娱乐英语新闻:13th Athens Fashion Week opens in Greek capital with message of optimism for future

ATHENS, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The 13th Athens Fashion Week opened in Athens Wednesday evening with a message of optimism for the future, as the country continues efforts to overcome an acute debt crisis which threatened it with bankruptcy last year.

Over twenty Greek veteran and newcomer fashion designers joined state officials in voicing optimism for a brighter future for Greece through their colorful collections for Fall- Winter 2011-2012.

"We welcome visitors to this special party which aims to promote Athens as a city which dares to embrace new ideas and move forward, supporting creativity and cultural expression," said Mayor of Athens George Kaminis, inaugurating the five-day event.

Combining catwalk shows with cultural events, such as visual arts exhibitions, Athens Fashion Week aims to promote Greek fashion as an element of culture which could contribute to national efforts to boost economic development as well, noted Kaminis and representatives of the local fashion industry.

Confidence for the future was the key emotion at cultural center Technopolis, where the event is hosted under the auspices of the City of Athens and the Ministry of Regional Development and Competitiveness.

Solidarity to overcome difficulties was the virtue on focus during the opening show of designer Dimitris Dassios. Revenues from tickets sale to his "Arabesque" fashion show will be offered to a charity organization which supports children diagnosed with life threatening illnesses.

Dassios and other designers participating in the event, such as Daphne Valente, Kathy Heyndels, Aslanis, Makis Tselios and younger creators, have opted to showcase this year clothing in bright colors and contemporary, linear forms with classical references, balancing between ancient Greek simplicity and futuristic sophistication.