In memoriam: Sophia Kokosalaki (1972-2019)
Greek-born London based fashion designer Sophia Kokosalaki has died at the age of 47. Today, fashion critic Sarah Mower affectionately commemorated her with an image caption on Instagram ‘as a sister pioneer of the London fashion new wave of the 2000s.’
The designer was known for her delicate, subtly ethereal and sublimely draped creations, which championed her Greek heritage through a contemporary Hellenism. Expert pleating, the incorporation of ancient mythology and even the tones of the dark Cretan landscape were all part of her vision. During her career, Kokosalaki took the creative helm of a number of leading luxury brands and interwove the threads of her own brand narrative with that of the history of contemporary Greece, overseeing the costumes and uniforms for teams, officials and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Kokosalaki was born in Athens in 1972. She received a degree in Greek and English Literature before moving to London to study at Central Saint Martins under legendary Professor Louise Wilson. She graduated in 1998 and debuted her first womenswear collection at London Fashion Week a year later. This debut led to a year long appointment as designer at Italian leather label Ruffo Research. Kokosalaki was awarded the New Generation Designer prize at the Fashion Awards in 2003. Her focus on the classical silhouette and her skill at draping also caught the attention of Parisian maison Vionnet and Kokosalaki was appointed creative director of the house from 2006-2007. In 2009, Kokosalaki was made head designer at Diesel's Black Gold, a position she held for three years. She launched her debut bridal collection in 2012, which incorporated Delphic pleats and ruched silhouettes.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
The moments fashion met art at the 60th Venice Biennale
The best fashion moments at the 2024 Venice Biennale, with happenings from Dior, Golden Goose, Balenciaga, Burberry and more
By Jack Moss Published
-
Crispin at Studio Voltaire, in Clapham, is a feast for all the senses
New restaurant Crispin at Studio Voltaire is the latest opening from the brains behind Bistro Freddie and Bar Crispin, with interiors by Jermaine Gallagher
By Billie Brand Published
-
Vivienne Westwood’s personal wardrobe goes up for sale in landmark Christie’s auction
The proceeds of ’Vivienne Westwood: The Personal Collection’, running this June, will go to the charitable causes she championed during her lifetime
By Jack Moss Published
-
In memoriam: Vivienne Westwood (1941 – 2022)
We remember iconoclastic British fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, who has died aged 81
By Jack Moss Published
-
Remembering Virgil Abloh: 1980–2021
We remember creative pioneer and innovator Virgil Abloh, who has passed away at age 41
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
In memoriam: Kenzo Takada (1939–2020)
The Japanese fashion designer has passed away aged 81
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
In memoriam: Karl Lagerfeld (1933-2019)
By Laura Hawkins Published
-
Jony Ive remembers Azzedine Alaïa
By Jack Moss Last updated
-
In memoriam: the cinematic life of fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy (1927-2018)
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
In memoriam: the life and influence of Judy Blame (1960-2018)
By Elly Parsons Last updated
-
Farewell to Pierre Bergé (1930-2017), a tour de force in French fashion and culture
By Jack Moss Last updated