Athens Fashion Week SS25: at the intersection of innovation and tradition

Athens Fashion Week (AFW), held from 6-9 November, showcased an unforgettable display of style, innovation, and artistry. The event took place at the Piraeus Port’s Stone Warehouse (Petrini Apothiki), standing out for its industrial yet elegant atmosphere. This setting juxtaposed Athens’ rich heritage with cutting-edge fashion design, blending old and new, local and global, firmly placing Athens on the global fashion map.

The AFW SS25 lineup featured a stunning array of collections from renowned Greek and international designers, promising young talent, and a plethora of new partnerships. With an expanded program and a fresh location, this year’s AFW proved to be bigger, bolder, and even more inspiring than last year’s!

A Star-Studded Designer Lineup

The Stone Warehouse came alive with breathtaking collections from both established designers and emerging talent. Olga Karaververi presented "All around the world," drawing inspiration from the diversity and richness of cultures worldwide. Tasos Mitropoulos’ "Andromeda" combined black with metallic textures. Orsalia Parthenis, with her unique aesthetic and approach, presented "Metamorphoses," featuring iconic casualwear designs perfectly layered with a renewed and individual perspective, transforming the runway into an Arabian desert. Dassios’ "Return" was an experiential journey through his influences from the history of costume, cinema cult, opera, and theatre. Georgios Eleftheriadis brought diversity, authenticity, modern cuts and pure streetwear with "Urban Stories". Marios Togos and Kathy Heyndels presented "Darkness," a romantic and sensual collection.

Daphne Valente, faithful to her 20th-century sculptural influences, brought elegance and modern rarity to the runway presenting "Living Sculpture". Body-hugging dresses, accessories, and three-dimensional elements were captured in a palette of deep colors evoking minerals.

Vasilis Zoulias chose a different setting to present "A Summer Place." At Arion, Four Seasons Astir Palace, by the sea, the Greek '60s cinema came alive again. Airy pastels, prints, stripes, and checkered fabrics adorned the promenade. The accessories, handmade bags, and Pericles Kondylatos' gorgeous jewelry screamed summer and made all the difference.

On the fourth day, the end of AFW came with John Richmond's collection, heavily influenced by the music scene. His show embodied the energy and chaos of underground life, bringing us back to the UK post-punk scene. The Italy-based British designer with strong '80s influences made the old new again with striking silhouettes, baggy trousers, huge, long skirts, kilts, and exaggerated shoulders. His collection is deeply personal, with a nostalgic nod to old Manchester. For the occasion, John Richmond collaborated with Peter Hook, bassist and co-founder of the post-punk band Joy Division, in composing drum and synthesizer pieces, creating the soundtrack for the show.

Celebrating Emerging Talent: The New Designers Awards

AFW day three had a pleasant surprise in store. Up-and-coming designers presented their collections, making it difficult for the jury to decide the winners. Exquisite details, unusual materials, originality, and imaginative designs proved that Greek fashion continues to be cultivated and developed.

The first prize, Best New Designer, was won by VICKĀY, with a collection inspired by Joanna of Lorraine, a legendary woman who was also the first to dare to wear knight armor. The designer combined the simplicity of a woman's dress with armor, highlighting the strength found in softness.

The second award, Best Trendsetter, was won by Dear by Agapitos Kouros with his collection "Empathy," placing women at the epicenter and bringing a breath of fresh air to the runway with bold cutouts and lacing finishes.

The third prize, Best Catwalk, was won by Scala di Barelier by Nikolas Barelier, with his collection "Contemporary Renaissance" that presented class, timeless elegance, and comfort in a line inspired by men's suits, captured in autumnal patterns and colors.

An Ideal Venue: The Stone Warehouse at Piraeus Port

The industrial grandeur of the Stone Warehouse made a perfect backdrop for the collections, merging historical architecture with modern creativity. This unique location infused the shows with a cool, edgy vibe that brought out the best in each designer’s work. More than just a venue it became a part of the shows with the energy of the port and the city of Athens enhancing the entire experience.

The Future of Greek Fashion Shines Bright

This year’s Athens Fashion Week demonstrated not only the strength of Greece’s fashion scene but also its potential to influence global trends. With its new location, broader lineup, and strong support for emerging designers, AFW is set to grow as a central event in the international fashion calendar. As AFW renews its commitment to sustainability and creativity, it’s clear that Greek fashion has found its voice—one that’s both timeless and forward-thinking.

Fashion lovers, stay tuned: Athens Fashion Week returns in the spring, and if this season was any indication, we’re in for another style treat!