Analogue memories digital culture
Cover 1 featuring Sia Pushkar
Cover 2 featuring Shulei Hong
Cover 3 featuring Fiorella Vindas
Cover 4 featuring Rea Milla
The concept of thecommonpages was conceived right before the outbreak of coronavirus. In the midst of a global pandemic we paused and waited for the world to go back to “normal”. But “normal” is not the same any more and neither is the case of this medium. And as political and socio-economical developments create a different environment we need to reevaluate our own purpose and principles. Who we are and what we stand for in a creative space that is constantly being transformed by technology. We cannot stop the digital storm that is ahead and we do not wish to.
We want to stand on the line between the world we witnessed and experienced in our youth and the world we are about to immerse ourselves into in the name of progress and on this line stand up for our values and creativity. As humans we are wired to perceive the world around us visually and spatially through the light reflections that come into our eyes so it’s important to reflect on what we see and where we stand, with or without head sets. Today we go back to our analogue memories to define our digital culture.
Creative & Fashion Director Niki Pagiataki
Art Director & Photographer George Velissarios
Editors & Collaborators
Sophia Sapouna
Ioanna Dourdoumpaki
Henriette Bakar
Klara M.
Nicole K.
Bratis K.
Marylou Tzivelekis
Maria Chatzitheodorou
Joanna Domazaki
Talents
Rea Milla
Noriyah
Sompa Antonio
Tya Gohin
Lizi
Victoria Stella Doritou
Sikhokhele Tyhali
Saki
Sia Pushkar
Fiorella Vindas
Shulei Hong
Ilda Kroni
#common MUSES
#common model Willy Vitorio
#common designer Elpida Livanou
#common fashion
#common character Konstantinos Tsagkaris
#common Hotel Srories
#common artist Vangelis Savvas
#common designer Avgousta Theodoulou
#common character Kaizer Spy
Popular culture urges you to greedily consume beauty. We, the MUSES, say “Be Kind when you browse”. It is your refined manners that will reveal our hidden qualities to you.
How did you become a model?
Basically all my friends and family told me I had potential that I was tall and handsome and I should look for an agency. It took a while but finally I did it.
What is the best and worst thing about it for you?
The best thing is that you don’t have a routine. Instead you are able to travel and meet new people. The worst thing about it has to do with promoting ego, prestige, elitism and some kind of racism. I think the fashion world can do much better than this.
Do you remember the first job you got?
Yea, of course I remember it. It was a fashion show and I was really excited, realizing that I had got my first job. I think I didn’t sleep the night before. It was an amazing feeling.
What is the best city for modeling for you?
If it had to be one I‘d choose Paris... you know we are always travelling, we are always changing places and they are all nice for a reason but Paris… a lot of brands that I want to work with are based there and I love this city, I really enjoy it!
Beauty or Style for you?
Yeah... style!
“ We are always being watched and a lot of times we are compared… our bodies, type of hair, skin color … all this sometimes makes us feel insecure... ”
What do you think is the biggest myth about models?
I’d say that being a model is just a glamorous profession or a hobby – a lot of people believe that! I think people don’t know how hard a job it is. A lot of effort is required before the final result that the world sees - a cool picture or an amazing fashion show! For fashion shows we must do selections, castings, we compete with a lot of people, we stand in line for a casting for many hours and wait sometimes only to hear thank you, next…
What is the thing you are most complimented for in this job?
I am often complimented for my ability to pose well!
What is your best quality as a person?
I’d say my humble heart…
How do you spend your free time? Any hobbies?
Yes. In my free time I like to play soccer. Before modeling my plan was to become a soccer player. I like to sing karaoke but plz don’t ask me to sing-it’s better for you! I love watching movies and TV series in Netflix,I read some books and I cook!
Make a wish for mankind! Change anything you like…
More love, more love! And, if I could I would end inequality. I d like the world to stop being unequal. I would like all people to have dignity, a place to sleep and food to eat.
She is the first curve model, based in Greece that managed to become so successful and get international campaigns. She has already made her first steps as an actress both on TV and the theatre. She is passionate and well-travelled, a woman of her time, a hard-working influencer a big dreamer and a good friend! Her outgoing personality matches perfectly her juicy figure and in front of the camera she brings character!
When did you start modelling?
At the Age of 23 as a freelance model.
Do you remember the first job you got as a model?
