Project T-shirt 
for Benaki Museum shop

T-shirt is the most popular and expected garment that can be worn by anyone, regardless of age, gender, or economic status, in contemporary society. In a way, the T-shirt functions as a symbol of modern life, much like traditional attire once defined societies in earlier times.

This proposal focuses on the creation of a statement garment that comments on the relationship between Greek tradition and contemporary perceptions of clothing, under the influence of the fast fashion industry.

The T-shirt is decorated with copper 2-cent coins, arranged to form a necklace around the neck, serving as a direct reference to traditional costumes. Between the coins, badges featuring logos from brands that dominate fast and low-cost fashion are inserted, primarily commenting on the relationship between the intrinsic and functional value of a copper coin, in contrast to the contemporary tendency where the value of a garment is largely determined by its brand, without necessarily being accompanied by corresponding quality. 

The composition is completed with the use of cords, which replace traditional fringes. These are created in an unconventional and handmade manner, using a seam ripper. This choice constitutes yet another reference to the relationship between value, content, and the aesthetics of a garment. The same cord extends to the sleeves, forming stripes that allude to the characteristic visual identity of a well-known multinational clothing brand.

Using the above concept as its vehicle, the present project aims to create a garment that, despite its traditional inspiration, is not confined to the role of a museum exhibit, but can be worn—with a little extra boldness—today.