On the occasion of the gala viewing of Marianna Economou’s enchanting documentary The Greek Bar Jacket for the House of Dior, a very special event was organized in Paris, in September, by the philanthropic association Daughters of Penelope Paris and the House of Dior, at the delightful venue Silencio des Prés, in aid of Cerebral Palsy Greece/Open Door.
The General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, and the Greek Embassy to France were in attendance and offered their support.
The film’s themes are the different elements and human contacts, that went into the preparation and creation of the Dior Cruise Collection 2021, which not only took its inspiration from Greece, but also cooperated directly with Greek artisans, for its motives and materials. These, among others, included Aris Tzounevrakis from Argos, whose traditional embroidery decorated Christian Dior’s emblematic Bar Jacket, Costas Mouchtaridis from Soufli with his wonderfully handwoven silks, and Zacharias Tsalavoutas sailor’s caps, from Piraeus. All three attended the Paris occasion.
The enthusiasm and goodwill of the organizers, the warm, hospitable atmosphere and the particular attention given to the minutest detail indicated what was to come. But nobody could have foreseen the extent of the evening’s success. Thanks to the hard work and dedication displayed by the Daughters of Penelope Paris, and the assistance offered by the House of Dior, the hall was filled to capacity with eminent Greek and French friends and supporters, enthusiastic applause greeted the showing of the film, and the presence and comments of Dior’s artistic director, Maria Grazia Chiuri during the open panel discussion with all the protagonists, that followed the viewing of the film, added particular charm and prestige to the occasion. At one point she said: My true passion is the preparation that goes into every exhibition abroad, which entails coming into contact with different cultures and learning from them.
Particularly moving were also the words of Open Door’s Honorary President, Daphne Economou, who said: Nothing is good enough for these wonderful children. They offer us much more than we offer them.
An event full of humanity, solidarity, cinema, Greek art, fashion, and grace for a great cause: 50 years of care for children and adults with cerebral palsy in Greece.
SOURCE; Cerebral Palsy Greece/Open Door
