On January 23, 2025, The Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy in France, under the presidency of Ms. Georgia Kouvela, organized an extraordinary Dinner Gala and Cultural Parade in support of the iconic Greek Theatre and Dance School, “Dora Stratou” located in the heart of Plaka, Athens. Presided over by Mr. Alkis Raftis, this emblematic institution of Dora Stratou preserves a remarkable collection of 2,500 traditional Greek costumes, showcasing the diversity and richness of Greek traditions across different eras and regions.
The gala was hosted in the historic setting of the “Le Grand Intercontinental” hotel, beginning with a cocktail reception in the magnificent Ravel Salon and continuing with dinner in the elegant Opéra Salon. The evening celebrated the enduring cultural ties between Greece and France, highlighted by a parade featuring traditional Greek costumes.
The event also showcased contemporary creations inspired by Greek traditional fashion, blending heritage with modern design. These innovative pieces, crafted by talented students from LISAA Mode fashion school in Paris in collaboration with fashion houses such as ZEUS + DIONE and PAUL & JOE, exemplified the timeless influence of Greek culture on the global fashion scene. By merging traditional elements with modern aesthetics, the collection paid tribute to Greece’s rich cultural heritage while projecting its significance into the future of European fashion.
The parade was organized by the students of LISAA School of Design, a distinguished Grande École with a human size. Established in 1986 by Michel Glize, LISAA has become a renowned institution in the field of applied arts education. The evening ended with the auction of the award-winning creations and other art and creation objects related to the theme of the event.
This evening of european solidarity was held under the auspices of the Hellenic Tourism Organization, the International Dance Council of UNESCO, the Franco-Greek Chamber of Commerce, and the Mayor of the 16th arrondissement of Paris. The event was proudly supported by media sponsor ERT3, with the evening’s proceedings gracefully hosted by the renowned journalist Irene Nikolopoulou. Anastasia KOTSALI, Mezzo-Soprano of the Greek National Opera, masterfully performed creations influenced by Greek culture.
Awards for the best contemporary creations were presented by a panel of esteemed fashion experts, including Ms. Sophie ALBOU of PAUL & JOE, Ms. Mimika KOLOTOURA of ZEUS + DIONE, the actress Angela ISMAHILOS, the renowned Greek designer Mr. Nikos APOSTOLOPOULOS, the prominent doctor Mr. Konstantinos PAGIDAS, the costume designer, Mr. Chris ANDRIOPOULOS, the Franco-Greek designer Mr. Lefteris DOTSIOS, the celebrity hairstylist Sarah GUETTA, Mr. Dominique BUSSO, President of Forbes France, and MAGLOIRE, a well-known French TV presenter.
The excitement peaked during the auction of creations by French designers inspired by traditional Greek fashion, including a unique jewel by renowned Greek designer Mr. Yannis SERGAKIS, a sculpture by prominent Greek sculptor Ms. Paulina CASSIMATIS, the event’s emblematic sketch by French artist Zenou IZAK, an exclusive silk scarf created by ZEUS + DIONE in collaboration with renowned HERMÈS designer Ms. Julie ABADIE, and a unique bust of Maria Callas crafted by renowned Greek sculptor Ms. Sissy PIANA.
During the evening, the HICD FRANCE presented honorary awards to the brilliant director, Mr. Tom VOLF for his contribution to Greek-French friendship, particularly through the theatrical work Maria By Callas starring Monica Bellucci and to the distinguished Greek actress, Ms. Mimi DENISSI for her contribution to Greek cultural diplomacy abroad, most notably through her role in « Smyrna Beloved ».
This initiative also enjoyed the support of the Institute’s Ambassadors, distinguished figures from academia, including Former President of the University of Sorbonne, Hélène AHRWEILER GLYKATZI and Professor of Greek Philology, Mr. Henri TONNET. It was further supported by sculptor Ms. Hedva SER (UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Diplomacy), HERMÈS designer Ms. Julie ABADIE, noted Philhellene French journalist Mr. José Emmanuel LAMARQUE, and the Institute’s Vice President, Mr. Philippe METZGER, Senior Naval Officer of France.
