Cyprus, in the framework of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026, presents Fashion Fighting Stigma — an innovative cultural event that uses fashion as a tool for empathy, awareness, and social change.
Prompted by the concerning finding that 68% 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.
Cypriot fashion designers translate mental health experiences into haute couture, bringing to life the invisible burdens carried by so many people around us.
Specifically, Andreas Zannetides presents Borderline Personality Disorder, Charis Charalambous Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Christia Charalambous Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Joanna Economou Persistent Depressive Disorder, Leonie Substance Use Disorder, Vanessa Anxiety Disorders, Sophia Kouvarou Schizophrenia, Marianna Penga Eating Disorders, Saro Jacques Dementia, Vasiliki Charitonos Panic Disorder, two groups of students from UCLan Cyprus Autism Spectrum Disorders and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Pantelis Panteli presents the Fighting Stigma concept.
This unique fashion event will take place at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) Headquarters in Nicosia, on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Fashion Fighting Stigma is presented by Eurolife. Gold Sponsor: Electricity Authority of Cyprus. Silver Sponsor: UCLan Cyprus.
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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