The LGWM and the Fabulous Seven for the Dovee Project!

Justine Frangouli-Argyris
Photos: Harry Barba

In support of the “Dovee Project” for the early diagnosis of ovarian and endometrial cancers, a glamorous fashion show featuring designers from Greece was held in Montreal by the Lyceum of GreekWomen of Montreal (LGWM).

The main speaker of the event was Dr. LucyGilbert, who, with her research team at McGill's Glen University Hospital (MUHC), is attempting to develop a smear test to diagnose endometrial and ovarian cancer cells in their precancerous stage, before they turn deadly. As she noted, ovarian cancer, known as a "silent killer," is usually diagnosed at an advanced state, requiring aggressive treatments for patients and frequently resulting in the loss of human life.

The official guest of the event was Orsalia Parthenis,of the historic  brand “Parthenis," who showed parts of her summer collection emphasizing silk and cotton sets designed by David Dowton, an internationally renowned fashion artist. Parthenis’s clothes brought the breeze of the Greek islands to Montreal, a city still dealing with the remnants of a long winter.

The newly emerging young Greek designer, Eva Soulakou, presented her collection of "BlueBlue" beachwear. These modern young swimwear  draw inspiration from Greece’s turquoise seas and landscapes.

Some fur pieces from Starlight Furs completed the Blue Blue Beachwear giving the swimsuits a sexy Canadian flavor!

The event “Greek Designers for the Dovee Project” was undertaken by the LGWM in its ongoing efforts to promote Canadian initiatives while showcasing the modern Greek fashion scene.

The highlight of the event was the catwalk of the “Fabulous 7,” seven distinguished Montreal Greek Canadian who managed to beat cancer despite an often tortuous ordeal. Dressed in Orsalia Parthenis’ garments that were specifically chosen for each one of them, strutting on the runaway, handsome, dynamic and sending the message that even if a part of the female body, be it the womb or the chest, is missing, femininity remains an integral part of their existence.

All seven were admired for their courage and proud demonstration of their victorious existence. Corporate lawyer, Aikaterina Tsimperis, English teacher, Christina Ozarapoglou, Greece’s representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization, Elpida Koryfidou, philanthropist, Yula Kiskira, Greek teacher and medical employee, Amalia Markakis, retired Greek teacher, Evangelia Tsalkidou, and young kindergarten teacher, Melina Tsagaropoulos. Melina, aged 30, faced her ovarian cancer bravely, struggling tooth and nail for her life, but also for her welfare.

Tears flooded the eyes of the audience when the seven women joined hands, lifting them upwards like "Caryatids," while music reminiscent of the shores of Greece played on in the background.

It should be noted that the Consul-General of Greece to Montreal, the Honorable Michael Gavriilidis, stressed the importance of the Dovee project for the detection of ovarian and endometrial cancers and congratulated the LGWM for its initiative to financially support this groundbreaking research.

The event was hosted by the award-winning Canadian (CTV) television reporter, Rob Lurie, while the main sponsor was Air Canada, enhancing the prestige of the endeavor. Many other corporations provided financial assistance for the undertaking as well.

The LGWM was able to introduce Greek fashion to Montreal at an event to prevent women's cancers that will be etched indelibly in the memory of those of Hellenic and non-Hellenic origin who attended this historic event at the Palace Congress Center in Laval.

The music for the event, which raised upwards of $10,000.00, was arranged by the prominent Greek music director, Pantelis Gkoudis.

Make up: Rachel Shultz Cosmetiques

Hair: Mandyz Salon

Organizing Committee

Cochairs: Athena Kyriacou-Dimitra Argyropoulos

Members: Peggy Vrettis, Elizabeth Scoufaras, Tina Kalogrias