NEW YORK (October 16, 2024) – The Daughters of Penelope (DOP), a leading international service organization comprised of women of Hellenic heritage and Philhellenes, in cooperation with Christian Dior Couture proudly presented The Greek Bar Jacket by Marianna Economou and Anemon Productions at the Union League Club. The event celebrated female achievement and empowerment while benefitting the Daughters of Penelope National Project, Open Door, a Center of Education and Rehabilitation in Athens, Greece, providing daily services to over 240 children and adults with cerebral palsy.
The evening featured a cocktail reception followed by a screening of the acclaimed film “The Greek Bar Jacket,” directed by Economou. The film offers a profound exploration of the collaborations, influences, and emotions behind the Dior Cruise 2022 collection, designed by Dior Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri, which made it unique.
Daughters of Penelope Grand President Margaret Dritsas presented the Spirit of Penelope Award to Alexandra Winokur, president, Christian Dior Couture Americas, and Economou, the film’s producer and director, honoring their contributions to dignity, perseverance, and creativity, and their roles as empowering leaders for women.
Daughters of Penelope Executive Director Elena Saviolakis served as the Master of Ceremonies for the speaking program that included Dritsas, Winokur, and Economou. Open Door President Ioanna Koutrouvis, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Director of Administration Maria Andriotis, and representatives from Daughters of Penelope Phaetuse Chapter, located in Paris,
France, Chapter President Niki Kalogera and Εvents Manager Katherine Delikoura, also provided remarks.
“Our Paris chapter, especially Chapter President Niki Kalogera, deserves tremendous accolades for starting this beautiful collaboration with Christian Dior Couture,” Dritsas said. Dignitaries in attendance included new Consul General of Greece in New York Iphigenia Kanara and Despina Karapostalaki, Secretariat of the Consulate General of Greece in New York. Dritsas added the Daughters of Penelope’s special thanks to the Christian Dior Couture Team that worked to ensure the program’s success, and to Open Door of Greece, led by President Koutrouvis and Founder Daphne Economou, whose vision and determination led to the creation of a center that stands by the side of children and adults with cerebral palsy in Athens, Greece. Dritsas said, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors and attendees. Your support made this event truly special. The Daughters of Penelope are proud to support Open Door and to honor two women who exemplify leadership and inspiration.”
About the Daughters of Penelope
Founded in San Francisco in 1929, the Daughters of Penelope (DOP) is the first women’s service organization of its kind established in the United States. It is an affiliate organization of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA).
The mission of the DOP is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence.
For more information about the DOP, or any of its programs or projects, please visit www.daughtersofpenelope.org.
Photo L to R: DOP Executive Director Elena Saviolakis, President of Christian Dior Couture Americas Alexandra Winokur (wearing the Bar Jacket), and DOP Grand President Margaret Dritsas. Photo Credit: Hippolyte Petit/BFA.com
Photo L to R: Phaetuse Paris Chapter Member Anastasia Karkani, Phaetuse Paris Chapter Member Angelique Christaki, DOP Executive Director Elena Saviolakis, Phaetuse Paris Chapter Secretary Katherine Delikoura, Film Producer and Director Marianna Economou, DOP Grand President Margaret Dritsas, and Phaetuse Paris Chapter President Niki Kalogera. Photo Credit: Hippolyte Petit/BFA.com
Photo L to R: President of Open Door Ioanna Koutrouvis, DOP Grand President Margaret Dritsas, New Consul General of Greece in New York Iphigenia Kanara, DOP Executive Director Elena Saviolakis, and AHEPA Past Supreme President & Chairman of the AHEPA Board of Trustees Nicholas Karacostas. Photo Credit: Hippolyte Petit/BFA.com
