At the prestigious Adria Summit, which brought together business leaders from around the world, Jelena Dukanovic‘s fashion show emerged as a standout event. The designer, who first captured the attention of the fashion world with her work featured on the cover of the Italian Vogue web edition, unveiled her latest collection, Inner Voice.
“The collection is an ode to the beauty of embracing one’s inner truth, combined with the essence of modern femininity in its purest form,” Jelena explained. Each piece in the Inner Voice collection conveys a hidden story, with the collection’s name symbolizing a blend of urban sophistication. The show, held at the Lounge Golf Club of the Kempinski Adriatic Hotel, featured renowned Slovenian top models who showcased the collection’s pieces.
INTERVIEWS
As Jelena Dukanovic enters a new phase of her career, with the Inner Voice collection now available in limited edition on her website, we sit down with her to explore her creative process, inspirations, and future plans. In this exclusive interview, editor Anastasija Pavic explores Jelena’s journey and the stories behind her latest collection.
What initially inspired you to create the “Inner Voice” collection, and how do you think it resonates with modern femininity?
My inspirations always come from deep emotions and personal experiences that resonate with me profoundly. The “Inner Voice” collection was born from a period of intense self-reflection and connection with the world around me. Whether it was an interesting conversation with someone, a powerful passage in a book, or an introspective moment, these experiences stirred something within me. This collection is a manifestation of my internal dialogue, a translation of my feelings and thoughts into tangible designs. As a women, I naturally gravitate towards themes that explore femininity, strength and vulnerability. In “Inner Voice” I wanted to capture independence and connection, boldness and subtlety.
The collection resonates with modern femininity by embracing the multifaceted nature of women today. It celebrates inner strength and the diverse roles women embody, capturing the balance f resilience and grace. Through thoughtful details and dynamic silhouettes, “Inner Voice” empowers women to listen to their own voices and express their unique identities with confidence.
Your collection features a mix of strength and vulnerability. How do you balance these elements in your design process?
Balancing strength and vulnerability starts with recognizing my own emotions and experiences. Understanding my vulnerability allows me to create powerful designs. I choose fabrics and silhouettes that merge robustness with delicacy, reflecting the dualities of modern femininity. This harmony empowers women to embrace their inner strength and vulnerability with confidence, much like in the “Inner Voice” collection.
You stated that each piece in your collection tells a story. Can you share the narrative behind one of your favorite pieces from “Inner Voice”?
It’s challenging to select just one favorite because I love how each piece connects to create a powerful narrative. However, if I had to choose, it would be the dress “Voice of Freedom”. This dress represents my strongest inner voice, which constantly reminds me of the importance of freedom – in love, knowledge, work… It’s about being present while keeping your mind open and free to feel, to hear, to see. The dress is designed to embody this concept. It’s long and flowing, symbolizing freedom and openness. Yet, the back of the dress features leather belt details, grounding the wearer and providing a sense of connection to the real world. This duality captures the essence of “Voice of Freedom” – the balance between being free-spirited and staying grounded.
Which moments do you consider turning points in your career and personal growth as a designer?
Studying and living in Italy was an invaluable experience that shaped my career and personal growth as a designer. Immersed in a melting pot of cultures and surrounded by individuals with diverse backgrounds but shared ambitions, I found myself in an environment full of inspiration.
Living far from home and family became a pivotal moment of self-discovery. It was a period where I truly encountered myself, navigating the challenges of independence while staying rooted in the support of my loved ones. This experience not only strengthened my resolve but also equipped me with the empathy and leadership skills necessary to connect with people from vastly different walks of life.
How has your education at Istituto Marangoni influenced your approach to fashion?
My time at Istituto Marangoni was not just an education – it was an immersion into the heart and soul of fashion. I’ll never forget the moment when a few of us, as class representatives, noticed the inscription on our fellow students’ bags: “Marangoni is my life.” It was a humorous yet important realization because, in many ways, it truly was. We lived and breathed fashion during our time there. The environment at Marangoni was electric with creativity and passion. Surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared my enthusiasm for fashion, I was constantly inspired to push the boundaries of my creativity and embrace new perspective. The education I received went beyond technical skills; it instilled in me a deep appreciation for the artistry, history and cultural significance of fashion. It taught me to approach design with a discerning eye.
Could you describe your personal style and how it inspires the designs you create?
My personal style can be summed up in one word – simplicity. I’m often found wearing black, favoring layered looks that are understated yet impactful. Interestingly, I never plan my outfits in advance; instead, I let my mood guide my clothing choices each day. This fluid approach to dressing reflect my belief in the transformative power of fashion.
This philosophy deeply influences the designs I create. I aim to craft pieces that are versatile and timeless, allowing wearers to express their individuality effortlessly. Just as I mix and match elements in my wardrobe to create different looks, I design collections that seamlessly blend together, enabling endless possibilities for styling.
Sustainability and ethical considerations are increasingly important in fashion. How do you address these aspects in your production processes?
In my production process, I prioritize minimizing fabric waste and carefully selecting materials for my collection. Each element is chosen with a story in min. Ethics are paramount – I ensure fair practices are maintained throughout production.
How do you envision evolving your designs, and are there any themes you are eager to explore in your future collections?
Currently, my focus is on upgrading and expanding upon the narratives within the “Inner Voice” collection. There are several untold stories that I’m eager to bring to life, enriching the tapestry of emotions and experiences woven into each piece. Looking ahead, I’m excited to see where my inner voice will guide me creatively. While specific themes may evolve organically, I’m particularly drawn to exploring the intersection of personal ID and collective consciousness. I believe there’s immense power in storytelling and self-expression and I’m eager to continue using fashion as a medium for sharing diverse perspectives and celebrating the beauty of human experience.
Ultimately my design process is driven by intuition and a deep connection to my inner voice. As I embark on this journey of creative exploration, I’m open to whatever themes and inspirations mat emerge, trusting in the transformative power of storytelling to shape the future of my collections.
