Dimitris Petrou is a talented young fashion designer from Greece that has managed with his down to earth attitude and his beautiful creations to capture our attention. For his autumn/winter 2010-11 collection he presented some days ago a special trunk show at the AMP gallery in Athens,Greece, in celebration of the launch of his new showroom at 23 Kanari str., Kolonaki. Yatzer of course could not miss the event that included the fantastic intervention of celebrated Greek choreographer Konstantinos Rigos; who presented two semi naked dancers that were tied by ropes hanging from the ceiling, a very interesting allegory on the way people are dominated by things they can’t control and their fight against it (fashion industry maybe?).

Dimitris Petrou, on the other hand, presented a monochromatic but still inspiring fashion show, with the emphasis given to the “Sur Mesure” character of the collection. This time menswear stole the impressions and we spotted some really wonderful trousers, amongst others. Our friends at BOMBAY SAPPHIRE created the "inspired" cocktails,  Tina Sardelas created some wonderful visuals and the after show party was a big success. We found Dimitris Petrou after the event and asked him everything we had in our minds, we hope you enjoy it!

Fashion Video directed by Tina Sardelas for Greek fashion designer Dimitris Petrou // SUR MESURE A/W 2010-11
Video Art - Director: Tina Sardelas
Hair : George Marascas // Make-up : Tzeni Toumazatou
Models : Haley , Christos VN Models
Creative Supervision : Antonis Kozakidis
Styling Advisor : Manos Jojos
Music: Fade to Grey, Nouvelle Vague

Which is the main idea behind your latest “Sur Mesure” collection? Why grey?
The main idea behind the new collection is the opening of my new showroom. Every look from the show can be ordered there made to measure. I strongly believe in creating unique pieces, it is a way to escape the usual ready to wear collections that are available in most boutiques. I decided to go grey this fall. The first idea came to me from the movie “La vie en rose”, from a specific scene where the orchestra is dressed all in grey. Having that vivid picture in my mind, combined with the fact that grey is one of my favorite colors, is how I ended up creating what you saw in AMP gallery that wouldn't have happened without the precious support of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin.

Give us some details about your collaboration with Konstantinos Rigos. Which is the process that you followed to come up with this final result?
Konstantinos is a good friend of mine; I’ve been admiring his work for years. By putting together a show in a gallery I wanted to escape the limits of the usual catwalk and create something innovative for the Greek fashion scene. Our collaboration was one of the best parts of my presentation.  After several meetings, discussing the main idea of the show, Konstantinos came up with the perfect choreography and direction.

What are you dreams for this collection? Are there any specific inspirations behind it? Which is the first person that has access to your clothes every time you finish a collection?
I dream about introducing the younger crowd of the consumers to the idea of a piece made to measure. In my opinion nowadays , apart from the well known brands and their “ready to wear “ collections ,  the highest form of luxury that anyone can experience is a piece made “sur mesure “ , owning something unique, fitted exactly to your body type . That’s how my collection got its name, in my effort to reveal the techniques of a modern tailor. The first that have access to my collection are my close friends and my colleagues. They are also a big part of my inspiration as I absolutely trust their taste.

What is the common point between designing for woman and designing for men? What do you enjoy the most?
I love combining traditional elements used in women’s wear and re-create them in my menswear line. The same thing works for the women’s-wear, for which I borrow elements from the male wardrobe. Besides, in my collections you can find pieces that can be worn equally by men and women and that’s something I find challenging in my work as I enjoy creating both. The common point for this specific collection is that every male look had a female match, both of which were made from the same materials.

Which are the greatest challenges that you have to face as a Greek designer?
The greatest challenge is to combine your personal taste and your view of how clothes should really look like with the economical crisis of our times and the habits of the consumers in order to create a brand suiting the crowd’s needs but always mantaining your point of view.

Tell us something about your future plans.
I have many projects on the run; some of them will be presented soon. I am a man of few words. I speak through my work …

Discover DIMITRIS PETROU designs through the following fashion editorials: