Ten days ago model with a Cypriot heritage Sophia Hadjipanteli captivated the crowd at Zandra Rhodes’ book launch for ICONIC: My Life in Fashion in 50 Objects in London. Held at The Dorchester hotel in Mayfair, the event saw Hadjipanteli dressed in a stunning gown by Cypriot designer Michalis Pantelidis. This dress, part of Pantelidis’ Artisanal Entrances collection, celebrates Cypriot heritage and champions sustainability.
Made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, the dress features a stunning collage of photographs depicting the heritage doors of Nicosia’s old town. The fabric for the dress was produced in the UK, while the tailoring was completed in Cyprus, promoting local craftsmanship and emphasising environmental responsibility.
“My creative process usually starts with photography. I capture images that catch my eye and then use the digital collage method to manipulate them,” explains Michalis. “The story and message behind the collection are essential considerations during my creative journey. Drawing inspiration from my Cypriot heritage, I look to the people around me, my family, society, and nature.”
Michalis’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond the materials used. The caftan dress is designed to be one-size-fits-all, celebrating all body types and minimising the issue of unsold sizes. Additionally, the design ensures limited fabric waste, as the entire length of the fabric is used, with leftovers collected for future upcycled projects.
“My experiences working with renowned fashion houses and designers have been transformative in shaping my views on sustainability. During my time in Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks, I witnessed the glamour and allure of the international fashion industry. However, I also noticed the immense waste and disregard for sustainable practices,” the designer says. “It was during my internship at Iris Van Herpen’s atelier that I truly delved into the world of sustainable fashion. Witnessing the creation of garments from recycled and repurposed materials opened my eyes to the possibilities of environmentally conscious design.”
The Artisanal Entrances collection, which debuted at the Cyprus Fashion Film Festival on June 1, features designs that pay homage to the rich cultural history of Cyprus. Each piece incorporates photos of Nicosia’s old town doors, creating a unique narrative that promotes Cypriot heritage.
“Through my designs and brand message, I strive to raise awareness about the need for respect and acceptance. By challenging societal norms and advocating for change, I hope to contribute to a future where everyone can live authentically without fear,” says Michalis.
Born in Nicosia in 1993, Michalis graduated from the University of the West of England in Bristol in 2022. He gained significant experience working with couture houses such as Iris Van Herpen and Ronald Van Der Kemp in Amsterdam. These experiences shaped his views on sustainability and influenced his unique design approach.
“Another project, Harvesting Memories, blends Cypriot agricultural practices, traditional textiles and my personal memories. By combining photos of my father picking pomegranates with traditional embroideries, I aimed to create a unique narrative that resonates with viewers. Sustainability is a crucial aspect of my work, and both projects resulted in sustainable scarves made from recycled plastic bottles,” he adds.
In addition to sustainable fashion, Michalis’ work also addresses critical social issues. His graduate collection, Reclaim Worth, reflects his advocacy for the LGBT+ community and the struggle they face in homophobic societies. By repurposing pre-loved garments and incorporating digital and hand embroidery, he emphasises the importance of cherishing existing resources and challenging the culture of disposability in fashion. “My work focuses on sustainable fashion, yet also tackles social issues like domestic homophobia.”
Sophia Hadjipanteli’s choice to wear Michalis Pantelidis’ dress to the book launch was more than a notable red-carpet moment; it was a celebration of Cypriot culture and a statement on sustainable fashion. Her decision brought significant attention to Michalis’ innovative and eco-friendly practices, showing that fashion can be both striking and responsible. As a prominent model and social media influencer known for her distinctive unibrow and bold style, Sophia’s influence highlights the critical role of merging aesthetics with sustainability in fashion.
Michalis’ designs and sustainable practices are paving the way for a future where fashion and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. His work highlights the importance of sustainability, heritage and social issues, offering a holistic approach to modern fashion design.
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, designers like Michalis Pantelidis are leading the charge, demonstrating that fashion can be both stylish and ethical. His creations, which turn recycled plastic bottles into high-fashion pieces that honour his heritage, showcase the potential for creating beautiful, meaningful, and sustainable fashion.
