Elena Koutsia: Modeling, fashion shows and career abroad - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

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a 2238 Cities, Nea Famagusta

Looking at her - admittedly amazing - photos, and before you meet her, you think that she will be like all these arrogant models who talk very little and look in the mirror much more than they look at their interlocutor. But you keep your mouth open when you meet her, and you have in front of you a 19-year-old girl, with a constant smile on her face and a character that inspires confidence that Elena Koutsia is much more than a model.

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At the Fashion Show by Fani Xenophontos (April 2011)

Unlike the other "models" of her age who play "Haute Couture Top Model" before they even take their first steps on the catwalk, Elena, originally from Sotira and Ayia Napa, took dozens of fashion photos for MUST magazine, for Cosmopolitan, has been on the cover of the Russian magazine in Cyprus, "Moi Ostrov", while she has participated in the fashion shows of the great Cypriot designer Fanis Xenophontos. At the same time, today, Elena lives in London ("I hope not permanently" says her mom Kula Kirgia!) And is studying Fashion Design Womenswear at the University of Arts London- London Collage of Fashion.

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Hand Made Embroideries for Vogue Homme International

In all this he was an assistant for handmade embroidery in the studio of Panos Giapanis (Cypriot stylist of international renown). The embroidery was used for photo shoots for magazines such as Vogue Homme International, Love Magazine, Dazed Magazine, System Magazine but also for an appearance of Miley Cyrus and photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott at a party in London. It was also Showroom Assistance at the showroom of up-and-coming shoe designer Sophia Webster for Paris Fashion Week as well as London Fashion Week.

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Embroidery Leggings worn by Lindsey Wixson for System Magazine. Collaboration with the Cypriot stylist Panos Giapanis

And when on April 4, 2011, at EXPO Cyprus, present at the Fashion Show of Fani Xenophontos, (who then announced the presence of her creations at the showroom of Dolce & Gabbana in Milan) as I heard the name "Elena Koutsia" and wondered if the A 16-year-old girl then comes from Sotira, I did not imagine that today she would carry such a heavy CV, while at the same time she would be so down to earth.

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MUST Magazine: August-September 2013

Why did you choose to work in the field of fashion?
To the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I always answered Fashion Designer! I always knew I wanted to do the arts but with the right help and support from my parents I discovered the magic of art hidden in fashion.

What is it like to work with such great names in the field of fashion (in Cyprus and abroad)?
The various collaborations with renowned people are life lessons for me. Especially in the last year in terms of my study practice I have met many people and I have seen the other side of the coin. Others with their kindness can teach and advise you, others, more distant and harsh are imposed, as a result of which I test my endurance and I become more resilient.

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MUST Magazine: August-September 2013

Which of the fashion designers inspires you the most?
Fashion Designer who inspires me is Vivienne Westwood because she passes her own messages in each of her collections, always with her own Eccentric, Punk but at the same time so British style.

Which fashion house would you like to work for and why?
My dream is to work with Dolce & Gabbana at some point. I believe that their clothes are closer to my taste and style.

What is the most expensive fashion item in your wardrobe? 
The most expensive fashion item in my closet, but not in terms of money, are my grandmother's Vintage 60s earrings. They are timeless and worth a lot to me…

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MUST Magazine: November 2011

Say an expensive garment that is your ardent desire:
An embroidered dress made of Dolce & Gabbana lace.

What are your plans for the future? What do you dream about in the future?
With the profession I have chosen I can not have solid plans and I do not want to say big words. What I do know is that I need experience and a lot of practice not only in fashion design but also in the field of clothing production and creation. I know that the only way to make my dreams come true is with slow and steady steps.

What would you choose? Modeling or Fashion Design?
Fashion Design. Modeling started as a means to make some important acquaintances and to form a circle in the field of fashion. I can say, however, that I really like it as something more than what I study.

Karl Lagerfeld once said that "clothes are like good food, like a good movie, like a masterpiece of music". Do you believe this when you design?
Yes I believe it! I see fashion design as an art form where clothes are masterpieces. Not everyone in this space believes this, based on the view that "we are not artists, we are designers" seeing it as something completely practical and as a simple business. I will disagree. I think they are both.

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MUST Magazine: November 2011

ELENA'S FAVORITES:
Favorite city:
London
View from the balcony:
Sea
Favorite brand:
Dolce & Gabbana
Perfume:
Miss Dior
Mobile:
iPhone
Charm:
An image of the Virgin Mary, which I always bring with me
Team:
Recovery
Singer / Band / Singer:
The bands Arctic Monkeys and Kings of Leon
Favorite music track this season:
Do I wanna know
Favourite movie:
The Great Gatsby
Journey:
Italy

14 Cities, Nea Famagusta

* Elena Koutsia was photographed completely voluntarily for the 2015 catalog of the Department of Civil Marriage of the Municipality of Sotira. 
Photos: Christoforos Lysis, 
Wedding Dress: Antonis Georgiou Bridal Salon, 
Hair Styling: Antonios Kyriazis, 
Make Up Artist: Maria Andreou, 
Bouquet: Maria Marti


Interview Editor: Marinos Pavlikkas

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