If there was one person who could bring the best of global fashion to Greece, it was Mary Katrantzou. Greek herself, Katrantzou decided to show her latest breathtaking collection of couture gowns set against the ancient backdrop of the Temple of Poseidon. The collection, inspired by Greek history, could have been shown in London, Paris, Milan, or […]
Category: Mary Katrantzou
Mary Katrantzou, the Greek-born, London-based designer, burst onto the scene in 2008 with prints that were, “almost beyond imaginable limits.” Because of her innovations with computer-based prints of typewriters, shoes, jewelry, and perfume bottles—which were rabidly copied at every price point—the magazine dubbed her London’s “daughter of the digital revolution.”
Inquiry and flexibility seems to be part of Katrantzou’s DNA: She started out studying architecture at Rhode Island School of Design, the transferred to Central Saint Martins for textile design, gradually seguing from creating patterns for interiors to those for fashion while working with Sophia Kokosalaki. Since then, honors—including multiple prizes from the British Fashion Awards—and collaborations with Topshop, Current/Elliott, Adidas, and Lesage, among others, have been lavished upon her.
Though she found immediate success with her innovative patterns, to think of Katrantzou only in terms of print or tech would be a mistake, because she’s continually pushing and evolving. “The Marchesa Luisa Casati once stated, ‘I want to be a living work of art,’” Katrantzou explained, “and by adorning themselves in the culture and the history of art and design, women can indulge in the luxury of craftsmanship.” The luxury of craftsmanship is exactly what Katrantzou delivers, by means both high-tech and analog.