Fashion designer Bojana Ugresic’s journey began in video production, where she discovered the transformative power of creative expression. In the world of styling and costume design for twelve years, she honed her craft with passion and precision. A crucial moment in her career came through her collaboration with the biggest Balkan star, Zdravko Čolić. Today, Bojana’s workshop is renowned for crafting exquisite wedding dresses, elegant evening gowns, and sophisticated business attire, each piece a testament to her unique vision and artistry.
The Spark of Fashion Design: Bojana Ugrešić’s Creative Journey
Bojana Ugresic’s journey into fashion design was sparked by the opportunity to blend different skills and collaborate with creative teams. This inspiration became the foundation of her fashion brand, where the creation of beauty, exploration of concepts, and coloring life with purpose became her driving force. Her path was illuminated by the desire to absorb various elements of art and design, crafting a unique vision that set her apart in the fashion world.
Developing a Distinct Vision
Bojana’s vision for design developed through an inner journey, guided by the projects she worked on over the years. Each piece she creates is a reflection of her experiences and inspirations, forming a united narrative that speaks to her artistic evolution. By following the signs and paths laid out by her creative efforts, Bojana has crafted a distinct and personal vision that charge her work.
Embracing Luxury
In the context of Bojana’s design, luxury transcends pure fortune. For her, luxury means authenticity and freedom. It’s about creating designs that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal and meaningful. This approach to luxury emphasizes the importance of genuine expression and the liberation that comes with true creativity.
Core Values of the Brand
At the heart of Bojana’s brand are core values centered around storytelling and enriching life with purpose. Each collection draws inspiration from the trinity of body, mind, and soul, weaving together values of wholeness and harmony. This holistic approach ensures that every piece is not just a fashion statement but a narrative that enriches the wearer’s life, adding depth and significance to her creations.
Bojana Ugresic’s fashion journey is a testament to the power of creativity and the impact of staying true to one’s vision. Her brand continues to inspire and captivate, reflecting a deep commitment to authenticity, purpose, and the timeless beauty of art.
Path to Fashion Design
The Initial Spark
The need to express herself and connect through creation was the driving force behind Bojana Ugresic’s career in design. From a young age, she felt a deep desire to blend her artistic skills with her passion for storytelling, ultimately leading her to the world of fashion.
Inspirations Along the Way
Bojana draws her greatest inspiration from a diverse arrangement of sources: God, life in all its shapes and forms, her family, friends, and nature. These elements infuse her work with authenticity and keep her creativity flowing. By observing, listening, and staying true to her core values and essence in each moment, Bojana continuously finds new wells of inspiration. Every experience and encounter add to her creative reservoir, ensuring that her designs remain fresh and meaningful.
Milestones and Challenges
A significant milestone in Bojana’s career was the decision to become an entrepreneur. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, allowing her to fully drown herself in the world of design. The journey was not without challenges. Each stage of development presented new obstacles, but Bojana approached the unknown with trust and faith, believing that every experience served a purpose. This mindset helped her overcome difficulties and grow as a designer.
Personal Insights
Bojana’s personal and professional lives are deeply connected, influencing each other in subtle yet profound ways. Her experiences in music videos and promotional shoots have provided a wealth of inspiration for her designs. One particularly influential moment was a long walk by Lake Geneva in Montreux, surrounded by art, beauty, and history. It was during this serene and reflective walk that she decided to launch her brand, naming one collection “Touch of Heaven” as a reminder of that pivotal moment.
Balancing Act
Maintaining a harmonious balance between her personal and professional life is crucial for Bojana. She gives her best in every aspect of her life, ensuring that she remains grounded and fulfilled. Outside of design, Bojana has a variety of interests. She is currently learning Spanish, taking long walks, watching movies, reading, and writing. These activities are not just hobbies; they are integrated into each collection, adding layers of depth and meaning to her work.
Staying Motivated and Focused
Bojana stays motivated and focused by striving to be present and aligned with her purpose and inner vision. This alignment allows her to maintain her enthusiasm for her work and continue to innovate and inspire through her designs.
Bojana Ugresic’s journey in fashion design is a testament to her dedication, creativity, and the profound connections between her personal experiences and professional work. Her story is one of passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of beauty and meaning in every creation.
