Design Made in Slovenia
By Dina De Fina
Ljubljana between popular tradition and eco-friendly messages, passing through the metropolitan normcore
Mercedes Benz fashion week in Ljubljana deserves a special place in the European fashion week calendar. On our journey towards discovering talents worth mentioning, we searched for and found some very interesting ideas in the Slovenian capital, which received the European Green Capital Award in 2016 and, in addition to protecting the environment and the territory, has also paid particular attention to its own traditions. Those same ancient traditions, today have given life to a new current of artists who found their ideal place in fashion. We discovered and explored the culture of this small country, starting with a visit to the ateliers of some of the most significant brands in the national fashion scene. These included monobrands like Clichè that, as Jelena Pirkmajer states, owner and creative director of the brand, the design is Made in Slovenia, but its eco reaches foreign markets. Through Draz Knitwork, a brand that’s very glocal, we learned that the art of knitwear has been a family tradition for 25 years, where color and techniques are mixed with inexhaustible passion. With a modern and minimalist twist, Alenka Globočnik and her brand, Akultura, underlines her momentum towards innovation through a modern and creative concept, which deconstructs conventionality while remaining attentive to the needs of her clientele throughout the territory. Then, Torbice Groselj opened up its world made of leather treasures, a name that boasts a long tradition in leather goods, skilful craftsmanship with unique braiding and highlighted details. As suggested by Matea Benedetti, the advice to keep in mind is “Create later, Save first”. With an overwhelming enthusiasm, her brand transports us into a world of awareness and attention towards our planet. As a designer who has always been involved in re-utilizing organic materials for her creations, she proposes eco-leather garments made from pineapple skin and organic silk, in kaleidoscopic prints, which reminds us of the abysses, and where the bright colors used are completely eco-friendly. Certainly, an added value to her laudable work, made up of research and a respect for the Earth.
On the catwalk, in addition to the above brands, we appreciated Nelizabeta‘s proposals with a strong, modern, metropolitan appeal. A complete women’s collection, from clothes to accessories, in a perfect fusion between tradition and modernity.
Mija Curk, of the Sofia Nogard brand, blends the fine line between man and woman, through a combination of new cuts, and an unusual mix of colors and materials, for a decidedly contemporary style. Sara Valenci, a young Slovenian brand and winner of the MBFA award, explores the codes of millenials, mixing art and practicality. Finally, convincing ideas were also presented in the men’s collections by Ivanman, from Croatia but based in Berlin and Marko Glavnic from Serbia. Next appointment with the Ljubljana Mercedes Benz Fashion Week not to be missed, in Autumn.
http://www.mbfashionweeklj.si/
