Looking Ahead to Summer at AFW35

A world away from the polished neoclassical elegance of the Zappeion – the venue for AFW’s spring shows – the Petrini Apothiki (stone warehouse) brought a raw, industrial energy. Nestled amid the bustling port, the space buzzed with life, offering an eclectic backdrop. The towering ferry just beyond the building provided a striking and unconventional setting, perfect for impromptu photo shoots.

Summer Collections

Parthenis’s SS25 collection, “Metamorphoses,” infused minimalist elegance with a touch of luminosity. Think linens with a subtle sheen and fabrics that caught the light with a hint of metallic shimmer. Loose hoods, an effortlessly stylish touch for any gender, crowned flowing, body-conscious silhouettes. Meanwhile, 4Tailors’ “Melted Ice Cream” collection brought streetwear to the runway with style and ease. Long pants paired with bikini-inspired tops, flowing shirts, sleek shifts, and tailored shorts and jackets created a seamless fusion of laid-back elegance and urban flair.

Lush botanical prints anchored Chrysanthi Farmaki Creations’ SS’25 “Exotic Elegance” collection. Standouts included loose knee-length dresses with sharp pleats or playful ruffles, along with dressy separates, all crafted in luxurious silky fabrics. Daphne Valente’s “Living Sculpture” collection truly lived up to its name, with her signature pleating lending each piece an almost architectural quality while still celebrating the figure beneath. The collection included looks for any hour or occasion, from urban outings during the day to festive nights out. 

An Excursion to the Athenian Riviera

Vassilis Zoulias’ SS’25 collection “A Summer Place” brought everyone to a seaside landmark of mid-century modernism. The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens a symbol of post-war Greek glamour, provided the perfect backdrop for the collection. Film star Maria Ioannidou, dazzling in metallic fuchsia, opened the show to “Crazy Girl” from the 1967 Zoe Laskari film. A soundtrack of ‘60’s pop and surf music followed, complementing the sartorial spirit of the era, as the runway filled with  diaphanous gowns with dramatic caped shoulders, v-back sleeveless dresses with bell skirts, swimwear and kaftans, and chic city dresses. The sunny seaside affair ended with Prosecco, leaving a celebratory mood in the air.

New Designers

Athens Fashion Week also offered a glimpse into the work of emerging designers. RK Fashion School showcased student creations, followed by an exciting series of shows from fresh talent: Keeklos, known for its sustainable, conscientious street fashion; Kekoa, whose best look was a striking floor-length red vinyl gown with a faux-fur hooded cape; Vickay, who won the Best New Designer award; Dear by Agapitos Kouros, a bold, inventive collection by the architectural designer and winner of Best Trendsetter;  Scala Di Barelier, who impressed with elegant menswear, winning Best Catwalk; Vasileiades Athanasios, who impressed with many exceptional pieces; and Katerina Koutsounaki, whose “Yiayia Loula” collection paid tribute to her grandmother, a skilled seamstress.

The present

Yiorgos Eleftheriadis unveiled his AW24/5 collection “Urban Stories.” A prominent figure in Greek fashion for over two decades, Eleftheriadis’ work highlighted natural, eco-conscious textiles, offering versatile pieces with strong presence. Olga Karaververis’ glamorous “All Around the World” collection drew on a variety of influences. Kathy Heyndels / Marios Togos presented “Darkness,” focusing on lustrous blacks, shimmering deep neutrals with paillettes, and crystals. Tassos Mitropoulos’ debuted his “Andromeda” collection, while ISSI/Stratos Elefteriou staged a dramatic show of post avant-garde menswear.

Next Winter….

Dassios’ FW25/26 collection “The Return” was a contemplative presentation of draped velvets in bordeaux and vivid purple, with laces and light metallics. Each piece moved beautifully, exuding a sense of authentic drama and elegance. Dimitris Dassios, a trained actor and classical singer and former National Opera House performer, brought his theatrical background to life in a beautifully orchestrated show. Expressive hair, crafted by the Design Art Academy team led by Fotis Giakoumatos, added an extra layer to the narrative, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event.