The Founder
Oku No Te was born from the quiet hands of its founder, Xenia — a designer whose journey threads together cultures, disciplines, and dreams that refuse to be contained.
Growing up between Greece and the rich influence of Congolese heritage, Xenia existed between two worlds — never defined by one, yet profoundly shaped by both.
The family home was alive with contrast: a mother’s love for theatre and elegance intertwined with a father’s pulse as a DJ. That fusion of story and sound shaped her creative essence. Even now, each morning begins with an hour of music — a ritual of stillness and rhythm that sets the tone for the day and the art that follows.
At eighteen, Xenia left Athens for London to study Art, Design, and Textiles, discovering a language that united her passions for history, craft, and storytelling. A fascination with Japan — its quiet precision, reverence for ritual, and devotion to coffee — became the thread leading to her first creation: a sculptural bag inspired by the silhouette of a coffee cup.
The name Oku No Te — meaning “the hidden hand” in Japanese — captures the brand’s spirit: working quietly, believing deeply, and creating from an inner strength that doesn’t need to be seen to be powerful. For Xenia, it is a love letter to herself and to all who build in silence, waiting for the right moment to reveal their work.
Xenia’s philosophy is simple: there is no Plan B.
The essence of Oku No Te can be distilled into three words — Discipline. Boldness. Limitless. It is a reflection of self-belief, perseverance, and the quiet audacity of pursuing one’s dreams. For Xenia, luxury is not excess; it is freedom — the ability to express oneself, invest in quality, and celebrate milestones. As her mother taught her, it is a reward for achievement — a tangible reminder of personal growth.
Each piece created under Oku No Te carries this spirit. Mystic yet minimal, surreal yet grounded in craftsmanship, the brand reflects Xenia’s dual heritage and her fascination with culture, art, and storytelling. Her goal is not only to design objects of beauty but to create symbols — pieces that embody accomplishment, confidence, and transformation.
In Xenia’s words, Oku No Te is an alter ego — the fearless version of herself that continues to evolve. It stands for authenticity, cultural pride, and self-discipline; it represents the courage to be bold in a world that often demands conformity.
The Greek saying that guides her life — “You must become the sun yourself in order to light up the extinguished suns of others.” — remains ever true. This is the ethos behind Oku No Te: to inspire others to find their light, to create without fear, and to celebrate the art of becoming.
Looking ahead, Xenia envisions Oku No Te as a symbol of success — a brand people turn to when they reach a milestone, achieve a dream, or overcome an obstacle. It stands for modernity and boldness, for culture and connection, and for the limitless possibilities that arise when you choose to believe in your hidden hand.