The evening gathered distinguished personalities who support Greek culture, business leaders, and figures from political and artistic fields from both countries, enhancing the Institute’s goal of promoting the Greek-French spirit of solidarity for Greece’s cultural heritage.
Distinguished figures from France and Greece traveled specifically for this significant evening, showcasing the art and tradition of Greek heritage in all its splendor, including :
Ms. Maira MAVROYIANNI, Secretary-General for International Relations of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Alexandra Mantzila, The Acting Head of Mission at the Embassy of Greece in France, Mr. George KOUMOUTSAKOS, Ambassador of Greece to UNESCO, Mr. Marios MATHIOUDAKIS, Head of the Trade and Economic Affairs Office at the Greek Embassy in Paris, Ms. Emy ANAGNOSTOPOULOU, Director of GNTO in France, Ms. Dimitra MOUTZOURI from the North Aegean Region, Mr. and Mrs. KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU, Senator Joëlle GARRIAUD, Mr. Spyros BIBILAS, MP, Ms. Caroline YADAN, French MP, Ms. Marietta KARAMANLI, French MP, Mr. Louis GAUTIER, Chief Prosecutor at the French Court of Auditors, Mr. Jérémy REDLER, Mayor of the 16th Arrondissement of Paris, Ms. Diane DE COURBETIN, Ms. Mero KESESIOGLOU, Consul of Greece in Côte d’Ivoire, Mr. Tasos KRIEKOUKIS, Ambassador (ret.) Mr. Anastasios PETROVAS, Ambassador, Mr. Dritan TOLA, Ambassador of Albania to France, Mr. Georges DE HABSBOURG-LORRAINE, Hungarian Ambassador to France, Ms. Stella DOCA, Board Member of the Balkan Women’s Cooperation Society (UNESCO Center), Mr. Philippos KOTSARIDIS, President of the Greek Community in Brussels, Ms. Seta THEODORIDIS, President of the Greek Community of Paris and Surroundings, Ms. Konstantina PILAFA, President of H.I.C.D. Rome, Ms. Maria NERANTZAKI, President of H.I.C.D. Brussels, Ms. Fenia Sarafoglou, President of the New Democracy Greek Political Party in Paris Ms. Niki KALOGERA, President of the International Society “Daughters of Penelope.”
Numerous Greek entrepreneurs and personalities from Greece and France attended this significant event to support the promotion of Greek cultural heritage in France, including:
Ms. Dimitra FILIPPOU, Ms. Despina GIANNAKOPOULOU, Ms. Athina PASSIOU, Ms. Maria GIANNI, Ms. Sara KARASOU, Ms. Katerina DRAKOPOULOU, Ms. Viki MOURIADIS, Mr. Anastasios KOROVESIS, Ms. Maria CHOUVARDA DIAMANTIDI, and Ms. MARMARIDI, among others.
Production and artistic direction were handled by TN DEZIGN, Thalia NIKOLAIDIS & Partners.
With the support of major sponsors:
Greek National Tourism Organization DERMA ACT THEOTOKY ESTATE LIMOTOURS YANNIS SERGAKIS NEW YORK COLLEGE
As well as sponsors:
AIR FRANCE, Anastasia MOURIADIS, Groupe Nsium, Arioflow Innovation, BMCT PROMOTION (Boudras), Guinier Groupe, MARMARIDISFURNITURE, IONIKI, VEKRAKOS.
In collaboration with:
LISAA MODE PARIS DORA STRATOU KOUVELA-PIQUET & Associates, Paris & Athens FRANCK BOCLET HEDVA SER PAUL & JOE LEFTERIS DOTSIOS JULIE ABADIE KA-MONDO RITA KATSAOUNI
Official transportation sponsor:
CTP TRANSFERS PARIS
Media sponsors:
ERT3, with correspondent Chrysa SAMOU Gogo AVERGINOPOULOU Mary AVERGINOPOULOU Christos NEZOS
Some historical insights are provided below for the two prominent institutions: the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy and the Dora Stratou Theatre and Dance School, both of which play pivotal roles in preserving and promoting Greek culture, history, and traditions.
