Fashion editor Michael Pandos, who has worked with Greek Vogue for a number of years and adores provocation in the female form, sat down with us and analyzed the current state of Greek fashion as well as the international trend of always looking for a new form.
#1. Your name has been closely connected with Greek fashion over the last twenty years. What are the main differences in what you see now, compared to what you saw when you began?
There are many differences. I’ll mention some similar points that can still be found, such as the tremendous inability of the market to cover the editorial aspect of things, the limited capabilities of new projects and the discomfort felt by creative teams around the country. I would hope that what would also be similar is the hope for bigger and better things.
#2. What defines fashion nowadays, in your opinion?
Money and talent.
#3. Should stylists follow the trends set out by fashion houses and if so, to what degree?
Trends aren’t set by fashion houses, they’re set by the market. Designers interpret trends in their own way and that’s exactly what fashion editors should do.
#4. How do you perceive the idea of a new neutral gender? What do you think of the Pandrogeny standard, presented by houses such as Prada, Saint Laurent and Lanvin?
I don’t think that Prada, Saint Laurent etc. are referring to a pandrogeny standard as you put it. Rather, they’re focusing on a character that has been around for decades, even though it hasn’t been seen that much. I think that Rick Owens is someone who is closer to what you mention. Within the context of the dialogue concerning a new geometry and form, certain designers approach things from a different perspective.
#5. What is the female standard that you are aiming for? Is there a specific example of your work that you feel comes closer to it?
I love rebellious women that exude vibrant, hedonistic sex appeal and a sense of bourgeois that comes through when you take a second look at them. Still, every project cannot be focused on them.
#6. How do you balance the artistic and the commercial side of your work?
It’s hard. In Greece, the biggest problem is finding the ideal balance between the two. Personally, I’ve always disagreed with how the commercial departments of certain magazines go about selling their wares.
#7. Is there a professional goal that you would like to fulfil?
Of course. I had to restart my entire career about two years ago and I found that all my professional goals changed, so I’m still in the process of achieving them.
By Dimitra Papanika, Shot by Haralampos Giannakopoulos
