A New Era of Elegance! In Conversation with Batakovic Belgrade!

In the realm where luxury meets artistry, Batakovic Belgrade emerges as a beacon of exquisite fashion and sublime comfort. Founded by Ivana Batakovic, a former top model turned visionary designer, this iconic brand encapsulates a rich narrative woven from courage, familial bonds, and an unyielding passion for creation—an ethos resonant with the heartbeat of Belgrade itself.

With each collection, Batakovic redefines what it means to wear luxury. These garments transcend mere fabric, serving as powerful expressions of confidence and self-assurance. In an artful juxtaposition of modernity and timeless elegance, Ivana skillfully merges effortless style with unyielding comfort, inviting women to embrace their individuality.

www.instagram.com/batakovicbelgrade
batakovic.com

Welcoming the transformative power of Batakovic’s designs, a burgeoning clientele is drawn into the intimate world of the brand—a narrative punctuated by exceptional craftsmanship and rigorous attention to detail. As Batakovic Belgrade carves its niche within the global fashion dialogue, Ivana’s collaboration with renowned creative director Riccardo Ruini amplifies its distinct identity, challenging the conventions of modern luxury.

Stepping into the Batakovic Belgrade boutique feels akin to entering a curated experience, where evoking an immersive atmosphere is as important as the meticulously arranged collections. Here, every element unfolds a story of refinement, making shopping not just an activity but an enchanting journey.

Batakovic Belgrade stands out not only for its commitment to quality and aesthetic brilliance but for its dedication to empowering women through fashion—each piece designed with the intention of celebrating strength and individuality. With a vision of blending creativity and craftsmanship, Ivana Batakovic has established her brand as a destination for those who seek the pinnacle of modern sophistication.

Discover the essence of Belgrade captured in bold silhouettes and luxurious fabrics—this is not just a collection; it’s a revolution in how we perceive and embrace the elegance of everyday wear. Dive into the world of Batakovic Belgrade, where every stitch tells a story, and each design invites you to be part of its legacy.

Tell us something about yourself! Who are you?

I am Ivana Batakovic, founder and creative director of Batakovic Belgrade. Fashion has always been more than just clothing to me—it’s a language, a way to express confidence, strength, and individuality. My journey in fashion started years ago, working with some of the finest luxury textiles in the world. Over time, I realized I didn’t just want to work within fashion—I wanted to create something truly my own.

Batakovic Belgrade is not just fashion—it’s an attitude. It’s the way a woman enters a room and leaves a mark without saying a word.

What motivated you to create your brand after working for years in fashion?

After years in the industry, I had a deep desire to create something personal—something that merges my love for craftsmanship, refined fabrics, and timeless design. I wanted to redefine modern femininity through a luxurious yet effortless aesthetic. My designs are about more than just clothing; they are about emotion, identity, and confidence.

My goal is not to dress a woman, but to give her something she feels unstoppable in.

Which elements of your background and your personality are being communicated through Batakovic collections?

There is a strong balance in my collections—between structure and fluidity, power and grace. I take inspiration from classic menswear tailoring but reinterpret it through a feminine lens. My Balkan heritage also plays a role in shaping the aesthetic—it’s about boldness, authenticity, and effortless elegance.

Every woman carries strength within her—I just wrap it in the finest fabrics.

The brand and the choice of the brand name clearly have their roots in Belgrade. How does the Belgrade community, art, and culture influence the brand narrative?

Belgrade is a city of contrasts—raw yet refined, traditional yet modern. That duality inspires my designs. There is an undeniable energy in the city, a spirit of resilience and creativity, which is something I try to bring into Batakovic Belgrade.

Belgrade is not just a place on a map; it’s an attitude. My brand carries that bold, unapologetic elegance to the world.

What are you trying to take from Belgrade to the world?

I want to take the essence of Belgrade—its strength, character, and timeless beauty—and bring it into the global fashion conversation. There’s something unique about how women from this part of the world carry themselves, and I want Batakovic Belgrade to represent that confidence worldwide. My fashion does not shout, but it leaves an unforgettable trace.

