Since 2007, DIMITRI has been a synonym for precision, refined cuts and subtle sensuality. Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos, the creative mind behind the brand, designs for women who are self-confident and cosmopolitan with a clear sense of individual style and who enjoy showcasing their femininity. By declaring quality as the overall brand credo, each design benefits from a profound knowledge of craftsmanship. This includes everything from cuts and finishing to the selection of fabrics. So, every season a well-defined mix of materials – whether silk, cashmere, chiffon, crêpe de chine or fine lace – combined with accurate tailoring and elaborate draping create looks of timeless elegance with a twist and a focus on a slim female silhouette.
With a deep passion for his own subject, Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos learned his profession from scratch. He studied at the well-known ESMOD International design school in Munich and Paris, where he finished with honours, followed by a master’s degree at the renowned Istituto Marangoni in Milan. From there, he joined prestigious fashion houses like Vivienne Westwood, Jil Sander and Hugo Boss. For several years, he worked intensively on their designs and collections. In 2007, Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos founded his own brand, which has received numerous awards and presented at several international fashion weeks between 2010 and 2016.
DIMITRI is based in Italy. This includes the showroom, the atelier and the store. Bringing together all these components enable control of all aspects – from the first sketch and the production up to the distribution. Moreover, this ensures a close relationship with customers, partners and suppliers, the majority of which are local. In other words: DIMITRI stands for fashion made in Italy. For the designer who has lived in Munich, Paris, London or Milan, the country symbolizes a very personal source of energy and inspiration. Fashion not only has a long tradition within the Italian history, it is also closely interwoven with the idea of “Dolce Vita”, which corresponds exactly to Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos' way of working and thinking.
His Inspiration as the designer draws from a passion for music and its iconography in conjunction with (fashion) history. Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos loves to mix different styles and epochs. This play with contrasts makes DIMITRI universally flattering and unique. The greatest influence, however, comes from a love of travel. The son of a Greek father and an Italian mother, Dimitrios’ designs interweave his own heritage, and are also highly influenced by travels to India, Morocco, Oman, Dubai, and a number of trips to the African continent.
DIMITRI presents two fashion collections per year, including handbags, shoes and jewellery. Additionally, Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos regularly cooperates with brands such as Guhl, Sony, and Uhlalá Beachwear and has further designed the employee uniforms for a luxury hotel in Munich. In Spring/Summer 2017 the brand launched an exclusive Men's Wear Capsule Collection. Inspired by the casual dandy, the styles were extraordinary yet wearable with refined details and clear cuts that could be combined easily with each other to create a unique look. DIMITRI's great passion, however, is and will remain women's fashion.
"A strong fascination for fashion has always been my companion. Fashion is closely linked to creativity and what happens around us. A designer anticipates and foresees. At the same, he must be unmistakable, individual and full of ideas. But this profession also requires a strong feel for marketing and commercial know-how."
