Life & Work with Anna Michaelidou of Nicosia ,Cyprus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Michaelidou.

Hi Anna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into fashion and textile design began with my family’s deep roots in tailoring. My grandfather, an 89-year-old tailor in old Nicosia, has been a significant influence on my career. Growing up, I was surrounded by his craftsmanship and the rich heritage of Cypriot handmade items.

I pursued my studies in fashion and textile design at University of the West of England, Bristol, where I developed a strong foundation in sustainable design principles. During my studies, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Ronald van der Kemp, a renowned designer known for his commitment to sustainability and upcycling. This experience was invaluable, as it allowed me to learn from one of the best in the industry and solidify my passion for eco-friendly fashion.

Inspired by my heritage and the lessons I learned during my internship, I started creating my own designs with a focus on upcycling. A pivotal moment in my career was when I launched a collection featuring secondhand shirts printed with photographs of my grandfather and other family members. This collection highlights the importance of handmade craftsmanship and the stories behind each garment, blending my family’s history with sustainable fashion.

Today, my brand continues to grow, driven by a commitment to sustainability and preserving cultural heritage. My goal is to inspire others to embrace sustainable practices while creating beautiful, meaningful designs that tell a story.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but each step along the way has been valuable. I believe that with time and patience, you can achieve your goals, even if the journey is challenging.

When I first started, I faced several hurdles, from sourcing sustainable materials to finding the right market for my designs. Initially, I began by selling a few pieces and using the money I earned to buy more materials. This gradual approach allowed me to produce more items without taking on debt or significant financial risk.

As I continued to sell my designs and reinvest the profits, I was able to slowly expand my operations. Eventually, I saved enough to buy more advanced machines, which significantly improved my production capabilities. This step-by-step growth allowed me to establish a small studio, where I now create my collections.

Throughout this process, there were moments of doubt and setbacks, but I remained committed to my vision of sustainable fashion. The key was to take small, manageable steps and keep moving forward, no matter how slow the progress seemed at times. Each small success built upon the previous one, ultimately leading to where I am today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’d love to share more about my work. As a fashion and textile designer, I specialize in sustainable designs and prints. My focus is on upcycling, creating new and beautiful pieces from secondhand materials. This not only reduces waste but also gives each garment a unique story.

One of my signature collections features secondhand shirts printed with photographs of my grandfather, an 89-year-old tailor in old Nicosia, and other family members. These prints highlight the importance of handmade craftsmanship and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus. This collection is very personal to me and has resonated deeply with my audience.

What sets my work apart is this blend of sustainability and storytelling. Each piece is not just a garment but a narrative, combining the history of its previous life with my own family’s legacy. I believe this dual narrative adds a layer of depth and meaning to my designs, making them stand out in the fashion industry.

I’m most proud of how my work has managed to highlight the importance of sustainability and heritage simultaneously. It brings me great joy to see people appreciating and wearing my designs, knowing they are making a positive impact on the environment while also celebrating a piece of cultural history.

My journey has been marked by a commitment to sustainable practices, a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, and a passion for storytelling through fashion. These elements combined set my work apart and drive my brand forward.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for those just starting out is to remember that every step in your journey is important. It’s crucial to keep your eyes and ears open, and learn from everyone and everything around you. For example, when I did internship jobs, I made it a point to absorb as much knowledge as possible. I took every opportunity to learn and then applied those lessons to my own work.

One thing I wish I knew when I was starting out is the importance of gaining experience while maintaining a strong passion for what you do. Having a good understanding of your field and being passionate about your work are both essential. When you combine experience with genuine passion, success is more likely to follow.

Stay curious, be willing to take small steps, and don’t rush the process. Building a solid foundation takes time, but each step will bring you closer to your goals. Keep learning, stay dedicated, and trust in your journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yiavrimou_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091953356130

Image Credits
Nabeel R Hussain, Tasha Hylton, Harris Kyprianou, Soteria Dymiotis