Grounded yet forward-moving, Dimitris Kokonakis embodies a rare balance between discipline and sensual presence. Raised in Crete and shaped by the rigour of the Presidential Guard, his approach to modelling goes far beyond surface glamour; it’s rooted in structure, intention, and an acute awareness of the body as language. Moving between the emotional depth of Athens and the sharp pace of Milan, Dimitris navigates fashion as both craft and art, where stillness can speak louder than motion and “yummy” is less about excess than about ease. In this conversation, he opens up about discipline, gaze, and the quiet power of being fully present.
The images are cropped/made safe for online purposes, full images available inside Yummy Issue Ten
Photo story by sasha olsen, interview by Adrian Gomis Exposito
An Interview with Dimitris Kokonakis
Early Life, Modelling & Fashion
AGE. To begin with, tell us a bit about yourself. Who is Dimitris when the camera is off?
DK. When the camera is off, I’m quite simple. I value quiet moments, structure, and taking care of my body and mind. My journey started in Crete, in a close-knit environment that grounded me early on. Experiences like serving in the Presidential Guard taught me discipline and presence, things that still shape how I move through life, both on and off set.
AGE. You’re currently based between Athens and Milan, two cities with very different energies. How does each place influence you, creatively and personally?
DK. Athens keeps me rooted. It has warmth, familiarity, and emotional depth. Milan, on the other hand, sharpens me; it’s fast, demanding, and highly aesthetic. Creatively, Milan pushes me forward; personally, Athens reminds me who I am. I need both.
AGE. Modelling often looks glamorous from the outside, but it demands discipline and resilience. What does your day-to-day reality as a professional fashion model actually look like?
DK. My day-to-day life is built on consistency. Training, nutrition, recovery, and mental focus are non-negotiable. The glamorous moments are brief; what really matters is preparation, discipline, and showing up fully present every single time.
AGE. You’ve worked across runway shows, editorials, and commercial projects. Is there one format that allows you to express yourself more freely, or do you enjoy the contrast between them?
DK. Each format challenges a different part of me. Runway is about precision and control, editorial allows deeper artistic expression, and commercial work demands adaptability. I enjoy the contrast; it keeps me sharp and prevents stagnation.
AGE. Fashion clearly goes beyond work for you. When did you start seeing fashion as an art form rather than just an industry?
DK. I started seeing fashion as an art form when I realised it’s not just about wearing clothes, but about telling stories through the body. When concept, styling, movement, and emotion align, fashion becomes a form of visual language.
AGE. You collaborate with many international creatives. What kind of energy or vision do you value most when stepping into a new project?
DK. Clarity and intention. I value creatives who know what they want but are open to dialogue. The best projects happen when there’s mutual trust and space to explore.
AGE. Would you say your relationship with your body has changed through modelling and training? If so, how?
DK. Movement gives me grounding. It clears my mind, builds awareness, and reconnects me to my body. It’s not just training, it’s a form of meditation in motion.
AGE. Travel seems to be another key pillar in your life. What is it about discovering new cultures and cities that keeps pulling you forward?
DK. Travel keeps me curious. New cities and cultures reset my perspective and challenge my habits. Each place leaves something behind, a rhythm, a mood, a way of seeing.
AGE. Photography is one of your passions. Do you feel more powerful behind the camera or in front of it?
DK. In front of the camera, I feel present and exposed in a good way. Behind it, I feel observant and reflective. Both perspectives inform each other, but the camera lens is where I communicate most instinctively.
AGE. Modelling careers can be fast-paced and unpredictable. How do you stay grounded while constantly moving between places, projects, and identities?
DK. I stay grounded through routine. No matter where I am, I keep certain rituals like training, moments of silence, and reflection. They give me continuity in an otherwise fluid lifestyle.
Quick-Fire Questions
AGE. What’s something about you that people often misunderstand at first?
DK. People often think I’m distant at first. In reality, I’m just observant. I like to read the space before I fully step into it.
AGE. Three words that describe you best, right now?
DK. Disciplined. Intuitive. Present.
AGE. What instantly makes you feel at home, no matter where you are?
DK. A familiar routine. Even something small, like a workout or a quiet coffee, can make any place feel grounded.
AGE. When motivation drops, what pulls you back into focus?
DK. I return to structure. I don’t wait for motivation; I rely on discipline. Action usually brings clarity.
Unveiling His Yummy Side
AGE. What does the word “yummy” evoke for you: a sensation, an image, a state of mind?
DK. A state of ease. Sensual, but calm. Something that feels good without trying too hard.
AGE. You work in a world where gaze, presence, and body language are everything. What do you think makes someone truly captivating?
DK. Presence. When someone is fully there, in their body, their gaze, their energy, it’s impossible not to notice.
AGE. Do you feel more powerful in motion or in stillness, holding eye contact with the camera?
DK. Stillness. Holding eye contact with the camera can be louder than any movement.
AGE. How does confidence show up for you, quietly or boldly?
DK. Quietly. Through posture, breathing, and knowing when not to force anything.
AGE. When you imagine your future self, professionally, physically, emotionally, what do you see? What version of yourself are you moving toward?
DK. I see someone more refined, physically, emotionally, and creatively. Less noise, more intention. I’m moving toward a version of myself that is calm, expressive, and deeply grounded in who I am.
