Conquistador

Tassos Sofroniou is the designer behind Conquistador, which he defines by quoting Wikipedia as “conqueror,” “one who conquers,” or one who overcomes or surmounts.”

More than a mere menswear collection, Conquistador is an artistic statement, a description of maleness and masculinity, a definition of modern man.

Drawing from the adventurous spirit of medieval explorers and soldiers, Tassos has created a collection with references from “scuba diving uniforms,” 16th century armor, and the classic tuxedo!

The collection is designed to embrace the rebel within each man lots of 100% leather accessories, such as wallets, laptop cases, handbags, jewelry, and more.

Tassos was born in Germany but is based in Greece.

See the collection here.

Photos Copyright Conquistador, Courtesy système D.

Handcrafted Futurism by aptform

For spring/summer 2011, aptform is focusing on handcrafted futurism.

A monochromic palette of high tech textiles and intricate hand-knitted leather and knits are united to create a silhouette of fluidity.

aptform’s unique use of hand drawing, washing, bleaching, and bonding techniques are used to encapsulate the atmosphere of this vigorous collection.

See more images here.

Photos Copyright aptform.

Staff Jeans from Greece

I just finished a series of articles on Bulgaria, a lovely country tucked away in the Balkans on the Black Sea.

Just south of Bulgaria is Greece, which, although sharing some similar elements, is a completely separate country with a different history, culture, language, and people.

Staff Jeans started as a denim production company in 1992. This Greek label seeks to provide clients with jeans that fit their bodies like a glove with prices that fit their wallets.

Now, Staff also produces t-shirts, knits, jackets—a total look for young men that range from 18 to 24 years old.

If you are an urban kind of guy, dynamic and style conscious, then Staff Jeans is the right fit for you!



Photos spring/summer 2010 collection, Copyright Staff Jeans.

“Movement 5: Untitled” by Michael Gkinis at aptform

For autumn/winter 2010, Michael Gkini of aptform experiments with leather and knit techniques in a fusion of two motifs often thought to be diametrically opposed.

Inspired by the beauty of living flora, Michael expresses plant life’s artistic form through the medium of hand-painted techniques—all of which he sets on the backdrop of industrialism.
He names the collection “Movement 5: Untitled.”

Michael Gkinis was born 1973 in Thessaloniki, Greece, and graduated from the London College of Fashion in Fashion Design and Technology. He now resides in Tokyo, Japan.

For further reading on Michael Gkinis and aptform, please go to the following artice:

aptform—Where Greece Meets Japan



Photo & slideshow 2010 a/w collection “Movement 5: Untitled,” Copyright aptform.

The Transparent & Lustrous Collection of Kostas Murkudis

Born of Greek parents in Dresden, Germany, Kostas Murkudis studied at Berlin’s Lette-Verein School, which was founded in 1866 by the German lawyer Wilhelm Adolf Lette, who wanted to boost employment for women.

At first, Kostas expressed more interest in chemistry but, later, he discovered greater interest in fashion, going on to work as Helmut Lang’s assistant for about seven years.

Influenced by architecture and lighting, Kostas designs a sleek, minimalist silhouette for men. In an interview with Fashion Copious, Kostas stated of his 2009 a/w collection: “Fall is about glass and protection: the colors and shapes behind glass.”

Moreover, Kostas collaborated this season with the 210-year-old Johnstons’ company, which has been weaving Scottish wool in Elgin since 1801!



Photo top left Copyright Kostas Murkudis.
Slideshow 2009 a/w collection Copyright Kostas Murkudis.

aptform—Where Greece Meets Japan

Whenever I reflect back on my sojourns in Thessaloniki, I immediately think of the city’s crowning jewel and symbol, the White Tower, elegantly positioned on the city's waterfront, which rises up into a natural Greek amphitheatre.

The second largest city in Greece—next only to Athens—a modern commercial port, and already a major trade hub by the ancient Roman period, Thessaloniki boasts a history of over 3,000 years. The city was founded by King Cassander of Macedon in 315 BC, naming it after his wife, Thessalonike, sister of Alexander the Great!

Thessaloniki is a vivacious city with an exciting nightlife. As a thriving cultural center, the city has given Greece some of the most talented artists, musicians, and designers, one of whom is Michail Gkinis.

Born 1973 in Thessaloniki, Michail studied fashion design and technology at the London College of Fashion and, after graduation in 2004, pursued an internship at the menswear design studio of Issey Miyake in Tokyo.

Enchanted with Japanese textiles and traditions, Michail moved to Japan in 2006 and launched his menswear line last year, aptform, which stylishly combines the softness of Greece’s nature with the hardness of industrial Japan.

Influenced by the Western art movement, Bauhaus, Michail adheres to the concept that form should follow function. Intrigued by the Japanese notion of silence, Michail utilizes fashion as a means of communicating values with fellow human beings.



Photo by MaurusNR, Public domain at Wikipedia.
Slide show 2009 a/w collection Copyright aptform.