Designer DETAIL - Melissa Kritsotakis.

From fashion shows in Europe to styling stars, Melissa Kritsotakis is back in Australia applying her designers strokes in vibrant style.

At the age of 18, the idea of creating a line of lingerie is what initially set the ball rolling for this talented designer. After high school, Melissa enrolled in a fashion and textiles course at Sydney’s University of Technology, where it was during her fourth year of study that Melissa truly found her passion for design.

“My flair really grew throughout the course, and by final year I really found my passion for it and knew I was on the right path,” Melissa says. “I was awarded student of the year 2004 and from there everything started rolling...”

A day she will never forget…

Melissa never guessed where the path of fashion designer was going to take her; she certainly didn’t anticipate a call from Roberto Cavalli himself with an invitation to work in Florence, which was an experience that Melissa remembers as the highlight of her career.

“I have to say nothing could ever beat the personal phone call I received from Roberto Cavalli asking me to come to Florence for an interview one week after I had sent my portfolio to Italy …I didn't believe it was him!”

“Sure enough, I went to the interview in Florence, and to top off the phone call, he put a couple of my garments on a model, and as she walked up and down the room, I watched his expressions and the impressed wink he gave his wife! I was offered a job and apartment on the spot. I never imagined a day like that could ever happen!” Melissa says.

Home sweet Home.

Melissa is now back in Australia dressing the likes of Bec Cartwright, Holly Brisley and Kate Waterhouse with her stunning evening and cocktail gowns. She also supplies the Seven Network with her one-off designs and is invited to display her work at art museum exhibitions.

Tell us about your favourite design from the collection?

Melissa doesn’t hesitate to select her favourite design, choosing the 'Portia' for its beauty, structure and mystique.

“(Portia) is a cocktail gown from my first collection Venezia. I wanted to capture the ageing beauty of Venice, especially the mix of water with structure. The dress is structured to the shape of the body, enhancing the feminine figure, and the skirt is strands of oxidised, hand cut copper tubes threaded through silk fabric. The strands have a beautiful movement and also resemble reflections of light as on water. Definitely my favourite,” Melissa says.

Island hopping.

Melissa is hitting the road with her designs, with shows in the Greek Islands and a photoshoot in Santorini. She is also designing the uniforms for the new Barclay Hotel in Sydney, and the possibility of her own boutique is on the horizon, hinting “as for projects and things, I've got a few things up my sleeve, so keep your eye out!”

For more information on Melissa, head to www.melissakritsotakis.com