Marina Konstantinidis

Excerpts from an Interview with the Designer

Recorded on: March 24 2023

Tell me about your collection!

My collection was inspired by my cultural heritage and one of my favorite places in the whole world. Greece is a country with such beauty, serenity, and an especially delicious cuisine. I just have so many amazing memories with my family there, I knew I had to somehow incorporate it in my work. Watching the Mediterranean coast at sunset is one of the most incredible experiences a person could ever have. My goal was to recreate the feeling of peace and serenity through luxury fashion without using direct symbolism. I imagine my collection being worn on a destination vacation to the Greek isles. Through the program here at IU I’ve been fortunate enough to have discovered my one true love, draping. I love to drape because similar to art, it allows for the body to be a canvas just like the fabric is my paint. In the future, I would like to continue draping with a focus on couture custom dresses.

The goal is to eventually have my own brand. I’ve always dreamed of creating custom looks for clients because I admire individuality and uniqueness. In a world where fast fashion is so common, I want my brand to be the exact opposite, just truly rare. I’m using this collection to serve as a soft-launch for my future business. As far as fabric choices and detailing, I’m very attracted to ombré palettes and transformative colors. I absolutely love color. Neutrals are very appealing to society because of its versatility, but I believe color has a very powerful effect when used appropriately.

How did you come across this idea?

In terms of using the Mediterranean sunset as my inspiration, I knew that it would properly emote the feelings of bliss that I want my audience to experience as the models walk down the runway. A core memory for me growing up was doing a boat tour in Santorini with my family. The ocean was crystal clear, the sunset was breathtaking, and the vibes were just immaculate. I knew intuitively that the intention of my collection would be to emulate that same moment I had many years ago yet remember so vividly.

Is there anything specific that inspired you to major in fashion design?

I am naturally a very high-energy and passionate person, so when I find something that soothes me and makes me feel present, I hold it very close to my heart. Majoring in fashion design was a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl playing dress up in my grandmother’s house, making full blown garments out of whatever materials I could get my hands on like a wedding gown made from toilet paper. I would watch my Cuban grandmother sew, paint, sketch, garden, and cook for hours on end and the example she set made me want to be just like her some day. Both of my grandmothers were very creative, intelligent, and special individuals, and if it weren’t for the sacrifices they made for family, I wouldn’t have this opportunity to express my artwork today. I believe that when you embrace all parts of who you are, there isn’t anything you can’t accomplish.