Michalis Aslanis: Prominent Greek Fashion Designer Found Dead, Suicide Suspected

Michalis Aslanis has been found dead in his Athens apartment, and Greek officials suspect the prominent fashion designer may have ended his own life.

One week ago a report from a Greek newspaper said close aides had stolen large amounts of money from Aslanis, leaving him “ruined.” The aides had been trusted to pay the 63-year-old’s taxes and taking care of his social security bills.

A police official said there were no signs of foul play in the death of the designer, but reports from Greece indicate that Michalis Aslanis died of suicide.

Aslanis was one of a number of fashion designers to pass away in recent months. In April iconic fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer died at age 81. Her clothing company made a statement after Lily’s death saying that she passed away in Palm Beach, Florida, surrounded by family and loved ones.

“In the days and weeks ahead we will celebrate all that Lilly meant to us,” the statement read. “Lilly was a true original who has brought together generations through her bright and happy mark on the world.”

Pulitzer gained fame for her bright and colorful floral print clothing, and her relationship with onetime schoolmate Jacqueline Kennedy.

Michalis Aslanis was one of the best-known Greek designers, but as part of the older generation of Greek designers made his name mostly within the country.