Fashion week comes to Nicosia
Last weekend saw the island’s capital host the first ever Cyprus Fashion Week, a fixture organisers hope will take place twice a year
Skipping across puddles along the way, I caught a glimpse of myself in a shop window and for a moment felt reassured that I would actually fit into a crowd that wasn’t easy to keep up with. However, my last skip came to a screeching halt when a sudden flash of light went off in my face and I was surrounded by gorgeous people. Somewhere between fidgeting with my skirt and revaluating my shoe decision, I had arrived on the red carpet and my first Fashion Week experience, and that of Cyprus had begun.
People were gathering under a black marquee with red chandeliers dangling from the highest points outside the venue for the big event – Nicosia’s Famagusta Gate. What could possibly be described as the most important moment of fashion in Cyprus was about to begin.
Two catwalks (a second venue had been created at the nearby Melina Mercouri Hall) were set to host the autumn/winter 2008 designs from 23 local and guest designers over the three-day event. Nicosia’s ancient Venetian Wall proved and Famagusta Gate and looked absolutely stunning under the blue lighting. Once inside, all eyes turned to the front row, where a parade of pricey handbags, shoes and sunglasses was taking place as the island’s who’s who lined the catwalk. High profile guests were led by the singer Anna Vissi, and musician George Theofanous, who said the shows demonstrated that Cyprus needs no longer worship only those things that come from overseas.
Within minutes music blared from the speakers as lights dimmed and the runway lit up. Although outside the weather was bordering on summer heat during the three days, inside autumn and winter was all anybody cared about. Topping the bill was Cyprus-born, Paris-based designer Erotokritos, who arrived on Friday among a flood of flashbulbs. Next up was one of Cyuprus’ best established designers, Kika Ioannidou. The majority of those on show were from Cyprus and Greece although a few foreigners were included in the loine-up.
A lot of black was seen in most of the shows, with the noteable exceptions of Kika Ioannidou, Pantelis Panteli and Yiannos Xenis. Kika focused on everyday, casual knitwear, pairing coloured, belted cardigans with white tights and coloured shoes. She made a brilliant attempt at mixing retro silk velvets with rough, space–suit fabrics, chiffons and wools. Xenis focused on shiny materials gearing towards gold and sliver while Panteli suggested bold block colours like red on a black and white background. Marina Sophocleous was among my favourites with an outstanding vision of good versus bad and contrasting fabrics such as leather and chiffon. If you like your clothes with an edgy look, Marina’s collection has a rock and sexy feel to it. Ramona Filip’s autumn/winter creations were focused on luxury and femininity. With a very neo-retro ‘50’s-meet-now silhouette, her palette of colours featured black, grey, flesh tones and rusty silver reminiscent of Parisian couture. Notis Panayiotou put on a fabulous show with bright coloured wigs worn by the models who were presenting jewellery made by the designer. Overall, Cyprus’ fashion designers were in tune with their rather more high profile counterparts, suggesting a contrast of materials such as leather, wool and chiffon. And don’t be too afraid to experiment with colour because it’s seemed as though it will be big this coming winter.
Building on the success of the first event, a second fashion week is planned for October to showcase designs for the coming spring/summer season. Rather grander objectives of the event, according to organisers, are to turn the island into a regional fashion hub for Cyprus, the Middle East and the Balkans and to grow the fashion industry here. “With the city’s ancient Venetian Wall as a backdrop underlying our rich past, we give fashion a future,” said Marilena Ierodiakonou, Director Of Dias Publishing’s Magazines Division, Publisher Of Harper’s Bazaar Magazine in Cyprus and organiser of the Event.
Cyprus Fashion Week was organised by Dias Publishing House, Sigma TV, Galaxias Productions, Coca Cola Light and the Cyprus Fashion Designers Association.
