One of the most fascinating events, Vivienne Westwood's "Anglomania" collection opened up the 5th Athens Xclusive Designers Week on April 3^rd, at the Conference Center of Ethniki Asfalistiki. The countless fashion followers attended the event and applauded the trend-setting catwalks of the 22 Greek and foreign Fashion Designers.

The "Queen" legend of of punk-chic, the legend that has been part of the Fashion history not just for her work but also for her stance in life, presented her Anglomania collection and sensitised her fans on their personal attitude towards society, environment and politics. A brief statement of Vivienne follows: "I would like to extend a warm thank you for inviting me in Athens at your Xclusive Designers Week in order to present the "Agglomania". Greece, is the birth place of the Western culture and for me, it is a special honour to present at this country. I am aware of your history, I am inspired by it, I am fascinated by the story of polytheism and of the philosoply of Ancient Greeks. With this opportunity, I would like to say to all that want to work in Fashion, to the new designers but also to you all that watch the fashion, to the journalists, buyers, businessmen... the following: Please read about the History of Arts, study the Culture, visit exhibitions, be informed about everything that takes place around the world, be informed about the human rights, about the politics, take a stance, declare that through whatever you do! Show interest for the climate change especially those of you who live in Greece since in a few years we might see this country turning to a desert, everything will be covered by sand. This is a very significant issue, find a way to protest and change this situation. This is the spirit. I would like to thank you once again for your kind invitation. I hope that you enjoyed my show".

22 talented Greek and foreign Fashion Designers presented their Fall/Winter collections for 09/10 in 4 days!

According to the scheduled appearance we enjoyed the collections of:

• ΜΑΑΝ- Marilena Andeadis presented her collection that combined colane with ballon dresses in black, grey, purple and petrol green colors. Some of the clothes were enriched by intense colours like fuchsia and white! Marilena is launching her line MAAN for the past 3 years and has managed to sell in Rome, Paris and Tokyo.
• Sotiris Georgiou - presented his "Black Flower" collection, that consists of total black clothes for women and men, that are characterized by tall hats for men and extraordinary shoes designed by Ernesto Esposito -an international shoes designer- that offered to provide the stylish shoes to S. Georgiou's first show. The talented designer was inspired by the urban life style and created a post-modern collection in total black, while he provided a new dimension to femininity by stressing the textures and the volume in clothes.
• Αnglomania aimed at the differentiation from the avant garde collection of Vivienne Westwood. It consists of clothes for young people in intense colours, combined with extreme hand-made accessories and of course by impressive shoes - the main characteristic of Westwood-. The 50 outfits of the collection filled up the catwalk with colour! Each piece of Westwood was a unique fashion statement.
• Νotis Panayiotou - in black and grey, played with skin and strass. We enjoyed a sexy and revealing collection titled «Sexy Beaches». The Cypriot designer was vastly applauded by the audience and surprised us with his creative talent that is expressed at the fashion design further to his successful presence in jewelry design.
• Sense_nu - The fresh designers couple -of one Greek and one Spanish designer- presented for the first time to the Greek audience and earned the most positive impressions and comments. The two designers proposed a minimal & casual chic creations in black and grey, combined with unique accessories in blue electric shades.
• Fani Xenofontos - the dynamic designer that cooperates with the Liberty of London presented her collection «Inverno Dark» that was characterized by its black and grey tones. All of her clothes were accompanied by impressive jewelries, belts and envelope bags while the models resembled to dolls mainly due to the use of a short-hair wigs and the very long eyelashes!
• Leila Hafzi - Haute couture creations, long dresses in imaginary colours such as green, purple, blue, brown all combined with hand made prints inspired by the environment. Leila Hafzi is a fan of the trade ethics and her last collection sends out ecological messages for the protection of the environment. Her materials are made of recycled silk and this is the new fashion statement of this designer!
• Thes Tziveli - the international Greek Designer presented her collection of furs and leather in black, grey, beige and purple combined with elegant velvet shoes. Suits and coats were also included in her collection and won the warm applaud of the AXDW guests.
• Μiltos - inspired by the 30's Miltos' show travelled us back in time with his classic black and white combinations. His clothes in "Charleston" style stated the importance of femininity to the women of today! This unique show had all the models dancing on the catwalk and entertained the audience!
• Αventures Des Toiles - The French designer Francois Gadrey presented a colorful collection full of artistic designs borrowed by real artistic canvases that the audience watched at the backdrop screen! Dresses, trousers and coats in simple and comfortable lines were combined with playful accessories also baring the same artistic topics.
• Elena Antoniades - the international Greek Cypriot designer presented an elegant collection that thrilled the audience. Her main materials were twit and taffetas while her favorite colors were black, blue-black, red, white with touches of gold.
• Τwisted Classics by Katia Delatola - the "fresh" Katia presented her girlish up to date collection based on her own prints that were inspired by gravures and aquarelles. The basic color palette implied the recommended spring/summer trend of pink, coral, white, light green and yellow. Katia's collection was accompanied by custom-made jewelries created by the designer Lito. The show closed with two alternative proposals for wedding dresses especially prepared by the designer for the bride's unique moment.
• Εmanuel Ungaro - The flair of Paris filled the catwalk room with the collection of the legendary brand Ungaro. Unique materials and well-designed clothes impressed every guest of AXDW. Balloon skirts and dresses, coats with corners and geometric schemes, poi tights, metallic shoes in foucsia, silver and black were the main characteristic of Ungaro's women collection. Esteban Cortazar proposed the colors of Fall / Winter 09-10 which were foucia, electric blue, grey and black.

