Artist Moment

Peter Papapetrou

August 18, 2010, by Chelsea Coyle

Peter Papapetrou has climbed his way to the top of Toronto's fashion industry, but it has taken years of hard work and networking to achieve all that he has. I had the great honour to interview the former George Brown student and when I first met Peter at a Cashmere Collection show that I did with him last year, I couldn't help but get a little star struck. He is a star, yet extremely nice and down to earth.

Agency
Plutino Group

Website

www.plutinogroup.com

(article continues below)


Plutino Artist Peter Papapetrou
What was your first job?
My first job was at Bootlegger!

When did you realize that you were destined for a career in fashion styling?
I didn't... it just happened. I was always involved in fashion in one way or another. My mom was a seamstress, my dad and three brothers were Mechanics. My dad even tried to get me into being a Mechanic... but one day I found myself taking the overalls, flipping them inside out and tapering them with a stapler so they looked and fit better.... things changed. I went to school for fashion design, but realized I did not have patience for all of the drafting and sewing. I then found I loved the conceptualization of the design, the look, the campaign and the show.

(article continues below)


Niomi Pearson (Next) in Z!NK Canada (Summer 2010)
photo: Martin Tremblay; styling: Peter Papapetrou
You began your career as a merchandiser for Emporio Armani, can you tell us about that experience?
Well, I had quit my job in retail before Emporio Armani and took 8 months off to myself to figure out what I wanted to do. I had a girlfriend who worked at Holts and she told me about the new visual position. I went to the interview, they offered me the job the next day. They said I had to give them an answer in one day because if I took the job they needed to send me to New York for a week of training. I said; "sign me up!" I worked there for two years, everyone was really happy with everything and that was also where I met Daniel Giles who was the Creative Director from Holts. He always said; "you should get into styling!" So, one day I took him up on his offer.

(article continues below)


Coco Rocha (Specs) for Browns
photo: Barry Harris; styling: Peter Papapetrou
Please tell us some of the Canadian designers that you have worked with.
I have worked with some great Canadian Designers, Izzy Camilleri, Wayne Clark, Dominique Desentino and Evan Biddell. All of them incredible designers whom I admire and respect. Most of all, each one soooo different from the other. It always kept it interesting. But I also have had the chance to use a lot of other Canadian designers for shoots like Greta Constantine, Brose, Rita Tesolin etc. I push Canadians every chance I get!!!

I understand you have worked internationally. Where and with whom?
Ive been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit with styling. Mexico, Dubai, New York, Los Angeles, London with Dominque DeSentino. Paris, Milan and Florence with Giambattista Valli.

(article continues below)


Yasmin Warsame (Next) for LUSH
photo: Koby, for Koby Inc; styling: Peter Papapetrou
You have also worked on celebrities. Please tell us a few?
Javier Bardem, Michael Buble, Hilary Duff and Jully Black

Advice?
"The best advice is to follow your instincts, be ready to work and try new things. Most of all never forget where you came from and always be willing to give back and help! Oh and every job you do, as miniscule as it seems teaches you something... TRUST ME!"