Born in Cyprus in 1975, Fani Xenophontos, received her BA from L’Ecole Superieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode (Esmod) in Paris and finished her studies with a Masters degree at London’s Central Saint Martins School of Arts. Immediately after her studies she pursued her apprenticeships with Christian Lacroix and Kenzo. Besides a thorough training in the traditional disciplines, Fani was also trained in her family’s fashion business that was founded in 1964. Being an expert in textile technology, Fani also specialized in leather and in textile techniques, as to this day, leather represents one of her favorite materials. “I love leather as it gives me an infinite number of possibilities to transform it… it allows me to turn something originally rough into something refined, to “mould” it into something completely new and unique as compared to its original form…” the designer says.

A style combination of cutting edge luxury, modern glamour and sexy femininity was immediately apparent from Fani Xenophontos’ first collection, which was widely praised by buyers and press for being unique. From its beginning, her brand includes exquisitely made, high quality, eclectic garments that maintain a tailored aspect.

A great amount of research and discipline is displayed in every FANI XENOPHONTOS collection. Each collection is the result of a product development philosophy centred on quality enhancement, innovation and research. Each garment is handmade and embellished pieces are constructed by employing elaborate techniques in tailoring and cuts, many of which are exclusive to the label, giving each piece a unique avant garde finish.

For the last 3 years Mercedes Benz has been presenting through sponsorship the designer’s work through glamorous and elaborate fashion shows and promotions in Cyprus.

In 2004, Fani designed specially made costumes for the models that presented the New Aston Martin Vanquish Roadster by Zagato in the Geneva 2004 Motor Show. In the same year the Cyprus Olympic Committee commissioned the designer to exclusively design the garments of the Cypriot Olympic Team and delegation at the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad in Athens.

Fani’s achievement in fashion has been recently recognized by the award of “Madame Figaro” magazine, as “Designer of the Year”.

Amongst many others, Fani’s designs were worn by celebrities such as Anna Vissi, Elena Paparizou and Despina Vandi, as well as Victoria Beckham, Gemma Kidd, Alexandra Best, Zeta Graff, Oscar nominee for Best Live Action Short Film CASHBACK, writer/producer Winnie Li – who was also dressed with the designers clothes at the 2006 Oscar Academy Awards – and Elizabeth Hurley, who offered a Fani Xenophontos leather jacket, as one of her favourite personal items to be auctioned in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Relief Foundation at a CHRISTIE’S Auction, in London. The designer’ s clothes are also been chosen and worn by Her Royal Highness Queen Rania of Jordan and Her Highness Princess Madawi Bint Mohamad of the Kingdom of Saudi.

Recently Fani opened her first flagship store at the Hilton Cyprus where a full range from her creations is on display.

Internationally the designer presents her collection through her showrooms in Milan and Paris where buyers and press can view and order the collection each season.

Fani’s goal is to consolidate her brand position in the fashion landscape as an innovative and unique young designer, crafting contemporary collections for the markets that have become more receptive to unique and new design.