INTERVIEW
Most people would say that you are an ambassador of Urban Style. For me, the typology of your clothes hides a profound love of tradition.
I believe that Urban Style is a point of reference of my work as well as my love of classicism, the unnegotiably beautiful, timeless but simultaneously creative.
Are you a fan of technology, of new materials and of new methods?
At the beginning of the previous decade, I was one of the few Greek designers who used the first technological fabrics in their collection. At the moment, I prefer fabrics from natural fibers with new technology processing as well as the traditional. I find them more interesting, without excluding of course anything from the options table.
I have the feeling that the clothes which you design speak Flemish. Do they also speak Japanese equally as well?
I like and agree with what you say although I believe that there is something inherently Hellenic in my work, or at least Mediterranean, perhaps not so apparent, but it is there. For example, the clothes are certainly creative they have the disposition of the good life, freedom, without pretence. That is certainly neither a central European nor is it a Japanese element.
Do you believe in fast fashion or in a classic lasting style?
Throughout my career, I have supported the style and individuality of every personality even before fashion spoke of it as a trend. Moreover I believe that fast fashion is directed at the masses regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Can luxury and simplicity excite?
Undoubtedly they are two terms which have always been connected together. It is not by chance that in fashion, which is a wheel, things come and go and it is the combinations which determine new modernism in all contemporary movements throughout each period, (20’s, 30’s, 60’s, 90’s).
From where do you get your inspiration?
Life itself is for me the source of everything, it may be people, music, journeys or nature. I want to create truths which are hidden within them and something fantastic.
Does civilization produce fashion?
Fashion reflects civilization and the phase in which it is. So, to a degree, it does produce it.
Which is your favorite museum or art gallery?
The Benaki Museum in Piraeos Street in Athens and the Musee de la Chasse et la Nature (The Museum of Hunting and Nature) in Paris.
Do you like the theatre?
I love the theatre and I feel that a beautiful production lifts one both emotionally and spiritually.
In your opinion, which designer has the greatest influence on the modern fashion industry?
It is difficult just to mention a designer when modern is not defined. Moreover, every decade there are 2 or 3 designers who prevail and influence. I shall answer for the last decade, Miuccia Prada and her team, Nicholas Chesquiere of Balenciaga and the late Alexander McQueen.
What is the main change which you have noticed over time in your collections?
The first thing that comes to mind is the removal of everything unnecessary.
Why did you choose Fashion Week in Barcelona?
The reason is the standards. You have a show with excellent standards, top models, the best lighting and venue that any professional could possibly want. The guests are editors and buyers from all around the world and not society ladies and gentlemen. Also the amazing photographic material which is used for the Paris Fashion week a month later where the buyers come for their sales.
Do you believe that fashion will become even more ‘fast’ in the future?
The world is changing and that’s why it’s becoming increasingly difficult to make a prediction. Personally I hope it doesn’t become more than it is because nobody will have time to enjoy it.
Can you buy style if you have the money and the intelligence?
Style is related to the quality and culture of each of us. It cannot be bought, nor can it be achieved by intelligence.
