At the age of 82, Yannis Tseklenis, one of the leading Greek fashion designers, has tragically passed away. The internationally recognised designer made a historic mark in the second half of the 20th century, with his work in making Greek fashion known to the world.
He was born on November 6, 1937, growing up and completing his studies in Athens. His creations from 1965 to 1991 were sold worldwide by leading stores in more than 30 countries.
His work has been praised worldwide by leading fashion designers of the time, such as Bernadine Morris (New York Times), Sally Kirkland (Life Magazine) and Eugenia Sheppard (International Herald Tribune, Los Angeles Times).
He has received many awards for his work, including the Silver Cross of the Phoenix Order, the Gold Medal of Fashion from the Hellenic Fashion Institute, the Daughter of the Cyclades from the Greek Fashion Center, and the Hellenic Academy of Marketing Award.
Ministry of Culture: “Greek fashion has reached every corner of the world”
“Imagination, boldness, vision characterised Yannis Tseklenis’s work,” the Minister of Culture said in a condolence message, briefing the news of the great designer’s death.
“His work transcended the narrow boundaries of fashion, as did the boundaries of Greece, reaching every corner of the world. He is one of the few, and certainly the most well-known, of those who managed to hear the term ‘Greek fashion’ abroad,” continues Mrs Mendoni’s message.
“With unique creativity and ingenuity, Yannis Tseklenis leveraged the richness of Greek culture with the famous prints, which were the hallmark of his design signature. From ancient vases, to Byzantine mosaics and contemporary Greek artworks, the works of Yannis Tseklenis have been an instrument of international promotion in Greece.”
