The Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus (FHNC) proudly presents Crafting Continuity, a three-day bi-communal exhibition reimagining Cyprus’ rich traditions through the lens of sustainable contemporary fashion and design. Taking place 7–9 November 2025 at The Picnic in Nicosia, this year’s showcase continues FHNC’s mission to bridge cultural heritage and innovation while empowering the next generation of Cypriot designers.
Organized by the Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus (FHNC), Crafting Continuity invites visitors to discover a new chapter in the island’s fashion heritage — one where traditional craft meets modern creativity. The exhibition brings together young Cypriot designers and master artisans from across Cyprus and the diaspora, united by a shared passion for preserving and reinterpreting traditional techniques for a more sustainable future.
Showcasing the results of months of mentorship and collaboration, each designer has worked alongside skilled artisans to learn endangered crafts such as land-loom weaving, Lefkara and Lapithos embroidery, and basketry. The outcome is a series of original, forward-looking fashion pieces that celebrate Cyprus’ cultural identity while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design.
As part of the exhibition, FHNC will also launch the inaugural issue of its independent publication, Defteri. Created to preserve and reimagine Cyprus’s fashion heritage, Defteri is a multidisciplinary magazine that blends sustainability, cultural memory, and creativity through essays, interviews, and visual narratives. Developed by a collective of writers, designers, and cultural practitioners from across Cyprus and the diaspora, Defteri amplifies the voices shaping the island’s evolving craft culture and will be unveiled during the exhibition’s opening night.
FHNC’s vision is to combine ethics and aesthetics, reviving and safeguarding Cyprus’ fashion heritage while inspiring younger generations to integrate heritage into conscious, sustainable creation. “Crafting Continuity offers a unique opportunity to experience how centuries-old techniques are evolving into future-facing fashion” says Christina Dymioti, Director of the FHNC.
Built on the belief that cultural knowledge and craftsmanship are essential to community resilience, environmental awareness, and intergenerational connection, this exhibition
highlights the deep sustainability already embedded in Cypriot heritage — from natural dyeing to reuse, repair, and upcycling.
Beyond a celebration of craft and design, Crafting Continuity also deepens bi-communal collaboration and youth engagement, connecting designers and artisans from across divided communities and the global Cypriot diaspora. These partnerships keep traditions alive while fostering dialogue, creativity, and collective cultural pride.
Showcased Fashion Designers & Artisans
Designers
● Andreani Panayide & Valentina Koutsoudis — Folkmona
● Andrea Rotsaki — ROTS
● Anna Michaelidou — Yiavrimou
● Elin Yurtdaş – Elin Yurtdaş
● İlkan Koral — ILKAN.KO
● Mert Özyürekliler — Shirvanna
● Rengin Akcan — RA Studio
● Şafak Bekiroğlu — the besque
● Stephanos Panayides — spangold
● Tülay Kader — Fashion House Tülay Kader
Artisans
● Aysel Kuburlu — HASDER
● Behice Sönmez Biran — B.S. Biran Handicraft Centre
● Katerina Demetriou Jones — Katerina Demetriou Jones
● Katerina Efstratiou — Katerina Efstratiou Weaving Studio
● Yiannis Yiavris
● Sıddıka Bilsen Ruso
Event Details
Dates & Times:
7 November, Friday — Opening Night: 7 PM – 11 PM
8 November, Saturday — 5 PM – 11 PM
9 November, Sunday — 5 PM – 11 PM
Venue: The Picnic, Asklipiou 36, Nicosia 1011
Admission: Free
Organisers & Support
Crafting Continuity is organised by Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus (FHNC) and is implemented with the support of the Traditional Culture Scheme under the CULTURE II Programme of the Department of Contemporary Culture of the Deputy Ministry of Culture of Cyprus.
The project is held in collaboration with the British High Commission in Cyprus, and with the support of UNFICYP, Fashion Revolution Cyprus, LCOY Cyprus, and the Cyprus Youth Council.
Media Sponsor: RIK / CyBC
For more information, visit: Website: https://fashionheritagecy.com/ Instagram: @fashionheritage.cy
Credits for photographs:
Photographers: Sotiria Dymioti, Constantinos Nicolaou, Aimilia Sourmeli
People in the photos:
Designers: Andreani Panayide, Andrea Rotsaki, Anna Michaelidou, Elin Yurtdaş, İlkan Koral, Mert Özyürekliler, Rengin Akcan, Stephanos Panayides, Tülay Kader.
Artisans: Aysel Kuburlu, Behice Sönmez Biran, Katerina Demetriou Jones, Katerina Efstratiou, Yiannis Yiavris.
