. A Dionysus marble base ensures both durability and seamless integration with its surroundings.

Inspired by ancient Greek theater seats, the benches were crafted with a Dionysus marble frame and Asian teak wood, chosen for its resilience against sea exposure. Handmade stainless steel screws bind the materials together, ensuring a harmonious fusion of strength and elegance.

In 2018, after completing a large-scale campaign photoshoot with renowned photographer C. Coutayar, Minas was honored by the Benaki Museum, which hosted a spectacular exhibition showcasing his work. The exhibition featured a curated selection of jewelry, design objects, and furniture, alongside Coutayar’s striking photography, creating a powerful narrative between art, craftsmanship, and visual storytelling.

Met with widespread acclaim, the exhibition highlighted Minas’ uncompromising dedication to design and innovation, further solidifying his legacy as a visionary artist. Its success elevated the brand to new heights, reinforcing its standing in the world of high design and timeless craftsmanship.

On March 23, 2020, at the age of 83, Minas passed away, leaving behind a legacy of timeless design, innovation, and craftsmanship. His life’s work was a testament to his unwavering pursuit of perfection, his deep understanding of form and function, and his ability to blend tradition with modernity.

Though he is no longer physically present, his vision continues to inspire and evolve. His two sons, Arion and Promitheas, who had worked alongside him for years, have embraced the responsibility of preserving and expanding his legacy. With the same dedication to excellence and authenticity, they ensure that the philosophy, artistry, and craftsmanship of Minas live on, shaping the future while honoring the past.

His work remains eternal, not just in the jewelry and objects he created, but in the minds and hearts of those who continue to wear, admire, and be inspired by his designs.

On May 19, 2023, the House of Minas turned a new page, celebrating creativity, legacy, and freedom with Minas Unchained. This event marked the continuation of a vision passed from Minas to his sons, Arion and Prometheus, where design, photography, sculpture, and street art came together in a one-night-only exhibition.

At the Stone Warehouse of PPA, the unbroken chain of Minas’ artistry found new expression—through photography by Costas Coutayar, a street art collaboration featuring twelve artists, and the unveiling of a never-before-released archival designs, the Unchained chains.

This night of art, music, and limitless creativity solidified Minas’ ever-evolving influence, proving that while the past shapes us, the future is ours to create.

After decades of quiet admiration and global cult status, the original 1997 design returns in three evolved versions – each crafted with refined proportions and updated materials, while staying true to the sculptural minimalism that defines the Minas legacy.

To mark this release, we are hosting a special launch event celebrating time, craftsmanship, and the enduring impact of iconic design.