Positive. Yes, my first job as a model was for a worldwide watch brand.
Where in the world do you feel mostly yourself?
I am a person who loves travelling and learning to adapt wherever I am. So I will say anywhere in the world.
London – New York – Athens – tell us the one thing you love most in each of these cities.
London: ELEGANCE. New York: FREE SPIRIT. Athens: ONE AND ONLY LOVE IN THE WORLD.
How would you describe your style?
I don’t have a specific style except that I like timeless black as a colour. Depending on what mood I’m in. But one of my hallmarks is the jewellery I wear every day.
What does being sexy mean to you?
First of all femininity and a unique personality which sparkles and shines within you.
Your favourite famous designer and what you like about them!
100% Dolce and Gabbana. Animal prints, black
lace, florals and colours -everything I love and suits perfectly a curve body.
You also work as an actress. What is your dream role? Your biggest fantasy on screen or on stage!
‘Golfo’ -the Greek theatrical play. And my biggest fantasy on screen is to play in a drama/action movie.
The best thing about your daily routine!
A book in hand wherever I go and a hot coffee.
What is more important for you in female friendships? What do you enjoy most to do with your besties?
Respect, and honesty. We love to wine and dine.
How addicted are you on social media?
As much as I can handle - I try to control myself.
What are you daydreaming about?
To have a successful course in the field of the big screen as well as in the field of fashion and to create my own family.
What are your values in life?
Kindness, Respect and Love!
Describe yourself in three words!
Workaholic. Dedicated. And all or nothing.
After completing her Theatre Studies, Elpida Livanou turned to fashion – her true love. She did her Bachelor in Fashion Design and her Master in Polimoda School in Florence. While searching for a famous house to do her internship she keeps making cool clothes, developing her own style and already building a reputation as a promising young fashion designer.
#common designer
What was your inspiration for the creation of your first collection?
For my first collection I was inspired by nature and the complexity of shapes. I wished to create a powerful image of the future in which humanity will no longer pollute the environment but will be able to live in it and unite with it in a peaceful harmony creating thus a New Host that adapts in order to survive and thrive. I tried to give a strong image through the intensity of the shapes. The colors are associated with change, nature’s ability to transform throughout the day, the reflections of the sea in combination with the sky and the sunset.
What do you love most about being a fashion designer?
I love to work with materials in order to give them a new lease of life. You can create something completely new or you can work on something without knowing how it will end up in the end. The most interesting part in being a fashion designer for me is the process, the ability to use the garment’s color, textures, print and silhouettes as
symbols. Fashion designers use the design as a medium for storytelling.
Is there a famous designer that you really love?
Botter Paris, a menswear label is one of my favorite brands. I admire them because of the way that they use the creative process, namely as a tool of self expression in order to make the world better and more ethical. Their environmentally friendly textiles, the innovative material and the completely different textures reflect a strong social symbol.
There is a lot of saying that nothing new happens in fashion anymore. What do you –as the next generation- answer to that?
I believe that our generation tries to reshape the way in which the fashion industry works. Many young designers around the world dare to express gender identity, ethical issues and transform the silhouettes in exaggerated forms, using unconventional materials without losing their identities.
“Fashion is the society, the politics, the people, the environment. Fashion changes quickly, it adapts and at the same time rejects the principles of the society. It is the reflection of the times we live in focusing on elements such as social or ethical issues. It is a contemporary form of expression in changing societal behavior.”
Where have you seen the most stylish people in the world?
I have seen the most stylish people in the world in Africa. Their whole life and lifestyle is defined by a unique passion about random shapes, different textures, multiple colors and impressive volumes. Colors constitute a significant aspect of the African culture and mentality. Wherever you go in Africa you can see images full of color and meet people full of hope.
How do you dress in your daily life?
Black color, comfortable clothes and sneakers. I prefer to wear black but always combine it with something colorful, for example a jacket or a small bag.
How do you spend your free time?
When I have free time I prefer to go running. It is the only moment I keep negative thoughts and worries away.
What is the place you want to travel in the near future?
My next plan is to travel to Vietnam and Nepal. Asia also has a rich culture and a significant tradition. It constitutes an infinite source of inspiration sealed by diversity reflecting a completely different society.
What are you looking forward to the future?
