Discovering Chris Kontos' routine
Photos Chris Kontos
Words Marc Briant-Terlet
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We sat down with Kennedy Magazine's founder to talk about his life.
Chris Kontos is Kennedy Magazine's founder, a greek-based magazine we are fond of at Horace. The magazine tagline "Biannual journal of curiosities" says it all: it is a magazine for the life wanderer looking to expand its aesthetics vision, whether about film, music, art or fashion.
He is also a photographer and a DJ. We asked him a couple of questions about his life. He tells us what it is like to live in Athens, to run a print magazine on a daily basis and dives into the details of his routine.
Hello Chris! Can you sum up to our readers who you are and what you do for a living?
My name is Chris Kontos. I’m 37 years old. I was born and raised in Athens, in Greece. I still live there today, in the centre of the city. I’m a photographer, DJ, and publisher of Kennedy Magazine.
About that, how and when did the idea of Kennedy Magazine come about?
The idea of Kennedy was born after the summer holidays of 2012. During my extended vacation, I realised that my professional collaboration with fashion magazines was looking quite dark, due to the economic crisis. So, I thought the timing was right to focus on a more creative and personal project.
I had a chat with some friends regarding the current situation of magazines, and decided to make one. After settling down on a name, I shared the idea with my best friend and designer Angelo Pandelidis. We created some drafts, messed around with different ideas and finally started working on the content by October 2012. Our first ever interview was with Whit Stillman (editor’s note: American award-winning writer and director of films Metropolitan, The Last Days of Disco and Love & Friendship), here in Athens. This is how Kennedy Magazine got its start.
My friend Angelo died in 2013, round the end of August. His death left a huge void both at a personal and professional level.
How is it to run Kennedy on a daily basis, especially considering the fact that you are still a DJ and a photographer?
The magazine is a really enjoyable yet really demanding experience. The editing and creative side of the magazine is something that gives me pure joy. Obviously, writing emails and distribution is not as fulfilling.
I collaborate with a small team of friends to develop the features, and our good buddies over at Commission studio working on the design of the magazine.
I usually start the day with emails. They need to be done early otherwise I keep staring at them until I’m numb. Then, I’m leaving my flat for my daily coffee, where I continue working on my phone or laptop for a few hours. I keep working until 6 or 7 pm. Then, if any friends are around, I enjoy a glass of wine to relax!
Actually being a DJ doesn’t demand a lot of of my time since I travel only from time to time for it. My photography again is something that I usually don’t do on a daily basis, so that leaves me a lot of time to work on the magazine.
How do you get ready in the morning?
I usually wake up around 8 or 9 am. The first thing I do after waking up is drink some lukewarm water with lemon. Then, I take a shower.
I usually use Apivita products for my hair and body. It is a Greek brand. I style my hair with a wax pomade by Baxter of California, and always use a moisturizing cream by Kiehl's. Also, some perfume is essential before leaving the house. I have been wearing the same one for over 10 years now. It’s Monocle Hinoki.
And you work out?
Unfortunately I have not worked out since 2006!
You work a lot. How to manage to disconnect and take some time for yourself?
I don’t see any need to disconnect from work to be honest. My work is part of my life and I can’t see one without the other. I really can’t understand the word relaxation since for me my work is what keeps me at peace.
I know you travel quite often. How do you get ready for it?
Unfortunately sometimes I travel more than I would like to, and packing up is one of the most stressful parts of it. The good thing is that you gradually you end up with some more experience from that and you understand that space is important and you only need the essentials with you, especially for shorter trips.
How is living in Greece at the moment for you?
It’s both exhilarating and dark at times. Athens is a city of contradiction. I decided to share my time between here and Paris with Athens as my base.
The weather affects my life a great deal, and helps me be more carefree sometimes. On the other hand, the economic crisis has made Athens even dirtier and dangerous at parts and makes it look a bit miserable at times. But despite that, I think it’s a city with great potential. It’s attracting a lot of young artists and entrepreneurs. In the long run, that could really affect positively the way the city is evolving.
About that, can you share some of your favourite places in Athens?
I love my local taverna, Nikitas in Psirri, which is like eating at my mum’s place. Psirri, a once overcrowded part of the town, is now a quiet and lovely neighbourhood.
I also love a couple of cafes in this neighborhood where I enjoy my espresso from baristas that take their job really seriously. Athens has become a really good city for coffee.
Another great thing about Athens is that you can just drive to sea anytime you feel like it, and end up in Sounio and enjoy your swim next to the temple of Poseidon. You can also go to Vouliagmeni, which in my opinion is one of the most beautiful coastal parts of any city in the world.
One last thing is essential to the Athenian lifestyle: souvlaki. It is the perfect street food. You can only have good souvlaki in Athens, and there are many really good choices here. Kostas in Agias Eirinis, Leuteris in Omonoia, or Tomas in Neos Kosmos are just some of the really great ones.
Pictures : Chris Kontos