We recently connected with Michalis Pantelidis and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michalis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is my trash art. It started with my passion for sustainability and the belief that beauty can be found in things others throw away. I began photographing discarded objects — plastic bottles, old textiles, and other waste — to transform them into art. The idea was to show that even trash has a story and potential.

A key moment was discovering how recycled plastic bottles could be turned into fabric. Using this material, I combined photography, textiles, and everyday waste into pieces that sparked conversations about consumption and environmental impact.

This project means so much because it connects creativity with responsibility. It reminds me that with imagination, we can give new life to things considered worthless. It’s about seeing possibilities, creating awareness, and showing that even trash can inspire beauty and change.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Here’s a more concise version, under 150 words:

I started my journey into fashion working as a dresser during Paris Fashion Week, where the energy and creativity behind the scenes inspired me to pursue fashion seriously. A pivotal moment came in 2015, when I visited Jean Paul Gaultier’s exhibition in Paris — it opened my eyes to fashion’s power as art and storytelling.

Back in Cyprus, I worked in fashion retail while building my portfolio for university. I later moved to the UK to study fashion in Bristol, joined an exchange program in Hong Kong, and completed internships with Iris van Herpen and Ronald van der Kemp in Amsterdam, where I honed my passion for craftsmanship and sustainability.

Now, I create unique, multifunctional accessories from recycled materials, including fabrics made from plastic bottles. My brand blends sustainability, innovation, and storytelling. I’m proud to inspire conversations about responsible design, turning waste into beauty and proving that fashion can drive positive change.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing people create memories while wearing my designs. Fashion is deeply personal — it’s about expression, confidence, and how we present ourselves to the world. When I see someone feel stylish, beautiful, and empowered in something I’ve created, it’s a reminder of why I love this work.

Each piece I design tells a story, but it truly comes to life when it becomes part of someone else’s journey. Knowing that my creations are woven into special moments — whether it’s a celebration, an everyday adventure, or simply boosting someone’s confidence — brings me incredible joy.

Fashion isn’t just about garments or accessories; it’s about how they make people feel. Seeing my work spark happiness, individuality, and connection makes all the effort and creativity worthwhile. It’s a beautiful cycle of inspiration that keeps me motivated to keep designing with purpose.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a simple but powerful mission: to bring joy and smiles to people through my work. I design pieces that are vibrant, playful, and full of color because I believe fashion should be fun, uplifting, and make people feel happy and confident when they wear them.

Beyond spreading joy, I’m also passionate about celebrating and promoting Cypriot heritage. Many of my designs are inspired by the rich culture and traditions of Cyprus, and I’m incredibly proud to see my creations representing our island on global stages — from Cannes to Los Angeles. Knowing that my work not only brings beauty and positivity but also shines a spotlight on Cyprus fills me with pride and purpose.

Ultimately, my goal is to create designs that inspire happiness, connection, and cultural appreciation, reminding us all that fashion is a joyful, powerful form of storytelling and expression.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michalispantelidis.com
• Instagram: Michalispantelidistudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michalis.pyxlax
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michalis-pantelidis-8ab55499/

Image Credits

Photographer : Harys Kyprianou
Make up: Savvas Savva
Hair: Leloft Cyprus
Model: Christina Pavlou