Evangelia Kagiafa
Textiles
I am a multi-media textile graduate, exploring the creative world of high fashion and product development.
Final year project
The Pelagos Project
The celebration of Hellenic culture
The Pelagos Project aims to celebrate the long-standing traditions of Hellenic culture and the anchoring impact of Greek shipping on its contemporary identity. ‘Pelagos’ means open sea and has been incorporated into nautical terminology, being used to imply that the ocean is free of obstacles at the horizon. The project looks at the industrial aspects of cargo ships and tugboats that people don’t generally associate with Greece. To achieve this, I have gathered original photography from tugboat salvages and the day-to-day life at sea, conveying the uncharted face of nautical life through imagery and digital prints.
Galazio
‘Galazio’ is made from 100% real leather, locally sourced and produced in Athens. This one-of-a-kind bag was produced in collaboration with a local leather craftsman in Greece. The metal embellishments are based on a variety of different nautical knots; each one is unique and handmade.
Navigation Bridge
'Navigation Bridge', is a digitally printed shirt constructed and produced in Greece. By observing the interesting areas found on a cargo boat, I was able to reference these within the print design of one of the garments. The combination of vibrant illustrations, digitally collaged through mark-making, has led to this visually engaging placement print. These handcrafted metal knots cannot only act as embellishments but also as functional buttons.
Oceanus
'Oceanus' is a three-dimensional piece which consists of two layers of fabric; the top layer was created using laser-cut silk taffeta and the bottom layer uses a vibrant abstract print that acts as a barrier layer between the skin and the more delicate top layer.
Ocean Plait
'Ocean Plait’ is an example of the process used to create the metallic elements of the collection. By making a casting mould from an ocean plait knot, I was able to cast semi-precious metal and create this beautiful belt buckle.
Hellenic roots
'Hellenic roots' is a visualisation sketch, showcasing one of the print designs and expressing the collection's authenticity and its connection to Hellenic culture. Using a surrealistic style for visualisations leads to both creative freedom and eye-catching results.
Desmos
'Desmos' is a durable handcrafted utility belt that is entirely functional and convenient, especially for the travel enthusiastic individuals that this collection is aimed towards. During the design process, it was intended for the decorative aspects to be complemented by a focus on convenience.
Precious cargo
'Precious cargo' This visualisation enforces the Pelagos collection by showing how the pieces visually complement one another. By carrying out the photography on the industrial port of Volos, I was able to achieve a weathered, mechanical aesthetic that enforces Greece’s long-standing reputation as one of the most influential countries in the shipping industry.
Evangelia Kagiafa
Final year project
The Pelagos Project
Awards
2021 – Sold commercial designs to Greek companies, such as BSB, Lynne, MAT Fashion and numerous others.
2021 – Diploma in Professional Studies.
2021 – Contributed designs and assistance for the SS20 Premiere Vision, while working at Kliolios.
2020 – Designs displayed at Premiere Vision, Paris.
2019 – VIP coordinator, ‘ECO CAPSULE’ Fashion Show, Vassilis Zoulias, Athens.
Work Experience
September 2020 - June 2021 – Print Design Intern at Kliolios, Athens.
June - August 2019 – Studio Assistant at Couture atelier, Vassilis Zoulias, Athens.