I want to work abroad as a designer, to immerse myself into different materials, manufacturing techniques in order to enrich my knowledge and then hopefully to create my own identity which will reflect my vision of the world.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Introvert. Overthinker. Creative.
Give us a good advice – something you remind yourself often!
If something is hard, go for it and don’t look back! Don’t hesitate not even for a moment.
And the motto you live by is…
“Find what you die for and live for it.”
A talk with young visual artist Vangelis Savvas about his 3D printed pieces of work, his first solo exhibition and art and technology in our time.
How did you come up with the original idea of Tomorrow Is but an Assumption?
It was just after I had finished some work based on a memory from my childhood, so I already had my first experience on moulding something intangible and for sure I wanted to explore it more. The moment I started working on the subject of this show was one afternoon on the Philopappou hill, where at the time I used to go to very often for the sunset, it was something like a routine of mine. I was there, lost in thoughts about the future and my plans and I came up with the idea of making a 3D scan of that moment, of scanning the view of Athens while the sun was setting over the Piraeus port. I had no clue at the time if it was even possible, if I would have any results, let alone what I would do with them. It was more of an experiment. I went back to the studio and I started the process and the next day I saw the first result. Of course it was a failure, but the idea of moulding the view, giving shape to the moment, the experience kept me trying. Failure after failure I found the ways to make it possible.
Do you recall the stages of the procedure while working on the project or is it like a trance mode that you function instinctively and the final outcome is revealed to you too? How does your work surprise you?
It has many stages that I will not explain because some are very technical, but the most important is the moment of the 3D scan. It was always captured with my phone camera, it wasn’t planned and I was doing it only when I felt like I wanted to. The surprise was that no matter how many times I would scan the view from the same hill at the same orientation the 3D models would always be different. I couldn’t control it. I only had the choice to keep, discard or crop them.
For me this done moment is kind of a myth. I mean there are so many “done” points in the process. There is the moment that you capture the idea, the moment that you do the first step. Those two moments for example have a lot of enthusiasm. There is a “getting close” moment that has a lot of excitement. For sure when the work is complete there is fulfilment, but for me it is all the whole process that matters.
A world that is made and real at the same
time. Do you consider it a new version of the Athenian landscape or a landscape that is hidden from our senses?
Actually, neither and both. It is the Athenian landscape, I mean all the material that has been used to create those models is real -it is Athens. I believe this work was created in order to imagine ways to feel the landscape with different senses. Because it is not just a landscape, there is time in it as well, possibly a cut in time, so it re-imagines the landscape through subjectivity.
How do you interact with the world you change? We can visually understand what you do to it but what does it do to you?
This work for me is a way to explore the changes of everyday life. Everything changes around us and we change too. When I started this work I thought that I was trying to prove that some things cannot change. In an era of digitalization I thought that some things are impossible to digitalize. I proved myself wrong.
Is the first time you hold a solo exhibition a defining moment? How did it feel?
To complete and communicate a body of work after having spent quite a while with it is a great joy. It is also a great school. The feedback I got was more than I could ever have hoped for.
“In an era of digitalization I thought that some things are impossible to digitalize. I proved myself wrong”.
How come a guy from Naxos decides to become a sculptor? Give us a rough idea of all those internal processes that defined your call.
In Naxos I didn’t have much contact with art except for the Museum of Cycladic Art. As a child I was very creative and I was drawing a lot. When I was in highschool it was clear to me that I wanted to study arts. My family didn’t agree, even the teacher of arts at school did not agree, they were frightening me with poverty and a bad lifestyle. They prevented me and instead I eventually began studying finance. And it was terrible -it was killing me from the inside. Two years after I quit in order to study art. Again there was a big conflict, they didn’t support my decision. Luckily at the School of Fine Arts of Ioannina I met a lot of friends and professors that were on my side.
What makes a personal experience art and how does it appeal to the audience? Can we find in conceptual contemporary art the ecstatic impact of the theatre or the viewers simply react to what is presented to them without being really moved? When does a piece of art manage to actually touch people and go beyond the ephemeral nowadays? Is the artist alone in this quest?
I can’t separate myself from my experiences, my life, my memories. It is not the case that I exist as a person and as an artist separately. So all the experiences that define me are getting into my art. And I think I am not alone in that. Lots of people have similar experiences. Art is a way to communicate, to express from within, so other people can relate. I believe when an artist is truly committed to his/her work and honest that is reflected in it for the viewer to see.
