THE MAN


Spero was born and brought up in Southern Africa. Being of Greek and Italian parents, after finishing school he re-located to Europe initially and later to London to study and pursue his chosen career in fashion design. He ultimately graduated from the London School of Fashion with distinctions in every subject.

After completing his studies he was recruited by fashion house, Frank Usher, where he spent 5 years as a designer. He then returned to South Africa to pursue his career with his family. For the next 7 years he proceeded to build a haute couture business whilst simultaneously designing 4 collections each year for Frank Usher who continued to pursue Spero for his talents.

For the past 25 years Spero’s business has been viewed by many as the leading haute couture label in Johannesburg. He is located in the fashionable suburb of Hyde Park where he has set up a glamorous studio which provides an elegant and comfortable environment for visitors and clients.

Spero is a perfectionist who strives for the very best designs and quality craftsmanship by controlling the production process in-house. He prides himself in his ability to understand and deliver the dreams and desires of the women who come to him to be dressed for special occasions.

THE INSPIRATION

Spero believes that all women are inherently beautiful and sees his role as a designer to emphasise their unique and special beauty. He believes that they all have the power to seduce and designs to enhance this quality but without ever being vulgar. His designs make his clients feel young and sassy.

He draws inspiration from living life and seeing the attractiveness of the women around him.

This inspiration has lead to many elegant, stylish and glamorous creations which have been recognised in many ways during his career. He has been awarded the South African J&B Rare Designers Award, the London Frank Usher Award, the Most Successful Art Student Award at the London School of Fashion and the Textilia Young Designer Award in Greece.

Most off all though, Spero believes that his work must be recognised through the appreciation of the women who wear his creations.

THE VISION

After so many years at the top of his profession, Spero looked for a way to give back to the industry from which he had so liberally received. He saw the opportunity to train up new talent in South Africa by starting a design school where he could offer students an opportunity to learn the craft of couture which he felt was lacking in South Africa.

This lead to the birth of the Spero Villioti Elite Design Academy during 2004. Students are trained by Spero and other highly skilled professionals. They are given real-world fashion experience seeing his designs through each phase to completion. They also have unparalleled opportunities to develop their own portfolios. Spero also showcases his top third year students at Fashion Week. The three year diploma course is provisionally registered with the Department of Education until 31 December 2011 as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997.