In optimistic fashion

During recessions, fashion generally takes on a darker, more sombre mood. Dull shades of blacks and greys dominate the runways while 'recessionistas' emerge thrifty, demanding durable fabrics and conservative, simpler styles to ensure longevity.

One might expect this year's Athens Fashion Week to be marred by Greece's current financial crisis, but instead the five-day event signalled a colourful display of optimism. At the 13th Athens Fashion Week, which wrapped up last Sunday, over 20 Greek veteran and newcomer fashion designers joined state officials in voicing hope for a brighter future for Greece through their vibrant collections for Autumn/Winter 2011/2012, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Athens Mayor George Kaminis inaugurated the event, saying "we welcome visitors to this special party which aims to promote Athens as a city which dares to embrace new ideas and move forward, supporting creativity and cultural expression". Athens Fashion Week aims to promote Greek fashion as an element of culture, which could contribute to national efforts to boost economic development as well, Kaminis and representatives of the local fashion industry said.

Greek and international designers joined forces for the extravaganza at Technopolis in Athens, with Daphne Valente, Kathy Heyndels, Aslanis, Makis Tselios and younger creators. Their collections showcased bright colours, playful styles and contemporary tailored designs, reflecting a balance between ancient Greek simplicity and modern sophistication. Designer Dimitris Dassios' opening "Arabesque" themed show was impossibly eye-catching, with reflective blacks juxtaposed against vibrant reds and fabulous magentas.

His use of feathers, fur, fringe and tassles created an old-world decadence. Vassilios Kostetsos' show was divided into two parts, beginning with the designer's Spring/Summer 2011 collection "Vases & the Amazons" and then showing the "Garbo" Autumn/Winter 2012 womenswear and menswear collection. Kostetsos' Summer collection was all about vivid colours, with plenty of fuchsia, red and blue, while the Autumn/Winter collection included darker colours, with lots of black and brown.

The menswear collection was a modern take on Ancient Greek, giving Greek god a 'street' twist with roman sandals, long drapey t-shirts and Greek headdresses. The men donned t-shirts with images of ancient Greek gods and leather was featured highly in Kotetsos's collection, not only on the sandals worn by the models but also within the clothes and jewels.