Is there a purpose in art? Should artists comment on society and hold up a mirror against it? Or is it merely an issue of personal expression?
This is a hard one. It depends. If the artist is influenced by current affairs but she/he is not affected by it, nor truly understands it, there is no point. There will be other artists whose work will be more
relevant and their reaction will be more authentic because they know what they are talking about. As I said before, I think the artist has to be committed. He/She should take a stand but without it necessarily affecting his/her choices for superficial reasons.
How are all your pieces of work connected so far? Is there a common ground?
It is the place and the space. I’m mapping places that I have been to, where I have lived. The place is the stage where something happens. Besides that, the subject changes as I change.
What is the daily routine of an artist in Athens? These last years it has been promoted as a welcoming hub for new artists. Do you see this potential? Is it real?
To be an artist is to work 24/7. I don’t have a specific routine. My studio and my house are the same place so I don’t really separate my activities. It depends; sometimes I might spend more time reading while when I’m preparing an artwork I will spend more time in the studio.
As for Athens, there are many exhibitions to visit, so many independent art spaces. I usually go to what interests me more. Athens became an art hub after Documenta 14 and I’m wondering what the real reason is, is it because it’s relatively cheap to live and work in it or because of all the pseudo-exoticism that has been created around it? How is it that the capital of a country that does not provide for its artists is considered an international art hub?
Technology has become an integral part of art. Can you imagine yourself without the use of it? Or is it more than a medium for your work?
Yes sure I can imagine myself without technology, I mean it is a medium, but I doubt there will be a world without it. I believe that the use of technology and machines will increase not only for art but in general. As technology evolves, society will evolve, art will evolve. There is no turning back.
A computer science teacher from Cyprus who was living in Greece had to move to Paris. This is in short the story of Avgousta Theodoulou, before becoming a fashion designer. It could be just a stroke of luck but seeing her work it seems more like destiny –after all her call had been fashion, all along.
You moved to Paris to study fashion at the age of 30. Before you had a totally different life. How easy was it for you to make this change?
Actually, I moved to Paris in 2013 because my husband found a job there, in academia as a researcher. I was a computer science teacher at that time, and moving to Paris meant that I had to stop teaching too. I really loved that job. I had a feeling that everything was turning upside-down at first... but within a few hours I took the decision to follow my passion for creation and study fashion. In fact, I considered it as a “calling” since Paris is one of the most famous fashion centers. It wasn’t easy. I was a teacher who had to become a student again… But the satisfaction I was getting every time I was creating something with my own hands was indescribable, and that is what was giving me the strength to complete the 3 years of BA studies, and then go for my goal to create my own brand.
I believe it’s important to be able to redefine our targets based on the new conditions brought each time. This is how I dealt with it and how I got adapted. I didn’t want to see it as quitting one thing for another. I had to pause the first and concentrate on the new target, hoping that one day there would be a new situation that would allow me to combine both. Today, I am very glad and satisfied that I managed to create my fashion brand, and I am also teaching Computer-aided Design in a fashion school in Paris.
At your school they believed in your graduate collection and chose you to present it in the school’s catwalk in Paris, and also in a fashion event organized by Alliance Française of Washington DC at the Embassy of France in Washington DC, USA, in order to promote French fashion. How did that make you feel, taking into consideration that you are not French and that it was
your very first complete project.
That gave me confidence and courage. Also, when months later I received the “Best New Designer Award” in Greece and the “Bronze Award” in China, it empowered me to move forward to create my own company in Paris. There was, as you mentioned, one first fashion event in Washington, DC. But what made me very proud was that since then the people of Alliance Française continued closely following my work, and they decided to invite me personally to present my whole collection at the French Embassy in 2019, this time as a brand and not as a graduate student.
Before COVID19 you had a very successful course, taking part in exhibitions and catwalks, winning awards, and then it all suddenly stopped. How was that time for you and how did you remain creative?
The pandemic caught me just after having officially created the company of my brand. I was preparing to start producing some products and collaborating with boutiques. All these plans had for sure to be put on ice. I was relatively lucky, though, because till that point I hadn’t made big agreements or investments in production, so I didn’t experience financial troubles or find myself with indisposed stocks. It only affected me in the sense that these plans had to be postponed. During that period, my mind essentially got freed from the needs of the company, because it was futile as everything was frozen, so I concentrated 100% in the creative part. I used the time to work in the small atelier I have at my place. The storm of emotions caused by the situation, I tried to transform it to inspiration and creativity.
