Patterns of Magnificence: Hellenic center unveils ‘Greek Chic’ collection

London’s Hellenic Center is currently showcasing a new monumental exhibition of the ‘History of Greek
Fashion’. The exhibition unveils the largest traditional Greek costume collections ever showcased
outside Greece. Presented in collaboration with the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation Museum, the
complete collection is extremely rich and took over two years to assemble.

The collection focuses on fashion rich era of Greek History, ranging from the eighteenth to the
nineteenth century. These costumes showcase pieces for both genders and include clothes worn for
daily wear as well as for weddings and formal ceremonies. The curator Ioanna Papantoniou terms the
collection ‘Greek chic’, indicating a beautiful 18th century kaftan adorned with geometric patterns; to
gold thread-work embellished velvet jacket. These clothes show inspirations from grand socio-political
players of the region, from the Roman Empire to the Ottoman Empire.

The exhibition is a prime example for the historians to understand that national dress is not a singular
entity, rather all the different cultural influences of the region blend together to form an idea that shape
the face and soul of everyday outfits.

One of the main attractions of the show is ‘Amalia Jacket’. This traditionally embroidered, form-fitting,
front open, crop-top styled jacket was an introduction to Greek fashion by German-born Greek Queen
Amelia in 1836. This jacket is a perfect amalgam of traditional Greek garb with mainland Europe. A
popular clothing staple from Cyprus to Balkans, the Amalia jacket continued to be a favorite among the
masses till mid nineteenth century. This fashion showcase aims to show its viewers the influence of
fashion on its wearers.

London-based, Greek fashion designer, Marios Schwab, is one of the speakers of the exhibition. With his
deep regional background and passions, he is very enthusiastic to share his aspirations and historical
facts of Greek fashion and its momentous effects on the region and vice versa.

With all the ‘It’ celebrities wearing culturally significant items to pay tribute towards their respective
roots, the timing of this exhibition cannot be more significant. The ‘Greek Sandals’ by designers Christina
Martini and Nicholas Minoglou are a current fad. Introduced in 2011, these sandals saw up to 30% rise in
sales by 2013, and have been seen on celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Amanda Seyfried.

The curator of the Exhibition draws special attention towards ‘pleats’ featured in many costume pieces.
‘Pleats are at the base for all pieces’. The earliest example of this style presented in the exhibition is a
red bodice packed with pleats. Given the fact that red dye was an expansive fashion choice at that time,
the particular garment would have belonged to a rich lady.

The pleats trend is also a prominent feature in current Burberry and JW Anderson collections. The
statuette draping of fabric for iconic Greek lines in costumes has long been a accustomed practice in the
fashion industry. More contemporary designers Galliano, Jil Sander and Jean Paul Gaultier show
aspirations from traditional Greek designs in their creations.

This exhibition is a perfect platform to showcase Greek culture on an international scale.