Some highlights and downers at Zappeion Hall
You win some… – Zappeion Hall was a splendid backdrop for the catwalks, with all shows taking place indoors (no tents this time around). – A general sense of enthusiasm encompassed all events, stemming from all those who visited Zappeion over the three days. – Lots of hard work was seen at a number of fashion houses, with designers trying to move into new territory, define and, at times, redefine themselves; many houses appeared more focused. – A third edition meant a certain amount of anticipation in view of an increasing number of collections. Whether disappointed or satisfied, those who follow Athens Collections closely now have greater expectations and are exercising their fashion memory. – Fashion pros noted promising improvements in makeup, hair and editing, though strong styling, in general, remained rather scarce. …You lose some – Long queues of desperate visitors trying to get into shows; things getting out of control occasionally. – Plenty of gin and tonic, but no designated area for a cup of coffee (besides a sponsor stand) or grabbing what could prove to be something vital to eat. The adjacent Aegli complex is particularly crowded on weekends and not known for quick or low-budget service. – Press Room anywhere? Never mind the lack of computer terminals, there is an urgent need for an area to allow those who are following the shows professionally to be able to catch their breath. – A single pair of shoes or boots parading on the catwalk throughout a show – from daywear to eveningwear. – Hall A, which was a novel, much bigger catwalk, proved to be a trap for some designers who didn’t foresee that a much quicker pace for the model parade was essential. At the same time, shows with slow rhythms proved equally difficult on the smaller catwalks.
