Yiannis Evangelides

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Yiannis Evangelides was a renowned Greek fashion designer born in Cyprus. At the age of 18, he moved to Athens and later married Vasso Kourtidi. Initially intending to pursue a career as a pianist, Evangelides discovered his passion for fashion design after creating clothes for his wife, which she had made up by her dressmaker.

Before World War II broke out in 1939, Evangelides worked as a couturier in Athens for 20 years, catering to high-end clients. Among these notable patrons was the future Queen of Greece, Frederica of Hanover, who became one of his most loyal and demanding clients between 1938 and 1945. This close relationship with the royal family played a significant role in Evangelides' early success.

In January 1940, Evangelides held his first New York show, showcasing pleated gowns in blue and terracotta, accompanied by short decorative jackets and draped scarves that referenced traditional Greek folk costume. The event marked an important milestone in his career, as he began to establish himself not only as a couturier but also as a designer for the wholesale market.

Over the next few years, Evangelides continued to refine his skills, working alongside his twenty-year experience in high-end fashion design. In 1951, he returned to New York and planned to stay, aiming to expand his business into ready-to-wear clothing. This move was also influenced by his previous stint as a designer for a wholesaler in Capetown, California, where he spent five years honing his skills.

In 1954, Evangelides became the lead designer at Bonwit Teller's custom salon, where he gained recognition for his innovative use of tucks and pleats. His designs were notable for incorporating imported Paris gowns alongside traditional Greek elements. This unique blend of styles helped establish him as a prominent figure in the fashion world.

The following year, Evangelides opened his own dress shop on East 57th Street, titled "Yanni". The store offered its first ready-to-wear collection in 1958, marking an important milestone in Evangelides' career. Throughout his life and work, Yiannis Evangelides remained committed to his Greek heritage, seamlessly integrating traditional elements into his designs.

References:
Lyberopoulos, D., & Dimitris D (1999). Greek Models 1900-2000: A Century of Creation. Athens.
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