At the beginning of 2022, two years since the pandemic began, I thought that it was about time to start introducing my brand to boutiques. I have already started collaborations with high-end boutiques, and I am working on adding more sales points in the near future. I think that during the pandemic, people spent more time on social media, so through those platforms I had the chance to introduce my brand to a larger audience. Especially during that period, many people encouraged and supported my work, and I am very grateful for that. Unfortunately, we experience one crisis after the other. Right after the health crisis, we couldn’t expect the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. This doesn’t allow the societies to find a new normality. Also, the supply chain faces problems and this causes huge production delays, as well as the increase of production costs.
You are based in Paris. How does this favor your work and how do you deal with all that competition?
Paris is a metropolis with many cultural and artistic happenings. Numerous museums, exhibitions, and events everywhere. The influences you get from the city vibes are countless, but above all I value the gothic architecture, which I find inspiring. Fashion events are frequent, and not only during the fashion week. There, you can meet interesting people or get to know about companies that produce materials and supplies. The competition regarding the creative part is not something that concerns me a lot, because I believe that if you are authentic, there will always be room for you. The point where
competition can bring problems is when it comes to production and sourcing of materials, because it increases the demand and can make the costs for a startup company unbearable. Generally, when you start you don’t have the size so that the making industry (artisans, producers of materials, etc.) considers you as a possible client, or the market itself to see you as a brand it can trust. It takes some time to convince them to invest their time in your work!
You focus on hand made luxury creations. Each piece you design and make is unique and requires a great amount of effort and inspiration. And although you incorporate traditional techniques into your clothes, your creations were characterized as avant-garde and not folklore. How did you succeed this? What is your innovation?
I like to combine many different elements without letting one overshadow the others. I believe this makes the result harmonious. For the garments you are referring to, I tried to combine handmade techniques with strict tailoring, using luxury fabrics with raw finishing. I mixed complex structures with simple shapes. The innovation of my macramé pieces, which I first developed back in 2013, was that I used the same fabric to create several textures and volumes.
You are an advocate of slow fashion and sustainability -two issues that are constantly discussed nowadays. Is this the future of fashion? Or just a need of the moment?
The fact that not only new brands but also big well-established houses and retail chains that sell mass-produced products, are all making statements favoring eco-friendly materials and sustainable production show that there is a need to go toward that direction now and in the future. However, we all know that many use this only as a communication and marketing strategy, just because they should appear aligned with the trend and need. Each brand sets its own standards, and then tries by all means to present them as sustainable fashion so that it doesn’t get out of the game of the market. People are getting really confused. It has started becoming really difficult to understand which material is sustainable and which is not. The answer is that there is not just one answer. It always depends, because in fact there is a trade-off. Each material has its pros and cons. We, the designers, have to choose the best materials each time based on the project and according to their properties. The least we can do, though, is to be honest. For me the only thing that is undoubtedly sustainable is the reduction of the pace of production (i.e., to go slower), the reduction of the pace of consumption, the increase of the quality and the durability of products. We can see that we are still going in the wrong direction, since what is encouraged is the overconsumption of cheap one-use garments. We need to be aware of the environmental costs of this direction.
You manufacture your silk scarves in Soufli. What is so unique about that place and its artisans for you that surpass the “made in France” tag?
I have chosen Soufli to produce my silk scarves because it has a long tradition of producing and processing silk. Also, when I contacted them and had
my first samples, I really appreciated their kindness and professionalism. Besides, it’s one of my general goals to develop collaborations with artisans and manufacturers who have long know-how tradition in related fields, mainly in Greece, Cyprus, and France. These three countries have played a huge role in my life and to who I am.
Describe your daily routine to us in Paris and give us an idea of Paris during fashion week. Do you feel the vibe and how does it affect you?
