They say no man is an island, especially where creativity is concerned. When bringing an idea to life, the key to a success often lies in the hands of a few key collaborators - those trusted voices and fellow artists who together create a vision greater than the sum of their parts. Keen to explore these relationships, we’ve launched “The Collaborators”, a series which examines the creative ties between our favourite artists and their preferred partners in crime.

First in this series, we meet designer Eftychia Karamolegkou and makeup artist Rebecca Wordingham, whose shared vision has formed the blueprint for the EFTYCHIA woman since they first teamed up back in 2019. 

How did you two first meet? 
 
Rebecca: I first met Eftychia on a shoot for her lookbook. We were shooting on the streets of central London. We had a chance to speak during each shot as we were walking around.

Eftychia: It was the shoot for my third collection - also the first time I worked with a makeup artist. 

What is it about the other’s work that caught your eye?
 
Rebecca: The silhouettes, the materials and the cuts are so luxurious, yet totally wearable. I never feel better or sexier than when I wear Ef's clothes. For me she designs clothes for woman which are aspirational. I want to be that woman: powerful, relaxed, boyish, stylish and effortless. The best example for me is wearing her clothes to the show, then heading for a dinner afterwards, then to the pub and then to a party. You can wear her pieces anywhere!

Eftychia: Becca makes women beautiful, and not just because of the products she uses. She’s able to reveal what’s special about each woman. Her style is effortless, yet still it looks strong and has an impact. 
 

How do you go about executing your collaboration?

Eftychia: I always have a specific character for my woman, and each season is a different theme. So depending on the references I let Rebecca do what she thinks will match and lift the whole look. 

Rebecca: Each time we work together we work slightly differently, however the vision and the framework of the woman we are portraying somehow is always in alignment with one another. 

How do you bring together your respective skillset?
 
Rebecca: We're both visually on the same page. For me it's about representing the characters that Ef has imagined. I really like to play with textures and add a slight twist to a classic powerful female archetype. 

Eftychia: The key is to look natural without this being translated as indifference or insecurity. Understated, but still as if there’s something unique about this woman. An undeniable attraction. I think between Becca and I, we communicate well so it’s not hard to explain the attitude each season. 

What are the things you have in common?
 
Rebecca: I think our values, process and vulnerabilities are pretty similar. 

Eftychia: We love what we’re doing and take pride in our work. 
 
Are there any areas in which you differ? How do these help or hinder the creative relationship?
 
Rebecca: I think I'm learning to ask for help in a way which alleviates some stress and pressure from me. I think Ef still struggles to ask for help. Mega boss babe! Up until last year I was exactly the same, so I think that's one of the areas we're similar and can hopefully learn from one another and better each other - creatively, personally and in business.

Eftychia: Rebecca is more positive and outgoing - I’m a bit heavier as a personality. I’m also very cautious with everything work-related! That’s another reason I like working with her; she’s calming and makes me feel like everything is under control. I feel I can totally trust her. As we work more and more together, I feel like I don’t even need to brief her.

When collaborating with someone, what are the most important factors to keep in mind?
 
Rebecca: I think communication, trust and balance are the most important factors. I don’t think you necessarily always have to have the same vision - in some ways having an opposing vision can be extremely beneficial to expanding your creative horizons. 

Eftychia: Being on the same page, having a similar aesthetic and trusting each person to bring something to the table that can take your vision a step further. 
 
What makes your collaboration such a successful one?
 
Rebecca: I think we appreciate what the other does and respect one another. Plus she is super funny and I constantly giggle when I’m around her! Laughter helps, especially when the pressure is high.

Eftychia: That we can communicate really well. I‘m not the easiest person but we matched instantly from the beginning.
 
Where do you look for inspiration?
 
Rebecca: Personally I look for inspiration all around me - in nature, painting, films. I used to love the library but current circumstances make that one slightly more challenging at the moment. Also my peers and human contact. For me, inspiration is more authentic when I'm not looking for it. It’s important to keep an open mind, open eyes and to have a camera or a notebook to hand.

Eftychia: Mainly in articles and interviews. For visual referencing  I look to fashion magazines and movies from decades past. Men, also.

Whose work or legacy do you aspire to?
 
Rebecca: Legends for me in the makeup game would be Pat McGrath, Lucia Pieroni and Inge Grognard. I would like to carve my own path, though.

Eftychia: I don’t have a specific one. I admire many for different reasons. It’s mainly fashion houses that I look up to. If I ever managed to sit amongst some of the heritage brands I’d be happy.

What are the qualities you most value or admire in one another?

Rebecca: I most value her resilience, drive and talent.

Eftychia: She's like a ray of light; positive and genuine. She’s just a really nice person - always willing to help and be supportive. 
 
What would be your dream project to work on together?
 
Rebecca: For me, I think it would be a full campaign with stills and video. Ideally a trip where we go and spend five days somewhere exploring beforehand, and then shooting. It would also be wonderful to do a research trip together.

Eftychia: A movie maybe? Where there would be a bit more flexibility for creativity and fantasy for both of us. 
 
Most memorable moment together?
 
Rebecca: I think the elation after a presentation is pretty incredible! Nothing beats it. I also love sipping a Margarita with Ef!

Eftychia: Backstage at our first shoot together. It was a sunny, beautiful day spent chatting outdoors in the middle of Fitzrovia. Also every time prior to executing a project - I'm alwas super stressed Becca is super positive and smiley!

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