Fashion

This is Nafsika Skourti’s Most Playful Collection Yet

BYKhaoula Ghanem

June 22, 2026

Over the years, Palestinian-Greek designer Nafsika Skourti has built a loyal following by creating pieces that sit somewhere between contemporary glamour and youthful irreverence, earning fans like Saja Kilani, Aimee Song, Zeyne, and Salma Abu Deif, among others, in the process. Her signature formula is instantly recognizable: crystal embellishments, body-conscious silhouettes, unexpected cutouts, and just the right amount of drama. But for Pre-Fall 2026, Skourti is looking backwards in order to move forward.

Titled Play It Back, the collection is built around the idea of reconnecting with the versions of ourselves we once were through memory, movement, and the small moments that shape who we become. The accompanying campaign, shot in London, brings together a cast of creatives, entrepreneurs, and artists including Sarah Bahbah, Federica Labanca, Sara Naim, and Charlotte Lauxerrois. Vintage telephones appear throughout the imagery as portals between past and present, inviting each woman to imagine a conversation with her younger self.

That sense of playful reflection runs throughout the collection itself. There is an unmistakable feeling of joy here, one that feels particularly meaningful at a time when much of the region continues to navigate uncertainty. Rather than retreat into minimalism or restraint, Skourti doubles down on color, sparkle, and excess. The result is a wardrobe that feels optimistic without becoming naïve.

A recurring theme is movement. Silk pipings inspired by the traditional textile art of macramé are woven into sculptural details that frame the body and create elongated silhouettes. Elsewhere, crystal embellishment takes on new forms through the Astra series, where geometric gemstone patterns shimmer across satin-face crepe, taffeta, and organza.

Some of the strongest looks embrace Skourti’s talent for balancing glamour with wearability. A pale blush satin skirt is paired with a rich burgundy draped bodice, creating an elegant color contrast that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. Crystal-covered corsets appear alongside voluminous black skirts, while rhinestone-embellished semi-sheer cardigans introduce a more relaxed interpretation of evening dressing. The designer’s ongoing exploration of “dresses as separates” continues here, allowing pieces to move effortlessly between occasions rather than belonging to a single moment.

Crystal-studded denim references the unapologetic glamour of early-2000s dressing, recalling the heyday of Roberto Cavalli and Britney Spears. Featherlight jersey dresses offer flashes of glimmer with crystal-trimmed lattices creating a subtle peekaboo effect, while vibrant fringe crop-tops seem destined for long summer nights and dance floors that stretch until sunrise. As Skourti herself notes, color remains central to her process. “If I were to do any other profession or project, so long as I get to mix and match colors I’m happy,” she explains.

The collection’s most unexpected departure arrives through a series of sport-inspired separates. Color-blocked anoraks, logo-emblazoned tops, and athletic references drawn from 1980s aerobics culture inject the lineup with fresh energy. On paper, sparkle and sportswear might sound contradictory. In Skourti’s hands, they feel entirely natural.