Cypriot designer and visual artist Michalis Pantelidis, in collaboration with Larnaka 2030, presents “A Foulard of Belonging”—a project rooted in co-creation, community, and the idea of shared ground.
Set in Tourkomahalas, the historic Turkish Cypriot neighbourhood of Skala in Larnaca, the project transforms the area into a space of collective expression. Rather than approaching the neighbourhood as a subject to observe, Pantelidis worked closely with its people, engaging in conversations, listening to personal stories, and building a creative process based on trust, exchange, and participation.
At its core, the project is about celebrating what connects us.
Through this collaborative journey, recurring themes naturally emerged:the sea, carrying memories of places left behind; personal objects, small yet powerful symbols of identity; and gardens, representing the act of rebuilding and growing new roots. These elements became the visual language of the silk foulard—a wearable piece that holds collective memory and transforms it into contemporary design.
A Foulard of Belonging is not simply a fashion object. It is a shared creation, shaped by many voices, reflecting the idea that identity is not individual, but collective. Through co-creation, the project repositions Tourkomahalas not as a place on the margins, but as a common ground—a space where stories meet, coexist, and evolve.
The collaboration reflects the wider vision of Larnaka 2030, which places community participation and cultural dialogue at the centre of its programme. By involving local residents as active contributors, the project highlights how creative practices can foster connection, empathy, and a renewed sense of belonging.
As Pantelidis explains: "This foulard carries the voices of the people who created it with me. It is a reminder that even in different histories, we can find common ground. It is something you wear, but also something you feel." With this project, Michalis Pantelidis continues to explore how fashion can move beyond aesthetics—becoming a medium for storytelling, collaboration, and social impact.
