Interview with Ioannis Dimitrousis

I have great respect and admiration for Greek designer Ioannis Dimitrousis' work. The london based designer is one of few gallant soldiers who give men's fashion some pomp and artistic presentation. I had the chance to catch up with him whilst he was getting his collection ready for the upcoming fashion week and he answered a couple of questions.
When did you realize that you wanted to be a fashion designer?

While I was in the army doing my services, I started experimenting with some decorative beading on my army shirts! After finishing the army, I studied fashion for a year in Greece and then came to London to study a BA in menswear.

Does your cultural heritage influence your designs?

I think my Mum influences my designs with her knowledge of crochet. Giving a traditional element but with my own knowledge and creativity I am able to change them to a more contemporary look.
Why do you cut the way do ?

Seriously I don’t know why, I draw the lines on the patterns and cut the paper. After joining them together like a puzzle, I then try to shape then into unique form. It just comes naturally. But I wonder is just there already in my mind?

There's an interesting mix of fabrics in both your Men and Women’s collections, tell me a bit more why you use these eclectic fabrics?

I like going shopping for fabrics. Whenever I go, I spend hours and hours until I decide on the ones I like but I can never make up my mind, so I take more time than I should! Also some of the fabrics I use are vintage, which I usually find on my travels.

If you were to choose between menswear and women's what would you choose?

It is like asking a mother to choose between her son and daughter which one would she kill? You either kill them both or neither. Although there is more of a demand for Womenswear than there is for Menswear.

Any words of advice to young people with dreams of being designers someday?

Work hard and follow your dream. Nothing in life comes easy and if it did, then you won't know what success means. You will only succeed when you struggle to get to the top and remain on top.