Designer Stelios Koudounaris discusses fashion industry pressures and creative process

Fashion designer Stelios Koudounaris recently appeared as a guest on the 'MadWalk26 Vidcasts by Three Cents', hosted by Athina Klimi. During the interview, which occurred in mid-November 2026, Koudounaris addressed the intense demands of the international fashion industry, highlighting that showcasing collections at international showrooms is essential for seasonal viability and client acquisition.

Koudounaris also opened up about his personal creative challenges, specifically admitting that his greatest professional fear is the loss of inspiration. To overcome creative blocks, he often reviews his past design archives to spark new concepts. Furthermore, he explained his habitual choice of wearing black, noting that it serves as a method to maintain a necessary professional and personal distance from his complex daily tasks and creative outputs.

Historically, the designer noted that his earlier collections relied on a restricted color palette of black, white, and blue. Over recent years, he has incorporated more color to create more vibrant and lighthearted pieces, demonstrating an evolution in his aesthetic vision while maintaining his structured approach to design and collaboration.