What is your name, age? Where are you from?
My name is Michalis Pantelidis, I am 27 years old and I am from Cyprus.
What and where are you studying?
I am studying Fashion Textiles at University of the West of England, Bristol and currently I am in my 3rd year on a work placement in Amsterdam.
If working/interning, what is your position and what tasks do you do?
I am interning at Ronald Van Der Kemp atelier and I do hand and machine sewing. Developing samples for his couture wardrobes. Assisting him on shootings for the films for Haute Couture Week and Shooting for Lookbook on Vogue Runway. Organizing the studio. Hand painting fabrics and finishing garments mostly by hand.
Official account to connect with you?
Instagram handle - michalis_pantelides
When the pandemic hit, what were you working on and how did it affect you?
When the pandemic hit, I was working on RVDK 's collaboration with Vogue NetherLands about sustainable statement T-shirts all made by dead stock and it didn't affect me because I was still able to go to studio everyday as I was most of the time alone there.
What positive changes have you made in the past few months in your routine or yourself?
I learn to accept the things I cannot change and accept the fact that I am powerless over the pandemic. I surrender to a power greater than myself and trust it that everything will be as it should be. Live everyday with gratitude attitude and focus on the Now.
What strategies are you using to keep yourself busy and creative? What creative tasks irrespective of fashion have you been able to do this lock down? any hobbies you picked up?
I was working full time and exercise at home from YouTube videos at least four times per week. I also got into self-portraits photography which I realized I really enjoy and I want to develop it. I experiment with my image and explore my gender identity.
If you are graduating this year, how did you mold your situation of working on your final collection and thesis to the lock down ?
I am not graduating this year.
What do you think of your future career? How are you coping with that?
I was supposed to go back to University this September but I am thinking to take a year off and get more work experience.
What is your opinion about fashion weeks in the future and the fashion industry?
My opinion about Fashion industry is that we need a few more months of pandemic in order to shake us enough and realize what is most important in life. We don't need new clothes/ new trends every six months. We should learn to recycle, up cycle and reuse materials, garments, fabrics.
What problems do you see on a global fashion level and what solution would you like to propose?
Over consumption and destroying the planet with it. solution I believe is education about sustainability, zero waste lifestyle and minimalism, also spirituality.
As an integral part of fashion's future, what change/s do you plan to make in yourself and your work?
Sustainability is definitely part of my future work plan.
Lastly, what positive advice would you like to give to your fellow fashion lovers?
Positive advice... Stay true to yourself, be open and flexible to change.
