#Cyprus #BE OPEN #Nicosia #CVAR

Celebrating Cypriot Heritage Through Fashion History

On October 18th, a historic street in Nicosia transformed into an open-air runway, hosting a captivating fashion show that beautifully blended the rich history of Cyprus with garment culture. This immersive experience, organized by the BE OPEN Foundation in collaboration with the Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR), provided spectators with an extraordinary glimpse into the evolving identity of Cyprus through the lens of fashion.

The exhibition, titled Here Come the Cypriots, showcased clothing styles that spanned from the Ottoman period through the British colonial era to contemporary fashion. Youngsters from local schools played a vital role in breathing life into these historical pieces on the runway, effectively connecting past fashions with today's audience.

Dr. Rita C. Severis, the director of CVAR, emphasized the multicultural essence of Cyprus, stating that it embodies a fusion of societies, tales, and events that have not only shaped its people but also influenced various aspects of daily life, including culinary traditions, language, and fashion choices. “It is this last element that we celebrate in collaboration with BE OPEN, with hopes that this experience fosters knowledge, deepens understanding, and revives cherished memories,” Dr. Severis remarked.

Elena Baturina, founder of BE OPEN, praised Cyprus's rich artistic and artisanal legacy, which served as inspiration for this cultural celebration. “It was my immense pleasure to partake in this exciting and fashionable journey with CVAR. As an international initiative, BE OPEN is honored to support creative and meaningful celebrations of Cypriot culture and history, and we will continue to develop and implement projects that benefit the island's young creative community while preserving its unique beauty,” she expressed.

In alignment with the Cypriot Ministry of Culture, Secretary Emmanuella Lambrianidou acknowledged that no state cultural policy can thrive without active civil society involvement. She extended her heartfelt gratitude to both CVAR and BE OPEN for their outstanding efforts and tireless commitment to showcasing Cypriot culture.

Moreover, BE OPEN, together with the Cyprus Handicraft Service of the Deputy Ministry of Culture, is initiating the Cyprus Future Heritage competition, encouraging young artisans, artists, and designers to reinterpret Cyprus's weaving and embroidery traditions. The three winners of this competition will receive fully-funded international internships and workshops organized by BE OPEN, further emphasizing the commitment to nurturing creativity among the island's youth.

This celebration of fashion and cultural heritage not only honored the rich tapestry of Cypriot history but also showcased the island's dynamic future as a hub for creativity and cultural exchange. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural identity and fostering new generations of artists and creators who will keep the spirit of Cyprus alive for years to come.