The Contour of Luxury Spring/Summer 2018 | Page 52
Alexis Day
With an educational background in Anthropology,
and Archeology, in what ways do your formal studies
in these fields play into your current design expression?
Kyriako Caras
When we look at Archaeology, we are really trying
to understand human culture through their material
remains. As anthropologists, you try to examine human
culture by truly getting a grasp on the un-assumed
characteristics within that culture. You have to do so
with an open mind, and un-objectively. You have to
connect with the human condition, in context, and
unobscured by the limits of today’s influences. What
I discovered in my studies is that art and beauty is
a universal expression that we have seen throughout
history, cross-culturally, and has played a major role
in evoking one’s inner most thoughts. This is exactly
what I do when I design, it is meant to evoke a human
emotion, and to express one’s own most individualistic
notions. It is an experience of the human condition.
As a designer, this is key to me and my focus is to
inspire and celebrate beauty across the board. Fashion
should never discriminate or personify beauty, it simply
can’t because it is art. As an artist, it is contradictory
to create and design objectively. This is a major
contribution that my studies have provided to me
in fashion.
Alexis Day
If fashion is a statement of inner beauty, what do you
find to be most enjoyable to express through fabric,
color or movement?
Kyriako Caras
Fashion can mean many things to many different
people. For me, it is an extension of one’s own
personality. As a designer, the most important thing to
me is to create a balance between texture, color, and
fabric, in a way that really draws out the most intimate
emotions to whoever is wearing it. If somebody feels
confident and beautiful in the piece they are wearing,
it will only be enhanced by their character. It is a
playful interplay between our emotions and what we
have on. When there is a connection, you can sense
it, and it is intoxicating.