I have a quite busy routine during the week. I work many hours in my atelier, and also out of it when I need to meet artisans that I collaborate with, or to seek supplies and materials. This year, twice a week, I teach in a fashion school Computer-aided Design. This is something very important and -as I said- I enjoy a lot, because I find myself among many fashion students from all around the world that are motivated and full of energy. I like the idea of passing over part of my knowledge into their creative process. In the weekends, I try to spend some time with friends, who again come from all over the world (France, Italy, Ecuador, Greece, China,). We share cultural habits; we usually cook traditional recipes from our countries and enjoy a nice glass of wine together. What I really like, and I try to do it as much as I can, is to visit fashion exhibitions. For example, last month I went to an exhibition about Elsa Schiaparelli at Musée des Arts décoratifs, and to the one at Galerie Dior at Avenue Montaigne. Those fashion exhibitions and the fashion weeks (with the shows of so many famous designers) really keep the vibe of this fashion city alive, and it is a huge boost and motivation.
“ What I like the most in this job is that it allows me to communicate my ideas through fashion shows, exhibiting my collections. Each collection has its own story and during the creative process I can really escape in it. When this story is told in a fashion show, I would like the audience to be tempted to escape in my world, as well.”
A fashion story dedicated to Greek creatives
Skirt Elpida Livanou, earrings Paris Laliotis.
Jacket Angelica Danaka, shoes Favela.gr.
Kimono Rien by Penny Vomva, Hat Vintage Topshop, shoes Zara.
Dress, vest and skirt Angelica Danaka.
Jacket Elpida Livanou.
Jacket and trousers Yiorgos Eleftheriades, shoes Stylist’s archive.
Corset, skirt and headpiece Eleanna Katsira, ear cuffs worn as rings Amorpho.
Trousers and top R-D-IOLI, boots So Chic, rings and necklace Kalliope.
Body R-D-IOLI, ring Kalliope, earring Paris Laliotis.
When it comes to my work, I like to create atmospheres. I like to take reality aspects and turn them into their dreamy state. I work a lot with prints and layered transparent fabrics that together create different images. Textures and the faded parts of my prints bring a certain kind of sensitivity in the outfits that is very important to me.
I think creativity is one showing their world. I feel like we all see the world in a different way, or we’d like to see it a certain way. Creativity is the process of one “creating” this world for us.
Fashion has many different perspectives and that is to be seen between designers, but also between people on the street.
We’ve now broken through so many fashion norms of the past that a mix of so many new ones have come.
I am a little new to the Greek fashion scene -as I moved back two years ago in the midst of corona but I see a new generation of fashion designers coming with fresh ideas, willing to show a different perspective in fashion.
R-D-IOLI
When I design a collection I start by creating a character, a story, a narration. For my last collection I was inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut”. To enhance my story I used materials such as lace, velvet, transparencies and the edgy vinyl – I believe I have made a very feminine collection but without being short in power and sophisticated elegance.
It is mostly party looks in a dress-undress form and my aim was to detoxify female sexuality – women have the right to feel seductive they should be able to live free and enjoy their sex appeal.
My style is timeless with emphasis on tailoring and edgy cuts that stand the
test of time. I like to create looks that honestly express women of today by experimenting between power and sensitivity. In general I would say that I walk the line between haute couture and ready to wear aiming to create high end clothes that are cool.
I have been influenced by Alexander McQueen‘s creations for his unique craftsmanship as well as by Martin Margiela’s innovative cuts.
I want my brand to express my own attitude to life and not merely a style. I know have just started and I have a lot to learn.
Inspiration is a natural process – it’s actually part of who I am and it is a 24/7 procedure. It could refer to a concept I have come up with, a moment in time or a raw material. It often happens to me to visualize a design in my sleep and wake up to keep notes.
I have always liked to make staff with my own hands. I am self-taught and it was a big challenge for me to be able to make accessories that were wearable without the use of machines but merely based on traditional techniques.
I always loved leather as a material, its smell, texture, quality. People invest on
a good leather piece because it lasts over the years and that for me means it becomes truly sustainable.
A woman with self confidence and her own personal style is always stylish. You must not follow the trends blindly but create fashion by matching timeless pieces with modern ones.
I love fashion and our time but I miss innovation and originality in the way we witnessed them in the 20th century. Back then every decade was a twist. And the same was happening in the field of art. Nowadays it’s mostly a mix&match game, which is nice but it’s not totally new.
Creativity is my need to see the world differently through my senses. And to feel complete in what I do. It is the process of giving shape to something new or recreating something very old that moves me.
