Above: Panos Papadopoulos signing his autobiography, released in 2022.
While Panos Papadopoulos is winning plaudits for his Göteborg restaurant and his craft beers, the swimwear world has missed his creative touch and his knowledge of providing the best fit.
All signs are pointing to a comeback this autumn, with a new brand that takes his surname: Papadopoulos.
In an interview published today in Aftonbladet, Panos talks about the toll of working on his former label for over three decades, at which the press dubbed him ‘the king of swimwear’.
The loss of energy and inspiration led to his walking away from his own brand in 2019, selling it to Syversen AS of Norway.
The years away have given Panos perspective.
He observed the challenges facing the fashion industry today: stagnation, confusion, declining profitability, and new grey sales’ channels flooding markets with low-quality products. Sustainability has hit a low point, with cheaply produced garments attracting consumers but quickly ending up in landfills. Meanwhile, the industry faces unreasonable pricing in some segments and a growing economic, political, and environmental crisis that will define the future.
‘Since stepping away from swimwear, I’ve noticed the fits have gotten worse, and many labels feel staid,’ says Panos. ‘Too many corporations churn out products without any real connection to the customer. Karl Marx spoke about alienation—an idea that feels disturbingly relevant in today’s fashion industry. When pride in craftsmanship and passion for the art are replaced by mass production and shallow profit goals, we forget why we started creating in the first place.’
He adds, ‘Of course, making money is important, but in my world, it all starts with offering something that makes the customer happy and builds a lasting connection to the business and its vision.’
The new collection—specifics of which are still to be announced—will include men’s and women’s designs, emphasizing timeless æsthetics, cutting-edge fit, and unparalleled quality.
He also intends to extend the line into clothing and accessories.
You may also like
