FASHION

Valentina Koutsoudis is a Cypriot fashion designer based in London. She graduated from Middlesex University with a BA in Fashion Design. She gained experience interning at Azura Lovisa and now Folkmona, alongside running her own slow fashion, handmade brand called KoutsKouture.
Valentina’s designs reflect her voice and story. Her work is inspired by her beliefs, identity , Cypriot heritage, and elements of who she is as a designer , allowing her to create contemporary and sustainable pieces which are representative of her journey. As a revert to Islam, Valentina faced challenges within her community and found herself at a crossroad where being Cypriot and Muslim juxtaposed one another. She emphasises that one’s faith journey doesn’t compromise their cultural identity nor their creative expression.
She challenges this paradox throughout her work, by fusing design elements such as the traditional practice of handmade ‘Lefkaritika Lace’ , with elements of modesty through oversized silhouettes and head coverings. She seeks to fuse and honour traditional Cypriot craftmanship and heritage whilst still referencing her aesthetic and narrative. 

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Contact details: valentinakouts@gmail.com 

Folkmona Brand, founded by Andreani Panayide, stands as a cultural beacon dedicated to the preservation of Cyprus's rich heritage. Born out of a passion for tradition and inspired by the fabric of Alatsia, Folkmona seamlessly intertwines the past with the present.

Specializing in the reimagining of traditional costumes, Folkmona breathes new life into age-old designs. Andreani's vision extends beyond fashion, fostering a commitment to cultural education and preservation. As a member of the Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus, Folkmona actively contributes to exhibitions promoting Cypriot traditions, including showcases in "Gardens of the Future" in Cyprus and the "High Commission of Cyprus" in London.

Beyond aesthetics, Folkmona serves as a cultural bridge, connecting generations and embodying the essence of Cyprus's identity. With each garment, Folkmona not only celebrates the vibrancy of tradition but also ensures its endurance in the contemporary world. Through Andreani's dedication and creative flair, Folkmona emerges as a testament to the timeless beauty of cultural heritage. 

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Contact details: folkmona@hotmail.com 

I recently completed an MA in Curating Contemporary Art from the Royal College of Art (RCA) and a BA in Art from the University of Reading, which has given me a strong foundation in curating public programs and creative collaboration. Currently, I work as a Visitor Experience Assistant at Somerset House, a role that, along with my previous experience at Modern Art Oxford, has honed my skills in engaging diverse audiences and facilitating meaningful interactions and experiences. My curatorial practice delves into curating contexts, art as a social practice, and creating functional spaces for social interactions. Throughout my studies, I immersed myself in curatorial practices, public programming, community engagement, and creative and critical writing. One of the highlights of my academic journey was our Master’s Degree Show, where our curatorial group developed the reciproCITY project proposal.This project aimed to expose the effects of intentional displacement caused by the lack of social housing in London. This project encapsulated my passion for addressing social issues through art and curatorial practice.​

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Contact details: seltuzel@gmail.com

Petros Kourtellaris is a Cyprus born, Wales trained and London based designer who works across the principles of set, costume and makeup. Upon finishing high school with distinction and completing his military service he enrolled at royal welsh college of music and drama. He graduated in 2020 with first class honours. In 2021, he was one of the 12 recipients of the Linbury Prize and has consequently showcased his work at the National theatre. He has worked both in theatre and film for prestigious projects  for netflix, disney, and the bbc. His most recent project “Boy with a thousand faces” was a performance artist for Sessions x spel, which saw the exploration of three archetypes, a soldier, venus and the lady of the lent. 

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Contact details: kourtellarispetros@hotmail.com 

I'm Ioanna Georgiou, Mathematics Educator, Author&Artist. As an artist I am interested in bringing art to everyday life. My designs, which are bold in colour and movement, are original handmade using a variety of paints on card. They are then carefully transferred to objects by experts to create striking products for everyday use. I focus on Homeware&Accessories. My artist and social media name, YoaYeo, is part of the phonetic pronunciation of my name Ioanna Georgiou, Yoana Yeoryiou, or Ιωάννα Γεωργίου. The ΙΓ logo in the background of my designs comes from my initials in Greek. It is the same as I was using on my childhood paintings to show continuity but also change through time. As an author, I am particularly interested in mathematical storytelling. I am looking into how we can answer the "why's" but also allow ourselves to explore unlikely lives and discoveries. I have written two illustrated children's and teenagers' books. Mathematical adventures! (2020) and Peculiar Deaths of Famous Mathematicians (2022). I have a new monthly blog that will become a book in a year's time, Mathematics with Friends with the same collaborators (Publisher: Tarquin, Illustrator: Asuka Young) 

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Contact details: i.georgiou@hotmail.co.uk 

The Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus ( FHNC) is a new pioneering platform that strives to celebrate and preserve Cypriot fashion heritage through contemporary sustainable fashion. This network consists of young Cypriot fashion designers and artists who aim to explore the beauty and 4 uniqueness of Cypriot fashion heritage through zero-waste and sustainable fashion designs and art pieces. As an intercommunal initiative, the group includes 40 young Cypriots volunteers who reside both in Cyprus and in the diaspora. The FHNC promotes its values through exhibitions and events and online content. Christina Dymioti is an award-winning social entrepreneur and marketing professional working in the sustainability industry. Additionally, Christina is a dedicated fashion sustainability activist working with Fashion Revolution and contributing to various international sustainable fashion initiatives. As a youth leader at the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society, she had the unique opportunity to attend an event at Buckingham Palace to meet the Royal Family. 

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Contact details: christinadymioti@gmail.com