Angelos Bratis, Yiorgos Eleftheriades, Victoria KyriaKides, Mi-Ro, and Zeus+Dione are the 5 emerging Greek fashion designers who are meant to be the Greek fashion gods of a new era.
Angelos Bratis
Angelos Bratis was born and raised in Athens. From a very early age, he watched his mother in her atelier, and made comments while she was crafting her creations for her clients. He studied fashion design in Athens, and then he won a place for a MA course at the Fashion Institute Arnhem, in Netherlands. In January 2003, he debuted at Paris Haute Couture week. His journey in the fashion world had just started. In Italy, he is collaborating with high-end fashion designers, and reaping the attention of the press with his stand-out designs. He is a great fan of craftsmanship, architecture and geometry. He loves to sculpt his creations directly on the mannequin, so as to create a 360 degree fashion look. His eponymous collections are characterized by his fluid, elegant, architectural design and impeccable technique. In 2011, he won the “Who Is On Next?” competition for emerging fashion designers in Rome, which was organized by AltaRoma in collaboration with VOGUE Italia. Franca Sozzani, Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Italia, and Suzy Menkes, VOGUE International Editor were among the competition’s jurors. In January 2013, the British Wallpaper* magazine suggested Angelos Bratis as one of the most prominent upcoming designers to watch.
Angelos Bratis was born and raised in Athens. From a very early age, he watched his mother in her atelier, and made comments while she was crafting her creations for her clients. He studied fashion design in Athens, and then he won a place for a MA course at the Fashion Institute Arnhem, in Netherlands. In January 2003, he debuted at Paris Haute Couture week. His journey in the fashion world had just started. In Italy, he is collaborating with high-end fashion designers, and reaping the attention of the press with his stand-out designs. He is a great fan of craftsmanship, architecture and geometry. He loves to sculpt his creations directly on the mannequin, so as to create a 360 degree fashion look. His eponymous collections are characterized by his fluid, elegant, architectural design and impeccable technique. In 2011, he won the “Who Is On Next?” competition for emerging fashion designers in Rome, which was organized by AltaRoma in collaboration with VOGUE Italia. Franca Sozzani, Editor-in-Chief of VOGUE Italia, and Suzy Menkes, VOGUE International Editor were among the competition’s jurors. In January 2013, the British Wallpaper* magazine suggested Angelos Bratis as one of the most prominent upcoming designers to watch.
In his Spring/Summer 2016 collection polka dots were the main theme. Long light silk fluid dresses were skillfully draped to point out feminine body curves. The rounded hems with cutout details in some dresses and skirts created a more graphic style. Also, the cutout circles on the skirts’ fabric created a beautiful pattern playing with shadow and light. Vivid and solid colors such as navy blue, purple, white and mustard on silk, chiffon, cotton and jersey created the picture of a confident, and sensual woman. angelosbratis.it
Yiorgos Eletheriades
In 1997, he showcased his first women’s RTW collection. In 1998, Yiorgos Eleftheriades opened his first store in Athens. He is also the co-founder of the Hellenic Fashion Designers Association which in 2005 launched the inaugural Athens Fashion Week. His collections have been shown in Athens, Paris and Barcelona. He is both a lover of classical forms, and an environmentally conscious designer. With his clothes, he creates an alternative urban style with very interesting shapes. Quality tailoring, and experimental combinations of fabrics and textures are his main target. For many years he has created countless bespoke costumes for great theater performances. VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, and Dazed&Confused are some of the most important fashion worldwide magazines which have featured his work.
In 1997, he showcased his first women’s RTW collection. In 1998, Yiorgos Eleftheriades opened his first store in Athens. He is also the co-founder of the Hellenic Fashion Designers Association which in 2005 launched the inaugural Athens Fashion Week. His collections have been shown in Athens, Paris and Barcelona. He is both a lover of classical forms, and an environmentally conscious designer. With his clothes, he creates an alternative urban style with very interesting shapes. Quality tailoring, and experimental combinations of fabrics and textures are his main target. For many years he has created countless bespoke costumes for great theater performances. VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, and Dazed&Confused are some of the most important fashion worldwide magazines which have featured his work.
