Jordan Gogos, the Sydney-born designer, has once again demonstrated a visionary approach in his latest collection by blending Greek folk tradition with contemporary avant-garde fashion. His work is reminiscent of the Trojan horse motif that appeared throughout the show—a striking and bold exterior that conceals layers of personal history and meaning beneath each garment. Through this collection, Gogos creates a rich narrative that celebrates memory, sustainability, and artistic innovation, transforming discarded heirloom textiles into pieces of wearable art that honor cultural heritage.
The inspiration for the collection was sparked during a trip to Athens as part of “What Is Grecians, Volume Six,” where Gogos began collecting Greek folk textiles and reconnecting with his roots. Upon returning to Australia, he discovered a shop constructing a Greek monastery filled with traditional paraphernalia, which further fueled the fusion of histories and cultures that underpin his work. He incorporates personal heirlooms, such as tapestries and wall hangings cherished by his grandmother and aunt, emphasizing the importance of valuing and preserving garments in a sustainable way.
Gogos blurs the boundaries between art and textiles by bringing his ideas to life through fashion shows, where styling and movement add dimension to his creations. For him, the process of bringing a show together is a transformation where intention meets reality, breathing life into his garments. Reflecting on his journey, he describes a sense of joy and accomplishment in this fifth show, noting the growth from feeling like outsiders to collaborating with over 200 creatives and prestigious institutions such as the Powerhouse Museum, all while maintaining an element of unpredictability.
Casting for the show is a thoughtful, community-driven process developed over five years. Gogos enjoys bringing back familiar faces, seeing them as integral threads in the fabric of his creative vision. Ensuring that the energy of each person aligns with the garment they wear is crucial in refining the show’s overall impact.
Among the standout pieces is a tailored feminine suit that marks a new direction for Gogos. This suit incorporates textiles from a woman he met during an exhibition, including a richly storied tablecloth. Another notable piece is a hat crafted entirely from fabric offcuts, evoking a vintage army style softened by flowing textures. The majority of the textiles, about 60 to 80 percent, were sourced from Athens, with Gogos and his collaborator Mary painstakingly retrieving materials that were otherwise discarded, including fabrics connected to those who had passed away. By embedding these textiles into new creations, Gogos preserves their history and extends their life within an Australian cultural context.
The collection holds a deeply personal significance for Gogos, reflecting his upbringing and family heritage. He hopes his grandmother, who has never attended a show before, will come this year. The show’s title honors her late husband, and Gogos looks forward to the moment his grandmother sees his work projected under his grandfather’s name. Her simple yet proud comment upon seeing the collection’s film—“As long as you’re making money from it, go for it”—captures the quiet pride and support that fuels his artistic journey.
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