#INTERVIEW: Dimitris Strepkos, Fashion Designer and Founder of "Celebrity Skin" Couture Brand

Celebrity Skin is a dynamic avant-garde fashion brand based in Athens, Greece. Since its debut in 2009 with the collection Tim Burton’s Impossible Nightmare at Athens Xclusive Designers Week —where it won both “Best Designer” and “Best Catwalk” awards — Celebrity Skin has been recognised as a leading name in high fashion. The brand is celebrated for its luxurious yet accessible creations, meticulously crafted with an extreme attention to detail.

At the 34th Athens Fashion Week, Celebrity Skin unveiled its latest collection, Daydreaming: A Poem for Katia — a mesmerising blend of theatricality, avant-garde aesthetics, and haute couture. The collection featured intricate embellishments, including sequins, frills, fringe, and decorative buttons, all masterfully combined to create innovative designs. The show was a breathtaking spectacle, showcasing futuristic, fairytale-like corsets, glowing crystal masks, dramatic hair accessories, and exquisitely adorned lace bodysuits. Models of diverse genders, body types, and ages brought the collection to life, adding to its artistic depth.

Tanja Beljanski: You have always been immersed in the worlds of fashion — as a stylist, fashion director, and art director — and theatre as a costume designer. What inspired you to step into fashion design?

Dimitris Strepkos: I have always been in love with fashion — magazines, editorials, campaigns —the entire creative process. The energy of the backstage world had a profound impact on me, so it felt natural to be part of that magic in my own way. I didn’t choose fashion; it was already a part of me, in my soul and mind.

 

How did the concept for Celebrity Skin come to life, and when did you decide to turn it into a reality?

I founded Celebrity Skin in 2009 because I wanted to create an avant-garde clothing brand offering unique pieces that couldn’t be found in showrooms or stores. By the time I was 35, I had gained the maturity and clarity to execute my vision. Years of experience in the fashion industry helped me understand how to bring my artistic ideas to life in the best possible way.

What drives you to create?

Creating fashion and art is as essential to me as breathing. I don’t overanalyse it — I let fabrics and materials guide me. I don’t follow trends; instead, I immerse myself in films, theatre, art galleries, and music. My muses come to life and lead me through the process.

 

Where do you find beauty?

Beauty and art are everywhere around us. We just need to open our eyes and embrace it. I find inspiration in everyday life, in unexpected places.

Tell us about the story behind your brand’s name. Why Celebrity Skin instead of an eponymous label?

My surname, Strepkos, isn’t easy for many people to pronounce, so it wasn’t my first choice. Celebrity Skin represents my identity in the fashion world. “Celebrity” isn’t just about fame—it’s about individuality and authenticity. My designs are like a second skin, an extension of one’s personality. The name perfectly encapsulates my vision.

 

How do you design? What is your creative process like? I understand everything in your atelier is done by hand.

I use a combination of pattern-making and moulage techniques. Every piece is handcrafted to ensure uniqueness and superior craftsmanship. I spend countless hours draping fabrics on mannequins, experimenting with shapes, volumes, and textures. I never settle — I push boundaries and challenge myself constantly.

Your latest collection at Athens Fashion Week was deeply personal. Can you share its inspiration with us? And tell us about those striking masks!

My dear friend Katia Nikolaidou, a renowned Greek actress, passed away after a long battle with cancer. She was my muse — she modelled in my campaigns and walked my runways. Daydreaming: A Poem for Katia was my tribute to her. The show opened with her voice, and the first dress was one she had worn and loved. The music was the last song we danced to together, and the final video was the last message she sent me from New York. This collection was a deeply personal testimony of love and loss. As for the masks, they are a crucial part of my aesthetic. My models are not just wearing fashion; they are actors in a theatrical performance, an art event that transcends clothing.