The third day of AXDW was dedicated to the New Designers. The catwalk room hosted hundreds of fans of the new creators, media reps, celebrities and buyers. We watched the unique collections of:

• Εllie Papakosta - the new designer presented her collection «Dutches» with jewels created by D. Stamatiou. Her favorite colors were white, black, blue and green.
• Marina Adveeva - the winner of the category «Best Designer» of the previous ΑXDW participated once again with her collection for Fall-Winter 09-10. This time, Marina moved among the shades of gold and red, with clothes that can be worn with alternative ways.
• Dusanka Duric - presented her sexy collection based on leather in brown and purple.
• Rene Karadimou - The new designer worked intensively in order to send an optimistic message to the audience through her collection that was based in Greek culture. Its main characteristics were the golden tones in printed clothes. Her presentation was combined with the music of the famous Greek composer Vangelis Papathanasiou while at the end of the show the designer greeted her audience from her wheel chair and moved sentimentally every guest in the catwalk room.
• Xrisanthos - the new designer chose a dramatic style for the presentation of his collection. A theatrical performance / protesting Xrisanthos' views against violence as a fashion statement.
• Μaria Daskalaki - the new designer that won the awards Best Trendsetter & Best Catwalk at the previous ΑΧDW presented an eccentric show with leather accessories and elements that transmitted intense erotic messages.
• Ζina Glou - the new designer presented for the first time a collection of minimal and airy clothes in pal tones that were combined with luxurious details in strass and won the impressions of the audience. The music of her show was selected by the Production Director of En Lefko, Mrs Katerina Kafetzi (Kafka).
• DuvO - The talented "duo" of designers presented trousers and geometric schemes in their woolen material in yellow, red and black in this alternative show.
• Celebrity Skin by Dimitris Strepkos & Eleni Mparla - The fresh designers "couple" presented avant garde clothes in black and grey tones for a dominating presence with an impressive styling.

Just after the completion of the shows, the New Designers Awards had followed, a unique and bright celebration for the New Designers. The Judging Committee members were:  Thes Tziveli, Designer, Meti Tsoukatou, Fashion Editor of the magazine GYNAIKA, Mikaela Theofilou, Fashion Editor of the portal stylewatch, Alexandra Icart, President of the International Fashion Organization of Monaco, Mina Potamianou, from the company SAGIAKOS / Hugo Boss Kifissia, Evina Papanikolaou, Director of the Buyers Department of the TSANTILIS company, Meletis Koropoulis, owner and Creative Director of BETTINA.

