The fashion world mourns the loss of one of Greece’s most celebrated designers, Sophia Kokosalaki, who adorned A-list celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway, and Julie Christie. The news of her passing was confirmed by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni on Monday.
Sophia Kokosalaki, based in London, boasted a prestigious clientele that extended to Kate Hudson, Cristina Ricci, Tilda Swinton, Jennifer Connelly, Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley, and Diane Kruger.
Mendoni expressed her sadness, saying, «It is extremely sad when a young person dies, a creative spirit, a dynamic and self-made woman who shone in the harsh and competitive world of international fashion for a 20-year period.»
Notably, Kokosalaki served as the head designer for the Athens 2004 Olympics. Her designs often drew inspiration from ancient Greece, infusing a sense of timeless elegance into her clothing and jewelry creations.
The fashion community paid tribute to Kokosalaki’s extraordinary talent, with designer Vassilis Zoulias writing on Instagram, «What a great loss to the fashion world…RIP beloved…your talent was beyond the norm.»
Born in Athens and of Cretan heritage, Kokosalaki initially studied Greek and English literature at the University of Athens before pursuing her passion in London, where she graduated from Central Saint Martins fashion college.
Reports indicate that the designer had been grappling with health challenges in recent times.
