The Greek fashion designer Sophia Kokosalaki has died. News of the London-based designer’s death was reported by the culture minister for Greece, Lina Mendoni, on Monday.
"It is extremely sad when a young person dies, a creative spirit, a dynamic and self-made woman who starred in the harsh and competitive world of international fashion for a 20-year period," she said
Kokosalaki, who had dressed notable names during her career from Chloë Sevigny to Helen Mirren, was known for her draping skills and had studied the MA in womenwear at Central Saint Martins under the tutorship of the late Professor Louise Wilson.
She held the position of creative director at the French fashion house Vionnet from 2006 to 2007 and designed the costumes and uniforms for the Athens Olympic Games in 2004; she also had teamed up with then-high-street favourite Topshop in the early Noughties, a particular heyday for her as a designer.
The fashion critic Sarah Mower wrote on Instagram: "Mourning the loss of dear Sophia Kokosalaki, a great talent, sister pioneer of the London fashion new wave of the 2000s, Greek fashion heroine, alumna of Professor Louise Wilson’s CSM MA crucible 1999, and such an amazing mother to her daughter Stelli."
It is reported that the designer had been battling health issues, but no further details have been shared as yet.