Giorgos Lianos and Despina Kambouri, the presenters of the morning show of Antenna TV, presented the AXDW New Designers Awards this year. The winners of the 3 categories were:

• Best Designer - Celebrity Skin by Dimitris Strepkos & Eleni Mparla - The award was given by Mrs. Tonia Fouseki, Organizer of Athens Xclusive Designers Week
• Best Catwalk - Celebrity Skin by Dimitris Strepkos & Eleni Mparla - The award was given by Mrs Alexandra Icart, President of the Fashion Organization of Monaco
• Βest Trendsetter - DuvO - The award was given by Mrs Santra Stathaki, Chief Editor of the magazine Young

During the four days of the show, numerous guests had visited AXDW. Media representatives, designers, fashion editors, actors and many others were all there to attend the Fall/Winter catwalks. Namely: Erietta Kourkoulou, Chrysanthi Dafla, Christos Psomopoulos, Vicky Papadopoulou, Kostas Sommer, Doukas Chatzidoukas, Elena Rapti, Vicky Kagia, Katerina Papoutsaki, Eleni and Nicky Petroulaki, Natassa Liakounakou, Vicky Vovou, Patra Papadimitriou, Ioanna Martzoukou, Alex Kavvadias, Vicky Koulianou, Elio Alneti, Rita Attala, Errikos and Afroditi Petilon, Elena Davla, Mimi Denissi, Christos Zabounis, Elena Vrettou, George and Antonis Glou, George Amanatidis, Nikos Sargkanis,  Lambros Papakostas, Konstantinos Bourounis, Katerina Alexandraki, Chara Lebessi, Manta Papadakou,  George Davlas, George Mestousis, Marietta Chroussala, Iosif Marinakis, Emi Livaniou, Marina Kokkotou, Maria Stratis, Natassa Aerakis, Paola Pavlou, Katia Voutira, Roula Linatsa, Christina Lykiardopoulou, Giannis Togkos (Kathy Heyndels), Loukas Pateras, Maria Themeli (MIG), Gkreta Tseti, Stella Dimitriou, Vassiliki Tsekoura, Katerina Giatzoglou, Michalis Pantos, Aspasia Lemou, Yasmin Economopoulou, Dimitra Kostaki, Maria Lemou, Neny Douka-Patera, MI-RO, Mr. Korasidis, Pagagiotis Strintzis and many others.

The 5^th ΑXDW with the statement "Fashion becomes once more a Festival" presented at the days of the event:

• An Open Forum on the topic of "Fashion, Modern Art and Culture". The distinguished speakers of the panel were: Mrs Elena Kountoura, MP of the city of Athens and women magazines editor, Mr Michalis Dermitzakis, University Professor and vice Dean of the National and Capodistrian University of Athens, Mr. Michalis Poulatzas, Sociology Professor of the University of Rome, the University Professor and author Mr Dimosthenis Davvetas that was the author of the book "Fashion and Modern Art, Mrs Thes Tziveli, international fashion designer. At the panel, the speakers expressed interesting views on the interactivity between of Fashion with Culture.
• A hot fashion opening party (at the 1^st day) under the concept ANGLOMANIA, brought the flair of London and its bright music and guests the band Matisse in a super live just after V. Westwood's catwalk. Following Matisse, the DJ Cleopatra from Best Radio continued the dancing selections at the decks of AXDW. The most fashionable audience enjoyed the unique cocktails offered by the gin Beefeater.
• Impressive commercials from the Hellenic Tourism Organization ( ΕΟΤ) presented fascinating images of Greece through video projections at the TV screens and offered editions and books with the best places of Greece to all the Designers and to the members of the International groups that visited AXDW.
• The Οlympic Airways Designers Corner - a unique stand of Marfin Investment Group informed the audience and the designers for the competition that is organized by the newly founded MIG regarding the selection of the Designer that will create the new uniforms of the airline company's employees. The visitors had the opportunity to sign at the guestbook of the new company and wish their best for its future.
• A Live workshop by the Vakalo Art & Design School. The students of Vakalo created unique designs on t-shirts, all 4 days of the event, and stated their inspiration and Fashion views on the everyday clothes. This year the students creations were sold and the funds were donated to the Association "The friends of Children"
• An exclusive Photo Exhibition, an artistic view of the Designers creations that participated at the 5^th AXDW through the lence of the photographer George Kaplanidis.
• Live Booths from Best, Εn Lefko and VFM. Music loves Fashion and the famous Producers of the radio stations offered their favorite music to the audience of the Show. DJs such as Seragos and Drogosis, Cleopatra, L. Mastathi, M. Economou, K. Petasis were there all 4 days of the show.
• Xclusive Cinema in a Gold Class manner. A unique movie experience for the AXDW guests took place a the foye with the support of Philips and the collaboration of Village Cinemas. A Gold Vip AXDW room was established especially for the guests in order to enjoy the true movie experience and watch the upcoming trailers of the movies that will be launched in the next months. The new LCD Cinema 21:9 television of Philips revealed its launch at AXDW and the unique champagne Deutz was offered in crystal glasses to the audience.
• An innovative presentation of the IQ car of Toyota that is distinguished due to its design, flexibility and wide internal area attracted the interest of the guests and of the photographers.
• A stylish presentation of the One Touch Espresso, the modern coffee-maker of Philips impressed the audience with its simplicity and c-shape design. Delicious and aromatic espresso, cappuccino in every taste was offered to all the guests of AXDW.

