Costa Navarino Cultural Event Connects Tradition and Fashion

Hand-made fashion creations and traditional costumes were presented during a cultural event titled, “Under the spell of Greek costume”, recently held at Costa Navarino in Messinia in the Peloponnese.

The three-day event was organized in collaboration with the Benaki Museum and the Athens International Airport (AIA) and aimed at highlighting Greece’s tradition as a timeless source of inspiration for contemporary designers. Fashion designers, artists and guests had the opportunity to participate in a number of events, including the group exhibition “Under the spell of Greek costume: Contemporary creations animate the Benaki Museum collections”.

“Our collaboration with the Benaki Museum and the AIA for a second consecutive year, confirms the strong connection between history, art and tourism, which provides the visitors of our country with a unique experience,” said Kostantza Sbokou Konstantakopoulou representative of TEMES SA, the developer of Costa Navarino. “Our aim is to revive and promote our tradition in all its forms: From gastronomy and customs to cultural heritage,” she added.

The exhibition will be on display at Costa Navarino until November 18 and at the Athens International Airport until December 31.

“The goal of Athens International Airport is to upgrade the country’s culture and tourism product and promote Greece as a destination where tradition and the present day blend harmonically, offering exciting experiences to the visitors,” said AIA Head of Public Relations Chara-Helene Mitsotakis.

Other highlights of the three-day event included an open discussion between fashion designer Sophia Kokosalaki, Zeus+Dion co-founder Dimitra Kolotoura and photographer Margarita Myrogianni; exclusive screenings and presentations; an embroidery lab of Messinian art; the screening of “Interlude”, a performance by Greek artist Blind Adam; a philosophy walk in the idyllic Messinian countryside under the theme, “Aesthetics in ancient Greece” and a tour at Costa Navarino’s collection of artworks from the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th centuries.

Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to attend a presentation of rare traditional Greek costumes and wedding dresses of the Victoria G. Karelia Collection.