Fashion fighting stigma event held in Nicosia

The two-day pop-up exhibition titled Fashion Fighting Stigma took place at the BAF venue in Nicosia on September 9 and 10, 2026. The event aimed to promote mental health awareness by showcasing garments, photographs, sketches, and audiovisual works that reflect personal lived experiences, challenging societal labels and prejudice surrounding mental health conditions.

The opening ceremony was attended by Cyprus Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides, who emphasized the importance of integrating culture and social awareness to foster meaningful dialogue. Dr. Irshad Ali Shaikh, the WHO Representative in Cyprus, was also present, alongside various institutional and organizational representatives. The exhibition served as a platform to foster a more inclusive environment, advocating for open communication and non-judgmental listening to individuals with mental health conditions.

By utilizing art and fashion as primary mediums, the project highlights that mental health is a universal concern. The organizers underscored that the event seeks to make the invisible aspects of these conditions visible, encouraging a broader societal transition toward acceptance and inclusion for all people.