Between September and December 2024, a unique fashion initiative unfolded across Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia, bringing together designers, researchers, and cultural practitioners to explore how fashion can become a force for social impact. Titled “Ties That Bind: BiH & MK Dimensions of Fashion,” the project culminated in a dynamic presentation at the 30th edition of Fashion Weekend Skopje in April 2025, where the findings of a cross-border research study were shared with the public.
The initiative was supported by UNESCO through the Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans (CC4WBs) project, funded by the European Union. Its goal was clear: to use the fashion industry as a lens through which critical social and cultural issues—such as gender inequality, sustainability, and heritage preservation—could be examined and addressed collaboratively.
A Shared Vision for Regional Creativity
The project created a platform for six emerging designers—three from BiH and three from MK—to work together in crafting collections that blended local traditions with contemporary design. The collaboration was deeply informed by a mixed-method research study exploring the socio-cultural dimensions of the fashion industry in both countries. Conducted by Vasilisa Sergeevna Shashkova, Maja Halilovic, and Ljubinka Popovska, the study included surveys of 150+ industry professionals and 28 in-depth interviews.
Findings revealed a consistent pattern of gender-based inequalities, particularly in terms of pay gaps, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and limited access to professional development for women. While North Macedonia showed signs of progress—with more women entering management and entrepreneurship—the industry in both countries remains challenged by structural imbalances.
Fashion as Dialogue and Action
During the final event in Skopje, the project’s results were presented through both discussion and design. A panel conversation featured fashion psycholog Sara Stojchevska, Damjan Ristovski from Narodni Nosii, and 3D fashion designer Emilija Slavkova, who reflected on the research findings and shared their perspectives on how fashion can respond to societal challenges.
Collaboration Across Borders
The project emphasized cooperation between countries and disciplines. By bringing together designers from different cultural backgrounds and artistic approaches, “Ties That Bind” showcased how diversity can strengthen creative output. Designers exchanged ideas, materials, and experiences, ultimately producing fashion that transcended borders while staying rooted in local identity.
A Step Toward a More Equitable Industry
The fashion industry in the Western Balkans, like much of the world, is undergoing transformation. As this project highlighted, meaningful change requires more than inspiration—it demands research, collaboration, and intentional design. By combining academic insight with creative production, “Ties That Bind” modeled a path forward for an industry that can be both beautiful and just.
The project is part of a broader four-year initiative supported by UNESCO and funded by the European Union, aimed at strengthening the cultural and creative sectors across the Western Balkans. Through programs like CC4WBs, the region’s artists, designers, and cultural professionals are being empowered to build more inclusive and resilient futures.
To learn more and access the full research study, click here Final Research Report MK & BiH
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