In a rapidly changing fashion landscape, Anna Michaelidou stands out as a designer who bridges heritage, sustainability, and modern aesthetics. Rooted in her grandfather’s tradition as a tailor and her Cypriot upbringing, Anna breathes new life into discarded garments, transforming them into statement pieces that honor the past while looking to the future. After graduating from the University of the West of England, Bristol, and interning at the innovative studio of Ronald van der Kemp, she gained hands-on experience in sustainable design methods that now form the bedrock of her own brand, Yiavri Mou.

Through meticulous upcycling techniques, unique prints, and storytelling elements that pay homage to her family’s legacy, Anna aims to spark a broader conversation about ethical fashion. In her interview with FastForward, she shares her creative journey, her dedication to preserving Cypriot craftsmanship, and her vision for a more conscious industry—one upcycled garment at a time.

In my work, you can see that I am deeply inspired by my grandfather and my family's background in tailoring. Growing up, I watched my grandfather work with such passion and dedication—he truly loved what he was doing. Seeing his hands skillfully craft garments, his attention to detail, and the pride he took in his work was incredibly inspiring to me.

This experience shaped my approach to fashion design in many ways. It taught me the value of craftsmanship, patience, and the importance of creating something with meaning. That’s why I focus on handmade techniques and upcycling, ensuring that every piece I create has a story.

Personal stories and memories play a huge role in my design choices. My collection featuring secondhand shirts printed with photographs of my grandfather’s hands and other family members is a perfect example of this. By incorporating these images, I not only honor my family’s legacy but also highlight the beauty of craftsmanship and the passing down of skills through generations.

Sustainability is extremely important to me, and it is at the core of my design philosophy. I focus on upcycling secondhand garments, particularly shirts, which I source from deadstock or secondhand shops. Each piece already carries a history, and my goal is to give it new life while preserving its uniqueness.

Once I have the garments, I begin by experimenting with their structure—playing around with how they sit on the body, reimagining silhouettes, and finding ways to enhance their existing features. I carefully consider color combinations and fabric textures to ensure harmony in the final piece.

A key part of my process is incorporating prints that tell a story. For my collection inspired by my grandfather, I print images of his hands and other meaningful details onto the fabric. The placement of these prints is intentional—I position them in ways that complement the garment’s shape and design, making sure they enhance the overall aesthetic rather than just being an added element.

Through this process, I transform secondhand materials into one-of-a-kind, high-fashion pieces that blend sustainability, storytelling, and craftsmanship. My goal is to show that upcycling can be both creative and luxurious while making a positive impact on the fashion industry.

I am very thankful for that moment, and it was an incredible experience for me. Seeing someone appreciate and wear my work is always rewarding, but having Sophia Hadjipanteli—someone I truly admire—wear one of my creations made it even more special.

I have great respect for Sophia’s work, and I love her bold sense of fashion and the way she embraces individuality. She is a strong advocate for self-expression, and that aligns with my own philosophy as a designer.

Having her wear my design also brought international visibility to my brand, introducing my work to a wider audience. It’s a reminder of how fashion connects people and tells stories, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my vision with more people through moments like this.

Cypriot heritage is a key element in my work, and I truly enjoy learning more about it and finding ways to reflect it in my designs. I believe it’s essential for the younger generation to connect with their roots and appreciate the rich cultural traditions of Cyprus, especially in fashion.

I see the future of Cypriot fashion evolving in a way that blends tradition with modernity. There is so much inspiration to draw from—traditional craftsmanship, textiles, and techniques—that can be reinterpreted in contemporary ways. By combining these elements with sustainable practices and innovative design approaches, we can create a fashion identity that respects our past while looking toward the future.

Through my work and my involvement with the Cyprus Fashion Heritage Network, I aim to help bridge this gap. I want to preserve and celebrate Cypriot traditions, but in a way that speaks to today’s world. By integrating heritage into modern fashion, I hope to inspire others to embrace their cultural identity while also thinking sustainably.

In the next five years, I envision Yiavri Mou growing into a more established brand with a strong presence in both local and international markets. One of my main goals is to expand my reach by launching a website where people can explore and purchase my creations more easily. I also hope to have my one-of-a-kind pieces featured in designer boutiques that align with my vision of sustainability and craftsmanship.

Beyond growth, my focus remains on reviving Cypriot heritage through fashion. I want to continue researching and incorporating traditional techniques, textiles, and stories into my work while using sustainable materials. Taking this to the next level means finding new ways to innovate—whether through collaborations, exhibitions, or expanding into different product lines that celebrate both sustainability and cultural identity.

Ultimately, I want Yiavri Mou to be more than just a fashion brand—I want it to be a movement that inspires people to appreciate their heritage, value sustainability, and see the beauty in upcycled, handcrafted fashion.

More Info

Who: Anna Michaelidou is a fashion and textile designer specializing in sustainable and upcycled creations. She graduated from the University of the West of England, Bristol, and completed an internship at Ronald van der Kemp’s studio, where she gained invaluable experience in sustainable fashion design. Deeply inspired by her Cypriot heritage and her grandfather’s craftsmanship as a tailor, Anna combines tradition with modern design to create meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Her brand, Yiavri Mou, focuses on sustainability, reviving secondhand garments through unique prints and handmade techniques. By incorporating elements of Cypriot culture and storytelling into her designs, Anna aims to preserve traditional craftsmanship while promoting ethical fashion. Through her work, she hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for sustainability, heritage, and the beauty of upcycled fashion.