Celebrating Cyprus’ fashion heritage

Sustainable fashion and art come together at an exhibition that hopes to show the wisdom of past culture finds ELENI PHILIPPOU

Tracing Cypriot heritage and highlighting fashion through the ages through sustainable creativity are the focus of upcoming exhibition REVIVE. Organised by the Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus (the FHNC), the exhibition will run for four days at the Gardens of the Future in Nicosia to showcase contemporary sustainable fashion and art inspired by the rich traditions of the island.

The FHNC brings together young Cypriot fashion designers and creatives passionate about exploring and celebrating Cypriot fashion heritage through zero-waste and sustainable fashion designs and art pieces. The exhibition, running from May 25 to 28, features the work of 12 designers and artists who draw inspiration from Cyprus’ cultural practices from the past, present, and future.

Aiming to combine ethics and aesthetics, the FHNC seeks to stimulate, rediscover and reinvent elements of Cypriot fashion heritage and communicate these creative shifts to a broader audience through contemporary and sustainable fashion.

Visitors can expect to see traditional artefacts like chair weaving, pottery, jewellery and embroidered laces, as well as elements related to important events such as koliva and wedding traditions, and daily life practices like agriculture, farming and food traditions. Workshops focusing on fashion sustainability and fashion cultural heritage will also run and their details will be shared on the platform’s social media pages (Facebook @fashionheritage.cy, Instagram @fashionheritage.cy).

The FHNC believes that craftsmanship and local cultural practices are vital for self-reliance, mindfulness, socio-cultural wellbeing and community building. These beliefs are reflected in the exhibition. It also raises awareness of the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry, as well as showcasing how Cypriot fashion heritage has historically been sustainable through practices such as reuse, natural dyes, repair and upcycling.

In addition to showcasing fashion and art pieces, the FHNC exhibition promotes youth engagement and participation by bringing together young Cypriot designers and artists from different communities who live in Cyprus or the diaspora to collaborate and exchange ideas.

“Immerse yourself in the beauty and uniqueness of Cypriot fashion heritage reinterpreted for the modern world, while exploring the important connection between sustainability and cultural preservation. Experience the metamorphosis of Cypriot fashion heritage through the eyes of young Cypriot designers and artists, and be inspired by their innovative and creative approaches to fashion design and art,” says FHNC director Christina Dymioti.

REVIVE

Exhibition celebrates Cyprus’ fashion heritage through sustainable fashion and art. By the Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus. May 25-28. Gardens of the Future, Nicosia. Opening: 7pm-11pm. May 26: 4pm-10pm. May 27:10am-2.30pm. May 28: 10am-5pm