Bojana Ugresic’s Life as a Fashion Designer
A Day in the Life
A typical day for Bojana Ugresic begins with her morning routines, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. She spends her time in the atelier working on new products and exploring possibilities for development. Her focus is on improving every aspect of the process, from the initial design to the final product. This involves both studio work and maintaining online and in-person communication with her team and customers. Her dedication to these daily practices ensures that every creation meets her high standards.
The Creative Process
Bojana’s creative process starts with an exploration of the spirit of the times, her inner world, and current global events that catch her attention on a deeper level. This exploration becomes a personal legacy, influencing her sketches, choice of fabrics, textures, shapes, lines, and details. Developing samples is an integral part of this process, as is presenting the work effectively, especially in the digital age. Bojana’s approach ensures that each piece she creates is not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful.
Materials and Quality
Bojana loves experimenting with new materials, but silk holds a special place in her heart. Its versatility blends elegance with innovation, making it her favorite choice.
Maintaining the quality and uniqueness of her designs is crucial. By staying true to her personal journey, Bojana ensures that every piece is both unique and of the highest quality.
Memorable Client Stories
Each client story at Bojana Studio is unique, reflecting the personal, handmade nature of her work. Designing wedding gowns and bridal dresses is particularly special to Bojana. These projects allow her to forge deep bonds with her clients, becoming part of some of life’s most significant moments. The personal connections she builds through these designs make each project memorable and fulfilling.
Influences and Collaborations
Bojana’s work has been significantly influenced by collaborations with respected figures such as Zdravko Colic, 2Cellos, Lena Kovacevic, Sergej Cetkovic, Severina, and Tijana Bogicevic. She has also worked with global brands such as Toyota, McDonald’s, Nestlé, and One and Only hotels. These experiences have enriched her journey in invaluable ways, providing her with unique opportunities to grow and evolve as a designer. However, each collaboration and project have contributed to her development, helping her to refine her vision and expand her creative horizons.
Bojana Ugresic’s professional life is a blend of meticulous daily practices, a deep and thoughtful creative process, a commitment to quality and uniqueness, and rich collaborative experiences. Her journey as a fashion designer is marked by passion, innovation, and a profound connection to her clients and her craft.
Bojana Ugresic’s Bold Outlook
Bojana Ugrešić envisions a future in fashion that celebrates small, authentic stories, seamlessly weaving together nature, society, true values, personal connections, and a profound human touch. She sees a landscape where the fashion industry expands rapidly in global markets. Meanwhile, premium brands will adopt new strategies, embracing greater diversification and integrating advanced AI technologies. Consequently, Bojana believes that this fusion of tradition and innovation will create a dynamic and enriched fashion environment, one that resonates deeply with both creators and consumers.
Exciting Projects Ahead
With the completion of her “Light of the Soul” collection, Bojana is brimming with anticipation for what lies ahead. Her creative spirit is ignited with new ideas, and the future holds endless possibilities and ventures. Each project she undertakes is a testament to her passion and vision, promising to push the boundaries of fashion design and explore new horizons in creativity and craftsmanship.
Advice for Aspiring Designers
Bojana’s advice to those entering the luxury market is straightforward yet profound. “Stay true to yourself, seek knowledge endlessly, and commit warmly to your beliefs. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset,” she emphasizes. She encourages emerging designers to embrace their individuality and stay dedicated to their craft. Furthermore, she urges them to trust in their journey. This trust, along with their distinctive voice and vision, will set them apart in the competitive world of fashion.
Closing Thoughts
Bojana Ugrešić aims for her fashion to evoke joy, inspire dreams, and offer comfort. She sees fashion as more than clothing—it’s an experience that leaves a lasting emotional impact.
Her legacy in fashion design will be defined by stories and concepts that continue to inspire and touch lives long after they’re created. Bojana wants her work to create a timeless, meaningful impact on those who encounter it.
The Essence of “UniUkiyo”
What does the unique lifestyle uniukiyo mean to you, and how does it reflect on your personal and professional life?
It embodies a love for authenticity and the essence of the Japanese spirit, reflecting my commitment to genuine, meaningful design. It’s about embracing simplicity, beauty, and the harmony of life.
Photos: Rale Radovic