The International Fashion Week AXDW was supported by the following exhibitors, media sponsors and supporters:

AMWAY cosmetics in a studio gathered most of the women that wanted to be consulted by professionals. Amway, one of the largest international companies of direct sales participated at AXDW with its professional make up line E. FUNKHOUSER^TM NEW YORK,  especially designed for the modern woman. The line is signed by Eddie Funkhouser a top make-up artist of New York and the ARTISTRY^TM that include a wide product line for daily care. The brand is a leader of skin technology over the past 35 years.

The Beefeater gin was offered at the elegant bar and was especially signed with the characteristic labels of London's METRO in order to remind us the atmosphere of the British capital. Beefeater was the supporter of the Opening Party and stayed tuned all 4 days of AXDW in order for the experienced barmen and the 4 ladies of their staff to offer the unique tasty cocktails to all the guests.

Κellogg's stand informed the guests that care for their shape that Special K is the solution in a balanced daily nutrition and for that reason a sample pack was offered to all the guests and also to the designers and the models at the backstage of AXDW.

Virginia Slims with two stands dressed in luxurious black, golden, pink and silver cigarette packs offered feminine and stylish lighters according to the latest Fashion statements!

The showrooms of the companies Yaco Clothes, and the Optical Center of Glyfada with its famous sunglasses lines of «Ed Hardy vintage tattoo Eyewear» and «Christian Audigier Eyewear» and also the showrooms of the designers Leila Hafzi and DuvO attracted the interest of all the visitors during the event..

The 5th AXDW  was a unique, successful and impressive Organization.

OUR NEXT APPOINTMENT WILL BE... AT THE FALL OF 2009!

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Media Sponsors: The television channels ANTENNA, MAD, HIGH LIFE TV (Italy), www. LifestyleTelevision.tv (Cyprus),  WORLD FASHION TV, the newspapers KATHIMERINI, International Herald Tribune and Μetropolis, the magazine KAPA, GYNAIKA, GK, Top Woman, Athens Plus, the free press weekly newspaper LIFO, the radio stations ANT1 Radio, Best, Εn Leukw and VFM 88,3,  and the portal Fashion Group, www.stylewatch.gr, www.madtv.gr.

The 5^η ΑXDW operates under the auspices of:Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Embassy of Cyprus, the Association of Greek Retail Business (SELPE), the Pan-Hellenic Association of Exporters (PSE), the Exporting Association of Northern Greece (SEVE), the Association of Industries of Northern Greece (SVVE) and the Pan-Hellenic Association of Trade and Industries of Knitted Clothes (PSVVPE).

Sponsors of the 5th ΑXDW: Hellenic Tourism Organization (ΕΟΤ), Philips, IQ from Τoyota, Virginia Slims and Village Cinemas.

Supporters of the 5^th AXDW: AMWAY and Beefeater gin.

Hospitality Sponsor: Αthenaeum Intercontinental Athens.

The Conference Center of Ethniki Asfalistiki is managed by Athenaeum Intercontinental Athens.