Eleni was intrigued by the prominence of the lotus flower in both Buddhism and Hinduism. She had seen countless depictions of Buddhist and Hindu female deities sitting in the lotus position, in a lotus, holding lotuses, but also in dress inspired by the lotus.

 

Eleni decided to use the same source of inspiration that has been used to inspire artists over centuries in the dress design of their female deities. The lotus is native to tropical Asia, and is a plant that undergoes a magnificent transformation. The flowers are found predominantly in bright pinks, yellow and white. When their petals shed the central seed pod remains and grows several times in size. The colours and textures are all together different in this state. The seed pod and its seeds are found in greens, browns and navy blues, generally earthy tones and textures.

 

The fabrics used are directly inspired by this and emulate the two states. Coffered knits, undulating textured knits, loose perforated knits and faux furs, embellished with trimmings in browns, greens and navy blue are used when inspired by the seed pod state. Here the thicker fabrics create structural and sculptured silhouettes and form. Shimmery, fine fabrics in pinks, yellow and white are used for evening-wear conveying the contrasting frail, layered, floral state.

 

There are numerous reasons why the lotus is so significant in these religions. One is, because of its use in medicine it is greatly valued for its healing properties. But it also has numerous symbolisms, one being that of purity; as the bright, pristine flower grows out of contrasting murky water.