A touch of class
The fashion designer who dreams of silk, satin and afternoon tea
Two years ago, I met one of Cyprus’ upcoming fashion designers for an interview. It was the poncho season and she had just finished her new line, a fascinating, sophisticated take on the then ‘in’ garment.
Back then, it didn’t take a fashion expert to realise her potential, and sure enough today Sia Dimitriadi is one of the most talented, talked about designers on the island.
Since we last spoke, the Scottish Cypriot fashionista has spread her wings and matured, so this time when we talked fashion, it was about more than ponchos. This girl now has a whole collection to her name!
“I can proudly say that I’m taking a bigger career step, and everything I have dreamed of is finally happening,” she says, standing amongst her collection of gorgeous pieces of clothing.
“The fact that I have managed to create a business, which not only means having a production unit but also designing two collections a year, is something I am very proud of.”
I had received a catalogue from the new collection, along with an invitation to one of Sia’s fashion shows last month, therefore familiarising myself with the silk and satin evening dresses, high-waisted skirts and French lace blouses that could bring tears of joy to any fashion-lover’s eyes.
However, amongst the beautiful clothes housed in Sia’s new studio-showroom, lies a bigger question. Can someone really become a successful fashion designer in Cyprus?
Like many top fashion designers, Sia has never taken any educational courses on the subject. “I haven’t studied fashion design or anything similar to that…but then again neither did Versace!”
After finishing school, Sia went to England, where she worked in a boutique in London as a manager for two years. Soon after that, she decided to make Cyprus her base and began designing, something she had always done. “It probably all started when I used to make clothes for my Barbie dolls,” she says. “I made my first dress when I was 14 and wore it to a party. It wasn’t pink, by the way, it was a black satin baby doll dress!”
None of this has been easy. Fulfilling any dream takes dedication and hard work, fashion designing in particular.
“I started five years ago and I’ve still got a lot of work to do, especially in a country like Cyprus but I wouldn’t leave. This is my base and I like it here,” she says.
Sia admits the fashion industry in Cyprus isn’t exactly booming but “fashion designers are springing up a lot lately. Unfortunately very few make it all the way.”
The popular belief is that most local fashion designers make a living thanks to the never-ending demand for a fabulous, unique, made-to-measure wedding dress. “It’s madness,” Sia says, “but the truth is very few have collections twice or even once a year. Most of the designers in Cyprus are wedding dress makers. They’re the popular, well-known names in Cyprus as far as fashion designing goes.”
So has she designed a wedding dress? “I have! Do you want to see it?”
Just like everything Sia does, the wedding dress, a beautiful romantic, floaty, simple yet elegant, silk-lined off-white garment is a far cry from the typical wedding dresses designed in Cyprus.
She is a person who is making a difference in the Cyprus market. Tucked away not only in her studio but also away from the rest of the world, Sia seems to be blissfully oblivious to the rock/emo/boho themes that are so big at the moment. “I have never bought into a trend and that is something I’m trying to show through my designs. As an admirer of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, I believe fashion should be beautiful and elegant and ladylike,” she explains.
Indeed, looking at her collection, there is no sign of leggings, no skulls and no chains. In fact, if you dressed up a bunch of women with Sia’s collection, you’d probably feel as if you had stepped onto the set of a Hollywood production. And this is exactly the image Sia wants to create.
“Sitting down for tea in your hat and gloves, and then wearing something different to lunch and dinner while being draped in silk and French lace is so fascinating to me. But I am aware that we can’t be as careless, because it’s just easier throwing on a fleece and some trainers at the fast pace rhythm of living we do.”
But there’s no harm in being able to provide this comfort for those who wish to experience that lifestyle, even momentarily,” she says.
Sia’s clothes are available from her studio in Nicosia. Call 22 375039 for a personal fitting. Also available at Flexi Boutique, Nicosia 22 767003 and Felisi, Strovolos 22 673673
Sia’s style tips
l You have to fall in love with an item to buy it. I find it a shame to buy something, no matter how much it costs, and not wear it. So, I think that the same thought should go into purchasing an item that costs 1 or 1000. The main thing, however, is to love it and be 100 per cent sure about it.
l Less is more! And I’m not talking about fewer clothes. If, for instance, you have a special occasion to go to and you are wearing a fabulous dress, don’t overdo the make-up and for heaven’s sake, avoid looking like you’ve just stepped out of the hairdressers. Look fresh and natural, otherwise you’re killing the dress. This is also where I would like to point out that if you insist on spending a month’s salary on something fantastic, always make it a dress because it’s a good idea to have two or three, you can fall back on whatever the occasion. It’s an investment!
l Accessorise with shoes and bags. I’m not one for matching the two, but I think it’s important to have a nice pair of shoes and a bag. But as far as accessories go, go for a statement piece. I always wear one big ring (a beautiful green stone one).
l Take care of your clothes. Even people who love fashion and clothes sometimes do not know how to properly take care of their garments once they are in the closet. The secret is lavender, cushions of lavender between your clothes to soften and keep them smelling nice. It’s what they used to do in the old days, placing them among their panties and tights and even wrap them up and place them in their bag. It will instantly make you feel better and clothes last forever. Not surprisingly, lavender cushions are available from Sia’s studio.
l Dress for you! You need to feel amazing, so make sure you dress for you and you alone.
l Comfort is luxury! Enough said!
