Ivana Batakovic, founder of Batakovic Belgrade, shares her unique journey and vision for the fashion industry ahead of her showcase at Milan Fashion Week.
Ivana Batakovic, the founder and creative director of Batakovic Belgrade, is set to showcase her fashion brand at the highly anticipated Milan Fashion Week. In an interview with The SPIN OFF, Batakovic shared insights into her unique journey in the fashion industry and her vision for the burgeoning fashion scene in Belgrade.
Batakovic’s entry into fashion is notably unconventional, as she did not pursue formal education in the field, opting instead to study at the Political Academy. “Fashion has always been a part of my identity,” Batakovic explained. “It was during my time there that I first fell in love with suits and uniforms, recognizing them as garments of impeccable craftsmanship, perfectly tailored and exuding sophistication and authority.” This appreciation for quality and precision in clothing laid the groundwork for her design philosophy, which centers on the use of luxury materials and modern tailoring.
Two years ago, Batakovic opened her flagship store in the heart of Belgrade, which marked a significant milestone in her career. Initially operating from a small apartment, she engaged directly with clients to design garments tailored to their personal experiences and stories. “Every piece was born from careful listening,” she recounted, noting how the interplay between customer feedback and her creative vision led to the evolution of her luxury brand.
The Batakovic Belgrade boutique features designs created from high-quality fabrics sourced primarily from Italian manufacturers. “We are proud to have Loro Piana as our main fabric supplier,” Batakovic stated, also highlighting connections with other esteemed textile producers like Fratelli Tallia di Delfino, Zegna, Drago, and Lanificio Rogna. Each fabric used in her collections is made in Italy, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Batakovic’s collections typically comprise between 60 and 80 different designs, showcasing a careful selection of fabrics and colors. She detailed that the majority of her garments are produced in Belgrade, collaborating with renowned ateliers that also service major fashion houses. “Every piece is proudly made in Serbia, reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship and heritage of our region,” she said.
The inception of her first fashion collection coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, a global pause that prompted her to embrace her passion for design more deeply. “I realized that I couldn’t be without fashion—it was more than just clothing; it was my way of expressing myself,” she explained. This personal journey fostered a desire to create garments that blend luxury with enduring design, aimed at those who value craftsmanship over fleeting trends.
In discussing the current fashion landscape, Batakovic acknowledged the saturation of fast fashion, emphasizing her desire to introduce classic elegance fused with modern minimalism. “The fashion world is oversaturated with fast trends and mass production,” she noted. She aspires to carve a niche in the market that champions long-lasting value and refined aesthetics.
Batakovic anticipates that Belgrade, with its unique blend of raw energy and sophistication, has the potential to emerge as a new hub for fashion. While she recognizes the significant difference in tradition and identity between Belgrade and Milan, she believes that both cities share a passion for aesthetics. “In both Milan and Belgrade, fashion is more than just clothing; it is an expression of character and lifestyle,” she said.
As she prepares for Milan Fashion Week, Batakovic expresses confidence in her brand’s international appeal, catering to clients beyond the local market who appreciate high-quality fabrics and dedicated craftsmanship. Her mission embodies a blend of Italian refinement and contemporary elegance, aimed at women who curate their own style rather than simply follow trends.
The upcoming Milan event stands as a crucial platform for the Batakovic Belgrade brand, as it seeks to establish a dialogue between different cultural expressions through fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
