This year’s Change makers event, held by Vogue Greece at Athens Concert Hall on 5 November, brought together some of fashion’s most influential figures to discuss how the industry is evolving in our rapidly changing world. The event, facilitated by international editor-at-large Sarah Bailey, was an insightful journey into the intersections of creativity, heritage, identity, sustainability, and inclusivity, with an impressive lineup of speakers sharing diverse perspectives.
Creative Visions: Heritage, Craftsmanship & Innovation
The discussion began with designer Mary Katrantzou, known for her colorful and deeply complex prints, exploring how art and technology are shaping fashion. She emphasized her Greek heritage as a foundation for creativity and encouraged designers to harness AI as a research tool rather than a barrier to progress. She became emotional when speaking about her relationship with her University Professor and mentor, Louise Wilson, former head of the MA fashion course at Central Saint Martins, London, and highlighted the importance of never giving up.
Casey Cadwallader, creative director of Mugler, reflected on his architecture background, explaining how he designs for women by considering the interplay between comfort, structure, and personal empowerment. He underlined the importance of personal research when seeking inspiration or new material and the dangers of feeding our creativity through the same algorithmic outputs.
Meanwhile, Sandra Choi, creative director of Jimmy Choo, celebrated three decades of the brand, speaking on the importance of heritage, confidence, and timeless glamour. She referred to Jimmy Choo pieces as unbranded and how Princess Diana wore older Jimmy Choos and not the most recent pair, which made her realize that the constant pursuit of something new is not always necessary. New generations put their contemporary spin on the old, making it fresh again.
The Greek Factor: Greek Creative Jewellery at the Forefront
Greek jewelry’s international success explained by Yiannis Sergakis, Ileana Makri, and Arion Spyridis discussing the industry’s extroversion. Each designer highlighted Greek craftsmanship’s global appeal and innovative spirit, the challenges of the crisis, and the opportunities presented by this threat.
What lies ahead: Sustainability, Trends, Technology, Diversity & Inclusion
In a panel on the future of fashion, Alexander Fury, Linda Loppa, and Okya Kuryshchu discussed the complex interplay of sustainability, identity, and trends. They argued that fashion education should embrace anthropology, critiquing the fast success and disposability that media often glamorizes. Their call was clear: longevity and depth should define the future of fashion.
The Power of the Muse
Fashion icon Marisa Berenson, granddaughter of legendary designer Elsa Schiaparelli, in conversation with Filep Motwary, shared reflections on beauty, confidence, and the responsibilities that come with her iconic status. She offered an intimate view of her journey of self-acceptance and the significance of her role in fashion history, as well as the responsibility borne by a fashion icon.
It’s Magic: The Making of a Fashion Show
Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou, Michel Gaubert, Alexandre De Betak, and Lucien Pages gave their unique insights into what goes on behind the scenes when producing a fashion show. They highlighted the evolution of shows and the impact of COVID that made shows digital and now hybrid experiences. Shows are much more approachable with a wider reach, with celebrity and influencer power bringing the runway to a changed audience. For a show to be successful, it must be an emotional, memorable experience, relevant to the house. A place where no rules apply, without limits to what’s imaginable, shows use huge budgets and run for very few minutes and a few people.
Creative Voices: Storytelling and Empowerment
From Iris Van Herpen’s multidisciplinary approach blending art, architecture, and nature, and her perspective of fashion as the highest form of art interconnecting with all aspects of life, to Diane von Fürstenberg’s legendary wrap dress story, this session showcased enduring creativity. Cindy Bruna underlined the significance of diversity in front of the camera and spoke intimately about abuse, also covered in her new book Le Jour où j'ai arrêté d'avoir peur and her work with the charity organization Solidarité Femmes. Von Fürstenberg reflected on the legacy of her dress as a symbol of empowerment, her mission to make kindness sexy, and the power of resilience in shaping one’s story, stating that success is not what writes one’s story, but difficulties.
Change makers by Vogue Greece demonstrated that fashion, at its best, can mirror the complexities of our world and inspire meaningful progress. Through these conversations, it was evident that the industry’s future lies in blending creativity with responsibility and shaping an inclusive, innovative world.
Comments