Fashion as a Bridge for Cultural Dialogue: A Review of the “Ties that Bind: BiH & MK Dimensions of Fashion” Workshops and Fashion Exhibitions in Sarajevo.
This winter, Sarajevo became a creative hub for cross-cultural dialogue, where fashion designers from North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina converged for a series of workshops under the “Ties that Bind: Dimensions of Fashion” project. Led by the Macedonian Fashion Association in collaboration with BH Fashion Week Sarajevo, this initiative aims to bridge cultural gaps and address socio-cultural challenges through the medium of fashion. The workshops are part of a broader program supported by UNESCO through the“Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” (CC4WBs) project, funded by the European Union. The project focuses on fostering dialogue in the Western Balkans by enhancing the cultural and creative sectors for increased socio-economic impact. Over a 48 – month period, the CC4WBs project aims to improve the performance of these sectors by enhancing skills, knowledge, and access to financial aid to increase competitiveness and sustain the co-production and circulation of goods and services in the region.
Empowering Regional Voices through Fashion
At its core, “Ties That Bind” is focused on empowering vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth, while fostering regional cooperation. By addressing themes like human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development, the project engages six pioneering designers from both countries in a BiH & MK-based design residency and showcase program. Representing Bosnia and Herzegovina are designers Lucija Čolak, No Nation Fashion, and Mothershands, while Esnaf, Emilija Slavkova, and Gjorgji Petrushev bring their talent from North Macedonia. These designers have been on a journey of education, collaboration, and creativity, each developing one exclusive look that interprets the socio-cultural research findings from both countries in a way that extends their brand’s unique DNA.
Sarajevo City Tour
Macedonian designers explored Sarajevo’s historic landmarks, including the Cathedral, Baščaršija, Vijećnica, and Princip’s Bridge. This tour introduced them to the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage, deepening their understanding of its traditions. These experiences provided valuable inspiration for their creative work.
Highlights from the creative workshops
The workshops began with lectures by activists and creatives who explored the role of fashion in activism. Maja Halilović gave an insightful lecture about her research work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on women’s inequality and their rights in the textile industry.
Participants had the opportunity to hear her individual presentation with an emphasis on innovative approaches to biodesign. Maja combines design and science to create innovative products and biomaterials using natural processes and sustainable principles. The goal is to create a sustainable lifestyle that minimizes the amount of waste we produce.
Irina Tosheva, a mentor from North Macedonia, presented a documentary film showcasing her tireless research into the Yuruk community. This ancient group, tracing its roots back to the 14th century, maintains strong ties to its cultural heritage and unique beliefs. Inspired by their rich traditions, Tosheva translated elements of their clothing into contemporary fashion designs, creating a collection that celebrates both heritage and innovation. This creative process was captured in the fashion video “OYA.”
These presentations ignited a conversation about the interplay of tradition, innovation, and women’s empowerment within the creative industries.
Culminating in co-creation
The project concluded with a co-creative workshop In the temporary camp “Ušivak” No Nation Fashion in Hadžići, Sarajevo, where designers brought together their unique perspectives and finalized designs that represent the project’s mission. These works were presented at BH Fashion Week Sarajevo , demonstrating the powerful impact of cross-border collaboration in fashion.
The project „Ties That Bind“ demonstrated the role of fashion in promoting solidarity and humanitarian efforts
The goal of the workshop was to create a unique outfit that symbolizes the essence of the project – “Ties that Bind”. By joining forces, 6 designers and mentors from North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a migrant from Syria, Hanan, created a pink outfit for the humanitarian fashion exhibition “Catwalk for Cure”, to raise funds for Aida, a young girl battling breast cancer. This pink outfit was shown at the humanitarian fashion exhibition “Catwalk for Cure” in Sarajevo among other designers and was worn by a migrant from Morocco, Aya. The collaborative approach allowed the outfit to serve as a testament to unity and shared creativity, blending elements from different cultures into a cohesive design.
Continuation of dialogue and successful implementation of the project
The project continued with a follow-up event in Bosnia and Herzegovina, when Macedonian designers Esnaf, Emilija Slavkova and Gjorgi Petrushev presented themselves with a fashion show at BH Fashion Week Sarajevo. The audience had the opportunity to see their creations and how fashion can inspire new dialogues across borders.
Emilija showcased a digital presentation where the model is inspired by the riches of Macedonian and Bosnian embroidery, which are composed of many details, mostly geometric shapes, which are combined in one compact form of a 3D object with a chrome effect, which reflects the environment, but at the same time the wealth of details. about the traditional embroidery of these two cultures.
https://bhfwsa.com/designers/emilija-slavkova/
Esnaf’s look imagined the woven dress, adorned with delicate grains of wheat, reflects both the nurturing and harvest stages, embodying the resilience and strength of tradition. It serves as a reminder of the connection between past generations and future ones, echoing the project’s dedication to sustainable development and cultural continuity. This collection speaks to the shared history and hopes of Macedonia and Bosnia, binding cultures through a timeless aesthetic that reflects both individual identity and regional unity. “Fields of Time” isn’t just clothing; it’s an invitation to honor heritage and embrace growth through every thread and stitch.
https://bhfwsa.com/designers/esnaf/
Gjorgji developed this creation inspired by the similarities of our countries, our slavic roots, history, fairytales. The corset which is a piece that tighthens the body, almost suffocating it, represents the cruelty of history that endured upon our countries, the draped skirt and fluidity of the scarf represent how, even in the face of struggles, our people managed to stay free and nurture their countries’ legacies, the small ribbon on the corset is the tie that binds our similarities.
https://bhfwsa.com/designers/georgiya/
“Ties that Bind” emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange and fashion as a means of dialogue and understanding, highlighting its power to connect people and create new perspectives.
The Ties that Bind project was a profound experience, showcasing the power of creativity to bridge cultural and social divides, witnessing firsthand the power of collaboration and the impact of fusing traditional crafts with contemporary design practices.
The project’s results not only celebrated cultural heritage, but also demonstrated the role of fashion in promoting solidarity and humanitarian efforts.
This lookbook celebrates the creative journey and achievements of six talented designers from North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It showcases the unique designs inspired by the project’s objectives, reflecting the rich heritage, collaborative spirit, and transformative power of fashion in addressing critical social issues.
