SERBIA FASHION WEEK
25TH ANNIVERSARY

SVETLANA HORVAT

Once a quiet cultural gem along the Danube, Novi Sad has emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic fashion destinations. At the heart of this transformation is Svetlana Horvat, founder and president of Serbia Fashion Week, whose vision, passion, and tireless dedication have elevated the event into a platform recognised across the continent.

The 25th edition marked a jubilee celebration of creativity, culture, and progress. The week opened with a major applied arts and design exhibition at the Museum of Vojvodina, immersing visitors in the artistry of fashion accessories. Local innovators such as Arte & Bellezza by Dragana Mirčetić, renowned for meticulously handcrafted leather bags, belts, and necklaces, and Blackbirdfield by Dragan Smiljanić, specialising in unique headpieces, fascinators, and hats, demonstrated that Serbian fashion is both imaginative and visionary—a seamless blend of artistry and style.

Runway shows at the Master Centre in Novi Sad brought together a vibrant mix of talent from across the globe, from Australia and Asia to Europe and the Americas, transforming Serbia Fashion Week into a stage where heritage meets bold innovation. Serbian designers set the tone with distinct, compelling visions: Marija Šabić sculpted delicate lace-detailed silhouettes; Boško Jakovljević impressed with sleek tailoring; Zvonko Marković mesmerised with fluid draping; and Peter & Dragana Soro captivated audiences with hand-painted denim and intricate embroidery, merging sculptural form with texture in presentations that were both visually striking and conceptually rich.

The international runway carried this dialogue further. Katarina Ivanyshkine (Russia) presented luminous gowns that seemed to move with light; Georgia Chioni (Greece) contrasted lace and leather in bold black-and-gold shades; Vera Komlik (Belarus) fused modern silhouettes with intricate, innovative details; Tajana Balaž Jurišić (Croatia) embraced minimalist sophistication; and Fabio Porlioda of Mad Mood Milano brought Italian flair through sculptural precision. Creativity flowed globally: MOH by Meera (India/Australia) blended cultural motifs with contemporary draping; Eduardo Pérez González Ocantos (Argentina) delivered expressive couture in vibrant colours; Mina Siddique (UAE) introduced ethereal luxury; and Aidarkhan Kaliyaev (Kazakhstan) balanced tradition and modernity through ornate tailoring. Together, these designers created a global dialogue where storytelling, craftsmanship, and innovation intertwined seamlessly.

Sustainability and meaningful storytelling were also central to this edition, with collections incorporating recycled fabrics, patchwork materials, and symbolic prints, reflecting a commitment to responsible and thoughtful fashion. Workshops and masterclasses, including a couture session by Christelle Santabarbara, reinforced Serbia Fashion Week as a space for education, collaboration, and nurturing emerging talent.

The grand finale at Tito’s Halls in Petrovaradin Fortress fused history with glamour. The evening, divided into two parts and featuring a fashion show by French designer Eymeric François, radiated emotion, spectacle, and professionalism. Svetlana Horvat celebrated 25 seasons of artistry, honouring participants with awards and paying tribute to the collaborators and loyal supporters who have shaped the event’s enduring legacy.

Under Svetlana’s leadership, Novi Sad itself became part of the spectacle. Historic streets echoed with photographers, stylists, and fashion enthusiasts, while cafés and galleries transformed into hubs of inspiration and conversation. The 25th edition reaffirmed Novi Sad as a global fashion hub, where local craftsmanship, heritage, and international creativity converge to inspire the future of fashion.

Looking ahead, Serbia Fashion Week sets its sights on Paris in 2026, promising another chapter of innovation, elegance, and global influence.