For one local designer the eighties were a classic period in fashion history
VERY rarely does one enter a clothes shop only to be blinded by delightful colours; not from the walls or curtains or furniture but from the clothes themselves. I tried hard to find a black piece amongst Mario Messios’ summer collection but it was hopeless. Mario is an up-coming fashion designer with a love of colours, circles and anything that involves the 50s and 80s.
“Because I grew up during the 80s, I have a love and admiration for the clothes and fashion in general,” said Mario, “and even though I have heard people saying that the 80s was a bad fashion statement, I disagree.” Despite being fascinated by the disco age, Mario knows that it was all a bit kitsch and this is where his talent comes in. “I think I’ve managed to take the kitsch part out of the clothes and mock them a bit by adding other touches,” he explained, “however I think that the basis of 80s fashion was brilliant.”
But how do the 50s fit in? “Well, I love the full round skirts that are all about the 50s,” said Mario pointing out a rack full of colourful, beautiful skirts. “I found that due to this style I could work with the circle as my foundation.” Hence the title of his collection ‘Come around’.
“Working with the circle was fairly easy and that’s precisely why I decided to work on the material and decorating more,” Mario explained, “but overall, the 50s were a beautiful decade that changed fashion all around.”
Although Mario is very anxious to keep his inspiration and love of clothes going, he has a realistic approach. “As much as I would like to go over the top and make extreme clothes, in Cyprus you can’t really do that,” he said, “and as much as fashion designers all over the world would like to come up with new trends, they can’t because it’s impossible to discover new things, everything has been done up to the 80s.”
Even though Mario was into dressing up from a very early age, his plans changed along the way. “Well, they weren’t exactly my plans,” Mario said laughing, “my father wanted me to become a mechanic, so I went to Technical School. But as soon as I finished I announced to my parents one day that I was going to continue my studies but in a completely different field. And that was fashion designing.” Marios went on to study the subject at Westminster University in London for three years. “I finished Westminster University with a first,” he said.
“As my final project for a fashion show at London’s fashion week, I had the idea of making all my clothes with one theme in mind,” Mario said, “and that was one of the main things people, and especially women, worry about: dieting.” All the materials were synthetic, which makes a person sweat and sweating makes you lose weight, while all the clothes were a one-piece statement. I found myself smiling when I realised that no black was among that collection either.
l Mario’s workshop and store is located at Annis Komninis 4, Nicosia
SEVEN QUESTIONS
What car do you drive?
I drive my mum’s old Opel
Describe your perfect weekend
My perfect weekend would be staying in with loads of DVDs, popcorn, friends and my four dogs
What is your greatest fear?
Loosing my inspiration
What is your earliest memory?
I remember the first time I went to the UK with my parents when I was 6
Assuming you believe in reincarnation, who or what would you come back as?
I would love to come back as a dog but not a lazy one. I would love to come back as an energetic dog.
What did you have for breakfast?
A bowl of Special K with strawberries
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
I don’t usually buy clothes but I did buy a pair of Diesel jeans recently
