Athens Fashion Week sits at the intersection of tradition and contemporary design. Smaller in scale but rich in talent, it presents a curated view of Greek fashion — one that feels personal, approachable, and increasingly relevant beyond Greece’s borders.
I’ve attended AFW three times, and many of you have asked what kind of event it really is. Is it comparable to Milan, Paris, London, or Copenhagen Fashion Week? How do you attend? What should you expect once you’re there? In this article, I’ll answer all of those questions and give you a realistic, insider view of Athens Fashion Week.
What Is Athens Fashion Week?
Athens Fashion Week is a proper fashion week featuring local Greek designers who present their collections twice a year:
- Fall/Winter collections in October–November
- Spring/Summer collections in March–April
The 37th Athens Fashion Week runs for 7 days, includes 22 fashion shows, and officially starts on November 11, 2025.
Interestingly, Athens Fashion Week is almost the same age as Copenhagen Fashion Week, even though it’s much less talked about internationally.
A Brief History of AFW
I’ll be honest — I had never heard of Athens Fashion Week before I moved to Greece and started researching local designers. But AFW has a strong and meaningful history.
The first official Athens Fashion Week took place in 2007 and was originally known as “Ελληνική Εβδομάδα Μόδας” (Hellenic Fashion Week). It was held at the Zappeion Megaron, a historic landmark in Athens named after its benefactor Evangelos Zappas. The venue also played a role in the first modern Olympic Games, hosting fencing events.
Some designers still present their collections at Zappeion Megaron today, although not all shows take place there.
The Pioneering Designers of Athens Fashion Week
At the beginning, Athens Fashion Week was shaped by a small group of influential designers who laid the foundation for Greek fashion on an international level.
Vassilis Zoulias
One of the most respected designers in Greece, Vassilis Zoulias spent nearly 20 years as a fashion editor for major Greek magazines, including Vogue Greece, before fully transitioning into fashion design. He has showcased his collections every season since the beginning of AFW.
Dimitris Dassios
A well-known Greek designer, Dassios is famous for his work with denim. In 2007, he introduced a denim jacket collection that became iconic and was showcased in Milan and Paris. He remains at the helm of his brand and will present his collection on Saturday.
Celia Kritharioti
Celia Kritharioti is internationally renowned and presents her Haute Couture collections in Paris. The fashion house is known for couture, bridal wear, ready-to-wear, and accessories such as eyewear.
Most recently, Naomi Campbell opened her Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 show in Paris. You’ll regularly see Celia Kritharioti at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.
Kathy Heyndels
One of the oldest Greek fashion houses, Kathy Heyndels is known for luxurious, natural materials such as silk, satin, taffeta, muslin, lace, and Swarovski crystals.
Atelier Loukia
Loukia is a major figure in Greek fashion, particularly in couture and bridal wear. Her name is frequently cited when discussing Greek haute couture. Although Atelier Loukia does not appear on the current AFW schedule, the brand is still active and thriving.
Contemporary Greek Designers to Know
Today, the Greek fashion scene has expanded significantly. Designers you’ll see at Athens Fashion Week include:
- Paris Valtadoros
- Afroditi Hera
- Daphne Valente (my personal favorite — her signature fabrics are instantly recognizable)
Daphne, thank you for your invitations and for giving me the opportunity to discover your brand. - Christina Zaferiou Couture
- Lakis Gavalas, and many more
How to Attend Athens Fashion Week
Compared to Milan, Paris, London, Copenhagen, or New York Fashion Week, Athens Fashion Week is much more accessible.
Option 1: Apply for a Media or Professional Invitation
If you work in fashion, media, or content creation, you can apply for an invitation by sending:
- A written request
- Examples of previous work (articles, videos, etc.)
- Your media kit
Once approved, you’ll receive free access to most shows.
Important timing note: AFW usually approves applications about one week before the event, so don’t apply too early. The best time to apply is right after the official schedule is announced on their website or Instagram.
*Two designers approve guests separately — more on that below.
Option 2: Buy a Ticket
If you don’t work in fashion but love it and want to attend, you can purchase tickets directly from the official Athens Fashion Week website.
There are two options:
- Single show ticket: around €30 (for example, for Daphne Valente’s show)
- Day pass: €60, allowing access to all shows on that day
Special Designer Approvals
Two designers manage their guest lists independently:
- Paris Valtadoros
- Vassilis Zoulias
However, this season Vassilis Zoulias is selling tickets through the AFW website for €60, making his show accessible to the public.
What to Expect from Athens Fashion Week
If you’ve attended major fashion weeks like Milan, Paris, London, or New York, Athens Fashion Week will feel very different — in both good and surprising ways.
The Positives
- Multiple designers in one location
Several designers present their collections in the same building. You simply exit the room and re-enter for the next show after a 40–50 minute break. - Complimentary food and drinks
During breaks, sponsors offer drinks, snacks, and promotional products — a lovely and relaxed touch. - A more intimate atmosphere
AFW feels smaller, more personal, and easier to navigate.
The One Not-So-Negative Negative
- No street style scene
There are no street photographers waiting outside venues. If you want photos, you’ll need to ask someone or take them yourself.
Local TV crews focus on celebrities and well-known figures, and even if they do photograph you, you’ll likely never find the images later (trust me — I tried).
Final Thoughts
Athens Fashion Week may not have the global prestige of Milan or Paris, but it is a fantastic event. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something smaller, fresher, and more personal, while still discovering talented designers and strong creative vision.
If you love fashion and want a more approachable fashion week experience, Athens Fashion Week is absolutely worth attending.
