Fashion movement launched in Cyprus to raise mental health awareness

The “Fashion Fighting Stigma” initiative was held in Cyprus to address social stigma surrounding mental health through symbolic clothing design. Inspired by advocate Poly Grigora, the project uses materials and colors to represent conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. Dark colors and black roses signify depression, while heavy wool represents eating disorders. The project involved collaborations between professional designers, students from UCLan Cyprus, and psychologist Dr. Eleni Karagianni. Supported by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 and various state institutions, the event aims to humanize those with diagnoses. Poly Grigora, an expert by experience, stated the project seeks to give a visual face to invisible conditions. Organizers have announced plans to take the movement abroad. The initiative also maintains partnerships with the Cyprus University of Technology and local mental health services.