Greece rejects Gucci request for Parthenon runway show

Greece's Central Archaeological Council (KAS), which has oversight over all of the country's ancient sites, has rejected a request by international fashion house Gucci to hold a runway show on the Acropolis this summer.

"The unique cultural character of the Acropolis monuments is inconsistent with this sort of event," KAS said in a statement reminding their status as world heritage monuments.

Representatives of the prominent luxury brand were reportedly interested in setting up a catwalk between the Parthenon and the Erechtheion for a 15-minute fashion event in June that would draw about 300 guests. In exchange, they vowed to offer a 2-million-euro subsidy for restoration works over 5 years on the ancient citadel, or to fund any similar project designated by the Greek authorities.

In comments made Tuesday, Culture Minister Lydia Koniordou threw her weight behind...