Known for the timelessness of his ultra-feminine designs adorned with elegance and sophistication, Vassilis Zoulias was a standout force at the bi-annual Athens Fashion Week last Sunday. After being a leading Greek editor for over 20 years, including for Vogue Greece in the 80s and 90s, Zoulias decided to put his long-held aspiration of being a fashion designer into reality back in 2002 when he opened his very own boutique. Now designer of ready-to-wear, haute couture and bridal collections, Zoulias’ designs have been featured in hit Netflix show Emily in Paris season 2 where he showed of his opulent haute couture skills throughout the episodes creating an internet craze for the pieces, alongside designing an exquisite headpiece worn by the one and only Lady Gaga.
Voir is excited to tell you that we got an exclusive preview of Zoulias’ beautifully laid out showroom and store ahead of the show and we are here to bring you all the important details, including a closer look at the accessories designed by his right-hand man – Pericles Kondylatos.
Zoulias’ showroom falls nothing short of his luxurious nature; it’s chic and elevated with a glamorous edge as he sits at his desk surrounded by an outstanding archive of Vogue magazines dating back to before we were born! On the couch he had laid out polaroid snaps of all the looks we were expecting to see on the runway the next day, with details of the styling, including the jewellery, laid out around the rest of the showroom in preparation for the show.
As we walked through the marble-clad townhouse peeking into each bespoke room, we walked into what can only be likened to Aladdin’s Cave – here we saw the best of Pericles Kondylatos’ jewellery creations to compliment Zoulias’ designs and in our eyes just as important as the clothes. We were dazzled by the gold head pieces on the top shelf complemented by rich hues of the rouge rubies and other stones below. All the jewellery was impeccably intricate with eye-catching diamonds shining through amongst the shelves alongside delicate feathers and furs creatively placed on earrings and necklaces with accessories inspired by Greek Gods laid out on the table.
We were also shown to the store part of Zoulias’ building which was painted in a blooming lavender shade with the clothes meticulously placed carefully in sections and a shoe per shelf. Pictures hugged every spare wall, and everything came together with the large mirrors and the mannequins dotted around the area.
When the show rolled around our expectations were high from the day before and both Zoulias and Kondylatos did not disappoint. The runway was held at a stunning location: the Piraeus Municipal Theatre where the seating arrangements were placed both inside and outside as the runway stretched across the whole of the grand building.
Voir was front row outside and got to witness models emerging from the magnificent entrance of the building adorned with colossal pillars in the traditional Greek stone and created a feel that can only be likened to a palace, in line with Zoulias’ brand.
The looks themselves were incredibly elegant and luxurious as the dresses draped in a fluid form around the model’s bodies in emerald green and lavender. Black and white tones were a standout staple on the runway creating a chic and sophisticated feel in the form of neck ties, pencil dresses, and skirt and blazer co-ords mixed in with cream coloured tartan pieces and all matched chupalla hats and oversized sunglasses.
The jewellery elevated the designs to the next level as oversized mother of pearl drop earrings complimented a velvet maroon jacket, crystals matched the colours of the runway and shimmering stones delicately echoed the flowing fabric of the dresses with the theme clearly being oversized drop earrings effortlessly framing the face.
The star of the show was a structured long-sleeve, open back dress which was most likely crafted from a laminated silk or satin material to give it it’s high-gloss mirror-like effect, or a taffeta or organza for its sculptural volume as it cascaded down the runway and stunned every single audience member with its presence.
Voir was left incredibly impressed after Zoulias’ showcase at Athens Fashion Week with his stunning display of creativity, innovation, and style. His ability to seamlessly blend classic elegance with modern flair left the audience in awe. From the intricate detailing of the couture pieces to the bold statements made through silhouette and Kondylatos’ jewellery designs, the show was an excellent balance of sophistication and artistic expression.
Zlata Gavula
Inside Vassilis Emmaneul Zoulias Studio
