The fashion world is mourning the loss of Greek designer Sophia Kokosalaki, who sadly passed away from cancer overnight at the age of 47. Kokosalaki was known for her elegant drapery and chic wedding dresses, with many of her designs being worn on the red carpet by celebrities including Chloë Sevigny, Kirsten Dunst, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, and Alexa Chung.
The talented Greek-born designer created the costumes and uniforms for the 2004 Olympic Games in Greece and she also designed new uniforms for the Aegean Airlines cabin crew in 2015.
Kokosalaki was born in Athens in 1972 with Cretan origins. 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.
In 2001, she collaborated with Topshop and from 2006 to 2007, she served as creative director at French fashion house Vionnet.
Fashion designers, journalists, and clients from all over the world have paid tribute to Kokosalaki, including Mary Katrantzou, who worked with Sophia when she first started out in the fashion industry. "Thank you for making us all feel proud to be Greek," said Katrantzou.
"It is extremely sad when a young person dies, a creative spirit, a dynamic and self-made woman who starred in the harsh and competitive world of international fashion for a 20-year period," Greece's Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said.
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Greece's First Lady Mareva Grabowski Mitsotakis, also posted a heartfelt message about the designer's passing on her Instagram account, saying "We will never forget you."
Kokosalaki is survived by her husband and daughter.