Tell us about the early days, how did it start? And how/why did you decide to go from a store to a brand?

It all started with my love for textiles. At first, I focused on sourcing the finest materials for clients who appreciated true luxury. But over time, I realized I wanted to create something beyond just fabric—I wanted to shape my own vision and redefine modern luxury in my way.

I don’t design for the moment; I design for the memory. My goal is not to create a piece that is noticed only today, but one that remains in wardrobes for generations.

In this transition, how was Milan’s experience and support as the two of you decided to partner in business as well as in life?

Milan has been an incredible partner in every sense—his business expertise has been essential in structuring the brand’s growth. We balance each other perfectly: I focus on the creative, and he brings strategic clarity and direction. Working together as partners in both life and business has its challenges, but our shared vision keeps us aligned.

What was and is the role of Marcona 3 in this, and how do you envision your partnership?

Marcona 3 has played a key role in introducing Batakovic Belgrade to an audience that truly understands luxury craftsmanship. It has given us a platform to present our work to a refined clientele. Moving forward, I see our partnership growing stronger, allowing us to expand while staying true to our core values.

What’s your ambition for the brand and objectives for the business? (Milan’s part)

Our ambition is to establish Batakovic Belgrade as a globally recognized luxury brand while maintaining exclusivity and impeccable craftsmanship. Growth, for us, is not just about expansion—it’s about building a legacy of quality and timeless style.

I do not compromise on quality. Every piece that bears my name must be worthy of that signature.

What makes your collections and aesthetic unique?

It’s the juxtaposition of structure and fluidity, power and femininity. I take elements from classic menswear tailoring and reinterpret them through a feminine lens. The quality of fabrics we use is also a defining factor—Batakovic Belgrade is about effortless luxury, pieces that feel incredible on the skin while maintaining an undeniable presence. Batakovic Belgrade is the perfect balance—precision of masculine tailoring and the effortless grace of femininity. That’s what makes it irresistible.”

Where do you take your inspiration?

Inspiration comes from architecture, art, music, and—most importantly—women. I design for women who are strong yet graceful, bold yet understated. My travels also influence my aesthetic, exposing me to different cultures and perspectives.

There is a visible contradiction between your choice of fabrics and the craftsmanship typical of the menswear world translated into a very feminine aesthetic and silhouette.

Yes, and that contradiction is intentional. I love playing with contrasts—masculine tailoring meets delicate draping, structured fabrics flow into soft silhouettes. It’s about creating harmony between strength and elegance, which, to me, is the essence of modern femininity.

When I work with fabrics from the world of menswear and shape them into silhouettes that celebrate femininity, I’m creating a dialogue between strength and sensuality. That is Batakovic Belgrade.

Who is your customer?

She is a woman who values quality over quantity, someone who appreciates luxury not as a status symbol but as a form of self-expression. She is confident, independent, and effortlessly sophisticated.

Where do you see your brand and collection going? Are you focusing on outerwear, or do you want to expand into a full Batakovic universe?

The goal is to build a full Batakovic universe. While outerwear and tailoring are at the heart of the brand, we are gradually expanding into accessories and other categories that complement our aesthetic.

When you wear Batakovic Belgrade, you’re not just wearing clothes. You’re wearing a story, a vision, an identity.

What are your favorite and most representative pieces in the current collection?

My signature bomber jacket is one of them—it perfectly represents the balance of structure and femininity that defines Batakovic Belgrade. Another favorite would be our tailored coats, which showcase the luxurious fabrics we work with and the precision of our craftsmanship.

Tell us about distribution—what markets and retailers are starting to notice the brand?

We are seeing growing interest from key luxury markets, including Italy, France, and the Middle East. Our focus is on working with select retailers who align with our brand values and can introduce Batakovic Belgrade to the right audience.

Tell us something we don’t know and you would want us to know about yourself or the brand.

Many people don’t know that every piece we create carries a deeply personal story. I don’t design with trends in mind—I design with emotions, experiences, and memories that shape each collection.

I don’t believe in fleeting trends; I believe in pieces that last, just like the women who wear them.