A case in fashion imitating art

Having come from a long line of designers and dressmakers on her mother's side, Olga Savvidis was destined to follow in the footsteps of generations past. The successful artist has established her own designer label, Lucias Moon. Olga's passion for design was kindled at a young age. "I have grown up watching my mother designing and sewing some of the most beautiful and original clothes imaginable," she says.

Her dynamic clothing line consists of highly creative, handmade and playful and decorative tops, streetwear leather, hardware jewellery and luxurious wraps. Unlike many fashion labels in the marketplace, Olga's collection stands out by virtue of its originality and bold and innovative references to modern art. "The unique aspect of my designs is that they are one-offs; they are modern works of art in the textile medium," she explains. As an artist, visual arts scholar and enthusiast, she has used fashion design as a vehicle to pay tribute to her favourite artists, including the likes of Picasso, Miro and constructivist artist, Vladimir Tatlin. "My approach to creating my fashion line is no different to the way I create my paintings or sculpture." She goes on to explain the similarities between creating an original work of art, such as a painting, and designing a fashion piece.

"The end result and the way I choose to exhibit my creations are not that dissimilar. For example, my designs are hung on the torso and not on the wall and my jewellery pieces are displayed around the flesh instead of on a pedestal or mounting."

One of her pieces, entitled Playtime with Picasso and Braque (a long sleeved crew neck top with a collage of leather pieces, black ribbon, loose stitching and hardware), was inspired by Picasso's collage paintings of the early 20th Century. Another more delicate and feminine creation, entitled Flowers of Paradise, was inspired by the floral paintings of American artist Georgia O'Keeffe.

The surrealistic works of Joan Miro also inspired a cotton tank top by the name of Miro's Morning Crayons. Just like a unique piece of artwork, Olga has designed art that anyone can wear.

For more information on Olga Savvidis' works of art, visit www.olgasavvidis.com/