Dora Stratou, a prominent figure in Greek cultural history, was born in 1903 in Athens, where she grew up in the upper-class urban environment of the early 20th century. Her father, Nikolaos Stratos, was a distinguished politician who served as a Member of Parliament and Minister of the Interior under Dimitrios Rallis. Later, he joined Eleftherios Venizelos’s Liberal Party, becoming Minister of the Navy.
The concept of a national dance ensemble in Greece was inspired by folklore professor George Megas, who proposed its establishment. Dora Stratou embraced the vision and sought support from Sophocles Venizelos, then vice-president of the government. Her goal was to create a permanent professional ensemble capable of performing daily in Greece and representing Greek culture on tours abroad.
In 1963, Prime Minister Constantine Karamanlis approved the construction of a dedicated theater for the ensemble on the picturesque hillside of Filopappou in Athens, solidifying the ensemble’s place in Greek cultural life. However, Stratou’s life was not without challenges. In 1967, during Greece’s military junta, she was arrested for sheltering the fugitive newspaper publisher Christos Lambrakis. Her imprisonment drew international attention, and actress and politician Melina Mercouri led efforts abroad that ultimately secured her release.
Dora Stratou’s contributions to Greek culture earned her numerous accolades. In 1967, she was honored with the prestigious World Theater Award, the Academy of Athens Award, and a grant from the Ford Foundation, cementing her legacy as a champion of Greek cultural heritage.
For more information, you can visit the official page at https://www.grdance.org/en/dora-stratou/.
The Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy (H.I.C.D.), headquartered in Athens, was established on March 25, 2017. This scientific, civil, non-governmental, and non-profit institute is dedicated to the study, analysis, dissemination, and promotion of all facets of Cultural Diplomacy. Its mission extends beyond academic pursuits, actively addressing societal needs both within Greece and internationally.
H.I.C.D. focuses on fostering cultural creation and promotion in Greece and abroad, with particular emphasis on Greek communities worldwide. The institute offers consulting services on cultural issues, advocates for cultural development, and supports vulnerable social groups through various initiatives.
To achieve its objectives, H.I.C.D. engages in diverse activities, including:
- Organizing seminars, lectures, and cultural exchange programs.
- Hosting art exhibitions and artistic events.
- Publishing books, articles, and other works.
- Producing musical and theatrical performances.
- Establishing and awarding prizes and scholarships aligned with its mission.
Collaboration is central to the institute’s strategy. H.I.C.D. partners with universities, research centers, and intellectual organizations, both locally and globally. Through these partnerships, it strives to strengthen cultural diplomacy and foster meaningful cultural exchanges.
This event not only aimed to financially support the Greek Theatre and Dance School “Dora STRATOU”, but also to strengthen the links between the past and the present, between the history and traditions of Greek culture, while projecting these riches towards the future of European civilization.
The main organiser of this event was the President of H.I.C.D. France – Paris, Georgia KOUVELA, is a Lawyer in Paris and Athens, member of the Athens Bar Association since 1996 and of the Paris Bar Association since 1998, and the founder of the Greek-French office.
The Administrative Board of the Hellenic Institute of Cultural Diplomacy in France:
Georgia KOUVELA, President Philippe METZGER, Vice President Philippe Nathan BRAMI, General Secretary Thalia NIKOLAIDI, Artistic Director Nikos Gerogiannis, Communications Director Lefteris Dotsios, Development Director Estelle PIQUET-KOUVELA, Treasurer Maira TSAMPA, Communications Assistant Artemis GOURON, PartnerKyriaki KAZANTZIDI, Partner
For more information, you can visit the official page at https://helleniculturaldiplomacy.com/en/h-i-c-d/