“Absence of Necessity” is the name of his Spring/Summer 2016 collection. Geometrical shapes and modern archi- tectural movements are the collection’s main theme, which is translated into asymmetrical folds, pleats and the Jap- anese origami techniques. Eleftheriades gives a lot of attention to tailoring tech- niques, and that is noticeable in all of his collection’s clothes. For this collec- tion, he derived his inspiration from 18th century cut pirate jackets, 1920s boxy elongated silhouettes, and the dramatic flared shapes of couture. The trousers are short, and the skirts - whether short or long - are loaded with panels or folds in order to add movement. Silk, satin, metallic lace with geometrical patterns and clean, sharp cotton fill the need for clothes with a beautiful touch on the skin. As far as the color palette is concerned, it is neutral with black, white, sand and petrol which are offset by a series of ‘optical illusion’ prints inspired by herringbone patterns designed by the visual artist GRAAM, exclusively for Yiorgos Eleftheriades SS16 collection. yiorgoseleftheriades.gr
Victoria KyriaKides
Victoria KyriaKides has been creating haute couture collections since the early 2000’s using her unique “sur mesure” authentic French technique. From an early age, she became immersed in beautiful, luxuri- ous fabrics and tailor-made clothing. Her mother loved to have all her clothes bespoken. She introduced her to the concept of couture, and the deep appreciation for fine fabrics. Every dress she creates is done by hand with the precise measurements of each individual bride. “My dream is to create an exquisite, timeless focal point for a woman to wear on her most important day”, she says. Her style icon is Jackie Onassis because she was a risk taker while at the same time she was faithful to her own personal style. KyriaKides master atelier is located in Athens, and an additional showroom is located in New York. In September 2015, her partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue luxury department store was announced.
Victoria KyriaKides has been creating haute couture collections since the early 2000’s using her unique “sur mesure” authentic French technique. From an early age, she became immersed in beautiful, luxuri- ous fabrics and tailor-made clothing. Her mother loved to have all her clothes bespoken. She introduced her to the concept of couture, and the deep appreciation for fine fabrics. Every dress she creates is done by hand with the precise measurements of each individual bride. “My dream is to create an exquisite, timeless focal point for a woman to wear on her most important day”, she says. Her style icon is Jackie Onassis because she was a risk taker while at the same time she was faithful to her own personal style. KyriaKides master atelier is located in Athens, and an additional showroom is located in New York. In September 2015, her partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue luxury department store was announced.
According to Victoria KyriaKides, Spring and Summer always evoke a sensibility of excitement and renewal, and elicit imagery of the ocean for her. So, her Spring/Summer 2016 collection is inspired by the muses and divinities of the sea. The dresses are ethereal and made by the finest French silk and weightless laces, and transparent layering, which create an elegant, timeless and at the same time fashion-forward collection. Flowy ballgowns created from the finest silk organza, and French Chantilly laser cut lace create a very inspiring and appropriately sexy look. viktoriakyriakides.co.uk
Mi-Ro
Dimitris Mastrokalos, born in Crete, after he finished his studies in graphic design in Athens, he decided to continue his studies in fashion design at Veloudakis School of Fashion, one of the top Fashion Schools in Greece. As a fashion design student, he also worked next to well-known Greek fashion designers.
Giannis Raptis, born in Corfu, studied marketing in an American college. About twelve years ago, they decided to join forces and make their dream come true. Mi-Ro, the name of their brand, is now one of the most success- ful Greek fashion labels with a clientele that many would envy. They like to create clothes with emphasis on raw materials which are carefully crafted, with a delicate finish. Also, the design of menswear is a very important part of their brand which has particular emphasis on the materials and the making process. They have presented their work in Greece and abroad, Rome, Serbia, and Paris. They get their inspiration almost from everything their eye catches. They could easily get inspired by a movie, a trip or even a painting. Rihanna and Lady Gaga are two artists who they admire and would love to dress. One of their dreams come true is to see their creations hanging in high-end stores around the world.
Dimitris Mastrokalos, born in Crete, after he finished his studies in graphic design in Athens, he decided to continue his studies in fashion design at Veloudakis School of Fashion, one of the top Fashion Schools in Greece. As a fashion design student, he also worked next to well-known Greek fashion designers.
