About myself:
My name is Elodie Karkafiris. I was born in France in 1994. I am half French, half Greek. I grew up in Normandy (France). I took my A – Level in science in France. Then, I moved to Greece to study fashion design in AKTO College (Thessaloniki).
During my AKTO’s years (2012-2015), in my collections, from ready-to-wear to high fashion, I was passionate to think about the smallest details, including new technologies & sporty elements. Identity is in the garment but behind, there is a personality. For me, it’s all about feelings, freedom, freshness, contrasts and balance. I like to play with architectural, linear, origami shapes and free lines.
What was your inspiration to go into fashion?:
From my young age, I have developed an artistic mind and I was always attracted by details in any kind of art. I started to design and create jewels when I was very young. Then, I learned how to create clothes with my grand-mother. As often as I could, I was going to visit her to learn how to use her golden and vintage sewing machine. When I was 17 years old, my sister decided to launch a casual brand (FLK CLOTHES). I always worked with her in this project. By our different studies, activities and jobs, we complete each other and we are still expanding gradually the brand.
Scholarships/awards:
During my AKTO’s years (2012-2015), in my collections, from ready-to-wear to high fashion, I was passionate to think about the smallest details, including new technologies & sporty elements. Identity is in the garment but behind, there is a personality. For me, it’s all about feelings, freedom, freshness, contrasts and balance. I like to play with architectural, linear, origami shapes and free lines.
In 2013, I took the 3rd place at the Greek Young Designer’s competition organised by the Hellenic Association of Furriers (HAF). It allowed me to go for a week at Studio NAFA (Canada) to learn more about fur. There, I understood that I like this precious material.
In 2016, I won the Past Winners competition organised by the HAF. It allowed me to go during a week in Kastoria at ESTEL Furs to exhibit my outfit. I always admire greek hospitality and the heritage of this industry. “Lily” opened the fur gala show in Athens. It was an unforgettable experience to see my creation walking, living & breathing.
Before those fur experiences, I couldn’t imagine that such a vibrant industry exists in such a small area of western Greece.
Fur adds life to the garment only with the natural body movement.
It’s something precious, delicate and full of feelings, talking from itself like a feather falling. I like to create around the female body, feeling the movement, the right balance. I want to give happiness in daily life to customers that wear my creations.
Between 2016-2017 I had working experiences in the fur industry in Kastoria (Greece) but also in the clothing industry in Thessaloniki (Greece).
From my first experience in 2013 in the fur industry, I had the opportunity to participate to several workshops. And the last one was this year – in 2017 – at the Fur Summer School of Kastoria and Siatista. This workshop was complete and an amazing human experience. Being with students, professionals and artists from all over the world is not something common. Due to this, I gained more skills by seeing different way of work with people from all over the world, only passionated and ready to work hard in the fur industry.
“When love and skills work together, you get a masterpiece”