Yannis Tseklenis

Yannis Tseklenis (Greek: Γιάννης Τσεκλένης; November 6, 1937 – January 29, 2020) was a Greek fashion designer of international fame.

Early Life and Education

Tseklenis was born in Athens on November 6, 1937. His father, Costas Tseklenis, was from Pyrgos, while his mother, Melanias Pastirmatzis, was from Constantinople. He grew up and completed his studies in Athens, initially graduating from Athens College and later from Moraitis School.

Personal Life

In 1960, Tseklenis married Aspa Pesmazoglu, with whom he had a son, Constantine Checlenes, a conceptual artist and filmmaker, in 1963. The couple divorced in 1965. Two years later, in 1976, Tseklenis married his second wife, Ephe Mela, a former model and Miss Greece of 1954, with whom he remained until his death.

Professional Career

Tseklenis was considered the leading Greek fashion designer of the second half of the 20th century. He introduced Greek fashion to the modern international world through his creations from 1965 onwards. In addition to his work in fashion design, Tseklenis also worked in the textile trade and advertising sector.

Notable Works

Tseklenis was involved in several high-profile events, including:

* The decoration of the marriage link between Juan Carlos I of Spain and Sofia of Greece in 1962
* The decoration of the wedding of Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark and King Constantine II of Greece in 1964
* Establishing the Spectra advertising agency in 1961

Tseklenis passed away on January 29, 2020, at the age of 82.