Fashion Through Years - Greece

Through the years, fashion has stepped up its game based on regions and upcoming trends. People’s clothing choices correlate with what’s popular; hence we can see how cultural trends affect fashion through the years, and vice versa. In ancient times, fabrics differed based on what was affordable in different regions. Linen, a hot climate fabric, was standard in Greece. Wool, another fabric, was also common in Greece thanks to its ability to fit in various weather conditions. Linen and wool were materials used for making tunics and himations. We can still see the fashionable loose cloth silhouettes of the time represented in Greek vase paintings and sculptures.

Sophia Kokosalaki, a famous Greek designer, worked with a lot of local designs and created her own style. Other famous names such as Karl Lagerfeld, Dolce & Gabbana, and Jean Paul Gaultier were inspired by her designs and thus created collections and local costumes inspired by the 18th and 19th centuries. Over the years ancient and modern designs started to coexist together around the 1930s. Sadly WWII interrupted this trend by starting a more sustainable era. Reusing and recycling became the new trend. The end of the war acted almost as powerful as an awakening when Dior was all over Europe spreading their designs. the 1950s became the tune of Europeanization and the good old “island look” got back on the table. The 70s and 80s were lost years when punk and disco became the new hit. 

At the beginning of 2000s Greek fashion found its feet again with embroidered pieces but with a touch of modern. Who knows what the future will add to the new chapter of Greek fashion?  

Works Cited: 

“Exhibition: Exploring 100 Years of Greek Chic.” Greece Is, 15 Jan. 2020, www.greece-is.com/exhibition-exploring-100-years-of-greek-chic/. 

Mark, Joshua J. “Ancient Greek Clothing.” World History Encyclopedia, 11 July 2023, www.worldhistory.org/article/20/ancient-greek-clothing/.