Cnossion in Chania, Crete
The Gilota is now an integral part of everyday and formal dressing of the Cretan men. It has largely replaced the Vrakes, which are worn today in formal occasions. In Western Crete, the gilota is combined with a waistcoat and a classic jacket made from the same cloth and footwear up to the knee. The Colors vary as well as the designs. It is used high-quality fabric, such as woolen, wool-cashmere, wool-silk, etc., as well as of English, Italian, Australian and Greek origin, through a rigorous selection with respect to the maintenance of local tradition. In order to bring a successful result, we take into consideration, the contribution of the traditional way as well as the fact that the gilota needs to be tailor-made, keeping up the exact measurements, according to the specific body type, and not in size standards or patterns etc. Also, the tradition requires and imposes a bodice garment, buttons and buttonholes on its entirety.
You are invited at Cnossion in Chania town, as it is of great responsibility for the person who is wearing the attire and must ensure that it is always clean, ironed, while the gilota "falls nicely" to the right place, the shoes are polished and it generally honors the costume as it befits 'a Meraklis'