My style as an artwear designer is closer to rebellion and non conformity. The outfits I design become armors and I want them to speak out loud, to radiate confidence and to give power. Yes, I am in for extravagance! I love the artistry of the costumes and I love their uniqueness. Haute couture never meant to address existing needs but to create ones!
In the meta covid era street fashion is
the catwalk of the new reality. It is the peak of “anything goes” and it is very liberating.
My lab is where I meet myself. It’s like a constant date with my thoughts. In times of huge projects all the others see is pure chaos. But for me it’s different. I know where everything lays, even the smallest gizmo. Me lab is more than a work environment. With my close mates we have spent many nights working together and have built strong friendships and stories that accompany me through the years.
When I feel that I need “charging” I go to the sea. It is my battery.
He became widely known through his participation in the Greek GNTM. He managed not only to make it to the finals but also to familiarize the most mainstream audience with the non binary culture and aesthetics. He currently lives and studies in London and apart from being a model he is the co-founder of an online fashion magazine and in his free time he is part of the ballroom scene.
About his modeling super power
I think my modeling super power is honestly that I am not afraid! When I am in front of the camera I always try to bring something unique and different and I think that this is the most interesting thing about it!
About performing
Performing for me is a very broad subject – I can’t quite pinpoint where a performance starts or finishes. Modeling to a large extent is a performance. I am part of the ballroom scene where we dance –this a lot of times is a performance but at the same time it is culture! I think life itself is a performance. Let’s be real we always perform in terms of how we feel and what character we are so just enjoy being you!
Some designers whose work I really value are Alexander McQueen, Thierry Mygler and Rick Owens! Natasha Zinko is a designer that I have discovered
recently and I think she is pretty good and I really love the designs of the brand Ottolinger. I want designers that push the envelope, that give me something different or that have a design that makes me think about -not just something that it’s safe and cute – I think cute is the worst thing you can say when you think of clothes because it means it’s ok, it’s not bad, it’s not good, it’s just cute!
About London
Honestly the city vibe of London is something I absolutely love, there are so many things to do constantly and corners to explore and at the same time it’s small when you live there –like I constantly bump into people when I walk in the streets which is the last thing you would think that would be happening in London, at least not that easily. What I enjoy the most is the freedom to experiment and the ability to meet different things and people -you get introduced to a lot more things in London because of how much of a metropolis it is!
Social media is a tricky topic. For sure it is a beautiful thing that connects people. It gives you a place to kind of show who you are and share with others that might be interested in your aesthetic and what you are into. On the other hand it can be a bit dangerous – opinions of others, likes and dislikes and all that staff can get into the head of a lot of people but as long as you try to be let’s say, not too addicted or connected to it, it’s actually quite healthy! My intention is literally to post what I love, who I am, the kind of looks that I like and given the situation that a lot of queer people are in, it’s really beautiful to sometimes be that person that other people might see and think “what I am feeling and how I want to portray myself is okay, look there is this other person that is doing that”! Especially for the queer community it is like a big tool to connect us and give strength to other people that might be just starting out their gender exploration into who they are and I think that is a beautiful thing!
In terms of models, influencers and people I admire I would say that I’ve got too many -I know to some it might seem silly but my favorite person in the entire universe is Nicki Minaj! However if we talk about fashion more specifically, Coco Rocha is one of the best models in the world as to how she pushes the envelope with her posing and how she is not afraid in front of the camera and she is so versatile that I really look up to her. There is this model that I have grown to love this fashion year and he is called Ferrnando Casablancas and they are the epitome of taking masculinity and femininity and throwing it in the trash, we love it because they do all types of aesthetics and show how versatile the human body can be in terms of portrayal!
For anyone who doesn’t know I am the co-founder of Load Magazine. What we want to achieve is basically our creative vision as to how we see fashion. We ‘d like to kind of change peoples’ idea as to how limiting sometimes we see fashion in some platforms and popularized media -especially locally and push the idea that we shouldn’t have so many boundaries in how interesting fashion can be and show all different perspectives!
My wildest dream… I think… if it had to do with modeling I’d say get booked for a cover of one of the leading magazines like The Vogue, Dazed, i-D,
L’Officiel. Yeah, that to me would be incredible – it’s a wild modeling dream. My personal dreams I will keep secret for now!
A definition by #commonartist Vangelis Savvas
a place i have never been only through a memory an island and a child explorer and creator at the same time between reality and fantasy my own pocket universe the only place called home a place i have never left
