Ioanna Papantoniou, a prominent figure in the Greek cultural landscape, passed away at the age of 90. She was recognized as a leading set designer and costume designer and was the founder and president of the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation (PLI). Papantoniou dedicated her life to preserving and showcasing Greece's vast cultural heritage. As a member of the Greek Women's Lyceum, she traveled across Greece to gather valuable folklore materials, particularly traditional costumes, which formed the core of the renowned collection of the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation named after her father, established by her in 1974 in Nafplio.

Born in Athens in 1936, Papantoniou studied set design and costume design at the Wimbledon School of Art in London. She collaborated with many leading Greek directors and was a close associate of Michael Elliott at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Her work predominantly involved on-site research for the study and collection of traditional Greek attire, which played a significant role in her contributions to the arts in Greece, enriching the public's appreciation of the country's cultural roots.

Her passing has elicited tributes from various cultural leaders, including the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, who acknowledged Papantoniou’s impact on the cultural heritage of the region and emphasized how her dedication has left a lasting mark on Greek folklore and tradition. She will be remembered not only for her artistic contributions but also for her relentless efforts to preserve and celebrate Greek culture through the PLI.