Stavropoulos, George, 1920-1990 (1920-1990)

Dates

• Existence: 1920-1990

Biography

George Stavropoulos was born in Tripolis, Greece in 1920. He was the seventh of nine children. He began designing at an early age, creating a ball gown for his sister held together with safety pins. He learned by studying books and historic garments in museums. He began designing costumes for the ballet and theater productions. In 1949, Stavropoulos opened his first salon, Nikis B in Athens. He began to collect a small following of both Greek nationals and foreigners who liked his tailored suits and dresses inspired by Greek antiquity. He soon married Nancy Angelakos, who worked for the American embassy in Greece. They moved to New York in 1961. Unable to find work, Stavropoulos hired two seamstresses and began his own business. He refused to copy French designs, relying on the classically influenced silhouettes he was known for in Athens. He began to get accumulate a list of loyal private customers who helped him slowly build his reputation in the U.S. For the U.S. market, Stavropoulos focused on chic-but-comfortable designs. Celebrities loved his flowing evening gowns. These dresses were made out of layers of chiffon, cut to float around the body. George Stavropoulos continued designing up until his death in 1990.

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