fashion designer jelena bukvić atanasković
Monastery ornamentation as fashion inspiration An unusual link between traditional and contemporary creativity has found its way onto the catwalks, transforming tradition into wearable everyday articles
tance of our lands and, at the same time, about mod- ern society, which follows the world fashion scene,” explains this designer. In six years, by carefully selecting materials, scruti- nising the quality of workmanship and with an authen- tic design, Jelena has found her way into the hearts of many self-aware, strong and influential women; women who know very well the connection between fashion and tradition, as well as the proper way to wear and recognise the articles of this unusual brand. They in- clude Princess Danica Karađorđevic, Ivana Španović, our best female athlete, and many others… “My collaborations generally confirm that noth- ing ever happens by chance… My aspiration, wish and idea that my designs would be worn by special women is exactly what happened, with one chance encounter, and Princess Danica - herself an artist - recognised that immediately. I connected with Ivana via social media. I believe that she liked the symbol- ism carried by the pieces, but again it’s no coincidence that ornamentation is nurtured, worn and loved by our best female athlete,” says Jelena. She explains that her goal is for her brand to be part of the current fashion industry, recognisable be- yond the borders of our country, and with the mark of bygone centuries. “By using local resources exclusively and relying heavily on production by hand and in small series, preserving traditional crafts, and using natural mate- rials, we also raise awareness of environmental pro- tection. It is precisely this bond between traditional and contemporary creativity that keeps us on course”. The collection is dominated by striking pieces, coats and jackets with men’s lines in combination with romantic dresses, shirts and wide trousers and high-waisted Bermuda shorts, with cuts that draw on a subtle retro style. When wearing them you’ll feel simultaneously feminine and powerful.
Ivana je, primajući nagradu
za najbolju atletičarku, blistala u
jednostavnom i elegantnom izdanju / When accepting the award for the best female athlete, Ivana shone in a simple, elegant piece
J elena Bukvić Atanasković is a Cetinje native with a Belgrade address, a girl who has in- troduced a dash of Orthodox ornamenta- tion to our fashion scene, by finding a way to use her Yeya brand to preserve and pres- ent cultural heritage in an innovative way. The patterns and ornaments visible on the walls of the greatest Orthodox monasteries, from Ostrog, Ra- vanica, Manasija and Hilandar, to the Patriarchate of Peć, have found a place for themselves in unique piec- es, as a slice of history on modern articles of clothing. “By creating timeless, classic pieces decorated with these authentic patterns, I wanted to send a message about the wealth of heritage, awareness of the impor-
Tekst/Words: Ana Lađarević Fotografije/ Photography: Ema Bednarž, Vis-a-Vis Jakov Simonović (Gloria)
Fashion » Moda | 59
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