Press Release

When history is woven into fabric: Pagoni Maison des Cravates since 1933 signs the official anniversary collection for the 200 years since the Exodus of Messolonghi (1826–2026)

beginning with the official commemorative events in Brussels

At a time when historical memory is challenged by the pace of everyday life, Pagoni Maison des Cravates since 1933, the historic Greek Maison, together with Pagoni Moda, chooses to preserve it through creation. On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Messolonghi (1826–2026), Pagoni Maison des Cravates & Pagoni Moda present the official commemorative collection featuring all silk scarves and ties dedicated to sacrifice, freedom, and philhellenism.

The Municipality of the Sacred City of Messolonghi selected Pagoni Maison des Cravates since 1933 and Pagoni Moda due to their expertise, know-how, heritage and international reputation for the design, production and exclusive distribution of this anniversary collection in Greece and abroad.

This is the sole official collection accompanying this historic commemoration.

The Pagoni x 200 Years of the Exodus of Messolonghi 1826–2026 collection draws its inspiration from the spirit of the Free Besieged and the heroic legacy of the Exodus of Messolonghi.

More specifically, for the ties, inspiration comes from the laurel wreath embroidered in gold on the figure of Ourania, which covers the painting The Exodus of Messolonghi by Theodoros Vryzakis (copy from the workshop of Archdeacon Dimitrios Kasolas, 1933).

For the scarves and shawls, inspiration is drawn from three emblematic works housed in the Messolonghi Municipal Art Gallery:

1. The Exodus of Messolonghi — Theodoros Vryzakis
2. The Lady of Messolonghi — Charles-Émile Delansac
3. The Blowing Up of the Powder Magazine of Christos Kapsalis — Theodoros Vryzakis

Additionally, the verse Hail, oh hail, Liberty! from the Hymn to Liberty by Dionysios Solomos is depicted on the silk scarf in the poet’s own handwriting, transferring the authentic voice of the Exodus of Messolonghi onto silk and transforming each piece into a work of art.

The first official presentation of the Pagoni Collection x 200 Years of the Exodus of Messolonghi 1826–2026 took place in Brussels on 18–19 November 2025, marking the official opening of the anniversary events for the Exodus of Messolonghi abroad.

The events were organized under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the European Parliament, in the presence of the President of the European Parliament, Ms Roberta Metsola. The organization was coordinated by Members of the European Parliament Ms Eliza Vozemberg, Mr Giannis Maniatis and Mr Nikolas Farantouris, with the participation of numerous Greek and foreign Members of the European Parliament and distinguished guests.

The Mayor of the Sacred City of Messolonghi, Mr Spyros Diamantopoulos, sent the anniversary scarf to the President of the European Parliament, Ms Roberta Metsola, and presented the anniversary ties and women’s scarves to the organizing Greek MEPs as well as to the Ambassadors of Greece to Belgium, the European Union and NATO.

The anniversary silk scarf was framed and displayed prominently at the Embassy of Greece in London, highlighting its special symbolism. In addition, the anniversary accessories, including the collectible tie and the silk scarf, were presented to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom by the Ambassador of Greece to the United Kingdom, Mr Giannis Tsaousis. The anniversary silk scarf was also chosen to be worn during the celebration of Greece’s National Anniversary on 25 March 2026 at the White House by the distinguished President of the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce in New York, Ms Eftychia Pylarinou-Piper.

The PAGONI X MESSOLONGHI 1826–2026 collection unites history with art and fashion, confirming that aesthetics can serve as a vehicle for culture and identity. Its presentation at the heart of Europe highlighted how contemporary Greek design can speak to history—not as a reference to the past, but as a living act of continuity.

The House of Pagoni Maison des Cravates, and in particular Marianna and Elena Samouchou–Pagoni, with deep respect and emotion for the history of the Exodus of Messolonghi and the timeless message of self-sacrifice, decided to dedicate part of the proceeds of the anniversary collection to charitable purposes of the Sacred City of the Municipality of Messolonghi. This initiative will support the municipality’s charitable institutions, “PANAGIA ELEOUSA” (Special Vocational Training and Rehabilitation Workshop for Young People with Intellectual Disabilities and Associated Disabilities of the Prefecture of Aitoloakarnania, Messolonghi–Agrinio) and EPSYPEA (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Company of Aitoloakarnania), strengthening in practice the link between creation and social contribution.

The anniversary collection is available to order for retail and wholesale sales through Pagoni Maison des Cravates and Marianna Pagoni Moda, at the House’s physical store in central Athens–Kolonaki (Akadimias 16, 10671 – tel: 210 3627649), at +30 6948 502755, and via the website www.pagoni.gr.