Giannis Raptis, born in Corfu, studied marketing in an American college. About twelve years ago, they decided to join forces and make their dream come true. Mi-Ro, the name of their brand, is now one of the most success- ful Greek fashion labels with a clientele that many would envy. They like to create clothes with emphasis on raw materials which are carefully crafted, with a delicate finish. Also, the design of menswear is a very important part of their brand which has particular emphasis on the materials and the making process. They have presented their work in Greece and abroad, Rome, Serbia, and Paris. They get their inspiration almost from everything their eye catches. They could easily get inspired by a movie, a trip or even a painting. Rihanna and Lady Gaga are two artists who they admire and would love to dress. One of their dreams come true is to see their creations hanging in high-end stores around the world.
The talented design duo Mi-Ro propose for Spring/Summer 2016 airy dresses from cool summer fabrics such as silk, lace and delicate cotton with an aesthetic that comes from the 70s and 80s. Polka dots, large floral patters, pleated dresses with lacy details, and silky ribbons belts are some of the Spring/Summer 2016 collection’s main characteristics. Bright pink, shades of blue, bright orange and earthy colors create the color pallet. mi-ro.gr
Zeus+Dione
Zeus+Dione is a Greek luxury brand that produces handmade products. The products of this brand are characterised by refined and rare craftsmanship, and are inspired by the rich Greek aesthetic heritage. Designs and motives which are minimal and crisp, and the finest handmade details, give a uniqueness
that is the core of the brand. But, the most interesting feature is the loom embroidery technique that is used (one of the oldest Greek techniques) which tends to disappear. Another interesting feature of Zeus+Dione is that all products are made by Greek artisans and local workshops with a long tradition in their craft. Silk and cotton piec- es are weaved on traditional looms in the town of Soufli, which is well known about its silk industry. Hand crochet items are knitted by local women in Crete and other parts of Greece. Silver handmade parts of the clothes, such as fastenings, are made by Athenian silversmiths. Dresses and shirts are weaved in Metsovo, a village in Epirus, and Crete. According to the two owners of the brand, Mareva Grabowski and Dimitra Kolotoura, Zeus+Dione is addressing to all those costumers who can recognize and seek for something special, rare and of excellent quality. To all the women who are inspired by the Greek heritage and handmade creations. It is worth to be mentioned that the motto of the brand is “based on a myth and creating one at the same time”, and not by chance. “The long term goal is to build a sustainable future”, says Mareva Grabowski, one of the two founders of the brand.
Zeus+Dione is a Greek luxury brand that produces handmade products. The products of this brand are characterised by refined and rare craftsmanship, and are inspired by the rich Greek aesthetic heritage. Designs and motives which are minimal and crisp, and the finest handmade details, give a uniqueness
that is the core of the brand. But, the most interesting feature is the loom embroidery technique that is used (one of the oldest Greek techniques) which tends to disappear. Another interesting feature of Zeus+Dione is that all products are made by Greek artisans and local workshops with a long tradition in their craft. Silk and cotton piec- es are weaved on traditional looms in the town of Soufli, which is well known about its silk industry. Hand crochet items are knitted by local women in Crete and other parts of Greece. Silver handmade parts of the clothes, such as fastenings, are made by Athenian silversmiths. Dresses and shirts are weaved in Metsovo, a village in Epirus, and Crete. According to the two owners of the brand, Mareva Grabowski and Dimitra Kolotoura, Zeus+Dione is addressing to all those costumers who can recognize and seek for something special, rare and of excellent quality. To all the women who are inspired by the Greek heritage and handmade creations. It is worth to be mentioned that the motto of the brand is “based on a myth and creating one at the same time”, and not by chance. “The long term goal is to build a sustainable future”, says Mareva Grabowski, one of the two founders of the brand.
In their “Olympic” Resort 2016 collection, ancient athletic games are the main theme. Olympic athletes were the inspiration for their natural beauty, their endurance, their perseverance and integrity. Through the collection, we can explore the sculptural elements of the human figure, lightness during physical exercise, and the volumes shaped during movement. The color pallet has black, ivory and gold contrasts blended with deep blue and red tones in order to create a graphic form of lightness. Hints of handmade stitching depict the artisanal craftsmanship. Also, contrasting weights and dyes of silk yarns manifest innovation in archetypal materials. Handmade sandals and bags are created from leather and raffia under a harmonious fusion of textures and techniques. Last but not least, fine gold and marble jewelry in geometric shapes and different volumes stand out. zeusndione.com σ