Cyprus, in the framework of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, presents Fashion Fighting Stigma: an innovative cultural event drawing on fashion as a tool for empathy, awareness and social change.
Prompted by the concerning finding that 68 per cent of Cypriots conceal their mental health struggles due to stigma, the initiative harnesses the power of art to transform silence into visibility and fear into understanding.
On this basis, Cypriot fashion designers are translating mental health experiences into haute couture, bringing to life the invisible burdens carried by so many people around us.
The event will feature: Andreas Zannetides who will present on Borderline Personality Disorder, Charis Charalambous on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Christia Charalambous on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Joanna Economou on Persistent Depressive Disorder, Leonie on Substance Use Disorder, Vanessa on Anxiety Disorders, Sophia Kouvarou on Schizophrenia, Marianna Penga on Eating Disorders, Saro Jacques on Dementia, Vasiliki Charitonos on Panic Disorder, two groups of students from UCLan Cyprus on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Pantelis Panteli on the Fighting Stigma concept.
This unique fashion event will take place at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) Headquarters in Nicosia, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 7pm.
Fashion Fighting Stigma is presented by Eurolife, with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus as Gold Sponsor, and UCLan Cyprus as Silver Sponsor.
Fashion Fighting Stigma reflects Cyprus’ commitment to leading a new era of awareness and encouraging all Member States to unite their voices against mental health stigma.
Silence isolates. Art connects. Let’s fight stigma together.
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