MATES hosted a solo runway event to debut its “Sanja” collection for the summer of 2024. Designers and creative heads Saša Stević and Marko Ilijev once again pushed boundaries by showcasing the collection in a daytime runway presentation held at the Museum of Yugoslavia in Belgrade. This collection and solo runway event signify MATES’ entry into a year of celebrating its decade-long existence.
The event provided a unique experience for attendees, featuring a setting that evoked nostalgia while juxtaposing a monumental brutalist architecture with an eclectic, airy collection. Marko Ilijev, co-founder and creative director of MATES, explained, “Once again, we wanted to immerse visitors – friends, collaborators, colleagues, experts, influencers – in an intimate interpretation of our memories.” He noted that the collection’s presentation on April 8th, coinciding with a lunar eclipse, symbolized nostalgia and the fusion of past and present. This coordination with the revelation of pieces, which blend past styles with the brand’s aesthetics, intends to produce cherished contemporary designs.
The showcased collection is inspired by a fearless, independent woman named Sanja. Saša Stević, co-founder and creative director of MATES, described Sanja as “elusive, daring, bold, and loving life,” drawing parallels to his mother. Video recordings from the family archives of one of the creative directors served as the starting point for the collection, equally playful with femininity and masculinity. These recordings depict carefree scenes from the Yugoslav and European coastlines, romanticizing the past era, much like the “Sanja” collection does with the present time.
The summer collection’s silhouette is comfortable and liberated, yet in dialogue with strict and clear forms, reflecting an avant-garde approach to formal wear. The kaftan, a key piece of the season, embodies the collection’s essence – lighthearted and vivid, offering a comfortable experience in both urban and coastal settings, as summarized by Ilijev and Stević from MATES.
MATES has significantly impacted the regional fashion scene over the past decade through its design approach, creative direction, and presentation. As the brand celebrates its tenth anniversary, it leaves behind numerous notable collections and contributes to the introduction of digital runway shows and global examples to the region. Collaborations with institutions and individuals, like the Gallery of Matica Srpska and Mirjana Marić, creates a narrative that brings together numerous fashion enthusiasts.
View the collection in the Gallery below:
