MY INTERVIEW WITH VICTORIA KYRIAKIDES | LOVE4WED

One of the many highlights that come with the territory of being the editor of a wedding blog, is that I get the chance to meet some of the most talented and remarkable people in the wedding business. You can imagine my uncontainable excitement when we are talking about designer Victoria KyriaKides!

At L4W today, we are overly joyful because not only did Victoria spent time with us and answered our questions but we got a chance to take a peek at her amazing vintage-esque atelier in Kolonaki, Athens…and much more! Can’t tell you more … you are just going to have to read the rest!

Victoria KyriaKides is a Greek designer with unique designs that have gained respect and admiration abroad. She has taken part in the most high end bridal catwalk in London and in Bridal Fashion Week in New York.

Victoria and her associates were extremely welcoming and hospitable and I felt almost instantly comfortable in her space. As we were about to begin the interview, a real bride was trying on one of the designer’s chic dresses.

The wedding dress rehearsal, to which I discreetly witnessed, was almost like a …ritual, a one of a kind experience for the charming bride-to-be. It is custom, during every wedding dress rehearsal, the bride-to-be wears gloves to protect the luxurious fabrics and shoe covers in order to maintain the floors dust free.

We sat comfortably in her stylish atelier and as we drank tea, the interview began

L4W: When did you realize you wanted to design clothes?

VKK: : I started designing when I was very young… about the time when Barbie was the perfect replica of the female body. I would make clothes for her, hats, extreme accessories… (I still have some of them, although my friends have a lot more!). At sixteen I started to design my own clothes and at eighteen I created my first personal collection. I used to see my designs on the most popular girls in Athens…then in Thessaloniki…then other big cities in Greece…soon after that came Cyprus and then London. My need to design clothes that did not exist was my driving force to express my creativity, aside from music which I adore and plays an influential role in my inspiration.

L4W: What advice do you wish someone had given you when you started?

VKK: constrain my enthusiasm…

L4W: : How would you describe the Victoria Kyriakides wedding dresses?

VKK: My style is clear lines, contemporary haute couture with attention to detail. That is the signature of VKK.

L4W: Where do you find inspiration?

VKK: : I find inspiration in volumes and in forms that are everywhere. In geometrical shapes that are around us. In music and in documentaries.

L4W:Tell us about the moulage technique you use

VKK: Moulage is a technique that I use to design, to mold a fabric with my fingers on the body and every cut, every twist, every fold has its own purpose…to beautify and flatter the female body, to enhance femininity and inner power.It is an incredibly creative technique. However is also very tiresome since I could be working on the same design for days and the hours fly by without me noticing…With no doubt, the final outcome is very different from the one that was simply designed.

L4W:What are your plans for 2014?

VKK:: In April, I am presenting my new collection for 2015 in New York,the 4th continuous season.

L4W: Describe an ordinary day…in Athens and in … New York…

VKK: My daily schedule is 8.30am-1.30am with small interims wherever I may be. The rhythms are insane, without glamorous dinners and parties. The different time zones between US and Europe is difficult.

L4W: I read in the THE DAILY FRONT ROW, an article with the title European Invasion and it mentions the five designers from Europe that have invaded in the American market. You were one of them (Yay! Go Greece!!). You must be very proud of that…

VKK: I feel extremely honored that the article begins with the Greek flag. It also feels amazing that my work is excelling in such a huge and demanding market.

At this point although we were finishing up with the questions…the interview took a different turn…(Victoria’s brilliant idea that definitely made my day!!!)

As you can see I tried on the gorgeous Victoria Kyriakides wedding dresses. It is an understatement if I said that I fell head over heels in love in with them! …I guess you already know that by the silly smile on my face!

A flowy silk gown with handmade lace details…the absolute most delicate orchids I have ever seen…

The detailing of the dainty artwork is impressive.

I had read an interview where Victoria said that she strives to help each bride “unleash her inner goddess!” Well I must say…after this bridal rehearsal I completely agree with her!

“Love in Paris” is the name of this lovely wedding dress Inspired by a romantic night at the magical Montmartre place in Paris, this gown is made of exquisite French Chantilly lace with a low back. “Love in Paris” is perfect for the bride seeking a sultry, romantic look.

And last but not least the…. Amphitride: a strapless layered body conscious gown…a dress that enhances and “respects” the female body.

Really and truly I believe this one was my favorite… a one of a kind design…a minimalistic design…a work of art. The black belt detail completes the absolute chic look of this wedding dress.

So the interview has this lovely closure…and now…back to blogging!

Hope you enjoyed this as much as I did!