Favourite Piece
My Favourite Piece: Anastasio Giannoutsos
Why did you choose this piece?
This piece is really special to me, as it was part of the collection that won The Perry Ellis Men’s Award at the Miami International University of Art and Design Swimwear fashion show in 2017. I also love this garment because it is close to my Greek roots—it is a take of a gladiator garment that is reimagined for the year 2050. Another special aspect of this garment is the fact that the materials are unconventional. For instance, the top is made of bungee cords.
What makes it stand out amongst the collection?
Its design and materials are what make it stand out. The top is made of pure bungee cords; they are intertwined, creating a kind of body-fitted armour. The skirt material is made of an iridescent Waterproof Reflective PVC on top of a black neoprene short, creating a contrast effect that is striking and unique.
Explain the origins of the design. What were your initial inspirations?
The inspiration is the Ancient Greek gladiator garments. I wanted to achieve this distinct look with a futuristic twist, which I was able to do using interesting and unconventional material and creating almost an avant-garde piece of art.
Why did you choose the specific fabrics, patterns, colours?
Because of my background in architecture, I’ve cultivated the ability and affinity to play with new textures and material. That’s why I created this top; weaving the bungee cords creating a pattern and also interlacing in neoprene to form a contrasting piece.
What is the story of this piece and how does it work to tell your collection's overall story?
The story behind this piece is a gladiator of the future, but when I was brainstorming ideas for a really cool photoshoot with my team we decided to go for something more industrial, so we recreated this construction worker of the future.
