PHOTO: Designer Mitanovski- A Theatrical Fairytale

- I love it when a collection includes a story, not just models that hang on a clothes rack - Belgrade designer Marko Mitanovski said.

Innovative and avant-garde like Alexander McQueen, dark and theatrical like Gareth Pugh, these features combine a mixture which guarantees Belgrade designer Marko Mitanovski will appeal to many fashion enthusiasts and critics. Mitanovski (29) first presented his “dark glamour” at Belgrade

Fashion Week in October, after which his creations were featured in editorials of Elle, Grazia, Faar, Gala and Asfalt magazines, while his collection was broadcast on Fashion TV. The designer`s work is recognisable for its sculpturality and theatrics in models, detailed construction and moderate geometry. However, being swept away by the sculpturality does not disfigure a woman`s shape, but quite the contrary, in reasonably emphasises and accentuates it.

Philosopher dazzled by costume designing

After graduating from a grammar school, Marko enrolled the Philology Faculty and wanting to improve and get to know costume history better, he enrolled the DTM community college, the department of clothing and textile design.

- Art is not an area you decide on. You are either born with these affinities or you aren`t. The only thing you can affect as an individual is the development of your talent. No matter how much effort you put into it, without this elementary matter, you cannot form into something you lack feeling for. This was my story, apart from instincts, nothing else led me to take an interest in fashion design when I was a child – Mitanovski combined philosophy and fashion design.

He created his first costumes for the necessities of videos and photos of public figures. According to him, this was the easiest way of presenting his work with least investment. However, he pointed out that in the end, it all boils down to it being more of a commercial than art commission which he held no influence over, no matter how hard he tried.

- There is no alternative music scene here is Yugoslavia, at least not one with a budget, while expenses for stage costumes are big – Mitanovski said, adding that he could not come to terms with this fact, because yonder scene was absolutely the opposite of what he is interested in, which led him to start working at something he will be the sole responsible person, regardless of the people`s reactions.

First collection cause a Boom!

He first presented his models independently at a young designers` competition as part of the Fashion Selection event, where he won second place. A year later, he took part in a fashion show of best young designers, held during the visit of Jean-Paul Gaultier anent the Eurosong competition. He was then spotted by organiser Nenad Radujevic and proposed to take part in Belgrade Fashion Week. Marko`s first collection called Lady Macbeth was also his bachelor`s thesis.

- I was inspired with the form of renaissance costumes, actually elements of renaissance costumes, which I toyed with. I over dimensioned them and transpired collars in several ways. I achieved volume by pleating eco leather, to honour the silhouette of the costume. Therefore, the collection does not include an integral version of the Elizabethan costume, but my replica of the basic theme. I tried to modernise it using S&M and punk elements – the designer described his bombastic collection, adding that also designed shoes in order to depict Lady Macbeth`s atmosphere better.

The collection is not a hanging rag, it needs to have a story

Historic costumes are Marko Mitanovski`s passion, which is also his inspirational base. However, he pointed out that he does not believe this is sufficient means for work. He does not start the manufacturing process until he recognises a sufficiently powerful and rounded concept with a sociological base.

- I love it when a collection includes a story, not just models that hang on a clothes rack. However, an artistic approach to fashion lacks material effect in Serbia. This is a market which requires commercial, wearable, industrial pieces. Haute couture pieces are better off abroad, which is why I am planning on promoting outside the country. The truth is that such models are produced and sold in limited numbers, but the price compensates for quantity and you surely win enviably – designer Mitanovski said.

The designer announced he was preparing an autumn collection which he will feature at Belgrade Fashion Week, and at the same time, he will tackle the promotion of his first Lady Macbeth collection. He is currently drafting costumes for Baby Macelo`s European tour (who performed with Kylie Minogue) and is preparing a provocative editorial with photographer Marko Sovilj. The FTV crew will record a piece on this as well.

- My work week was pretty stressful. You are conditioned with deadlines, co-workers, your personal need to perform the tasks immaculately. Working under tension can be pretty distracting, while on the other hand, it can be stimulation as well. Establishing a balance between desires and opportunities is a skill that, experienced people say, is acquired with years – Mitanovski said. We are positive his radiant future will establish gracious balances on the catwalk. See for yourselves in the attached photo gallery: Designer Marko Mitanovski Tells A Theatrical Tale.

Considering that he is at the very start of his career, Mitanovski lacks a boutique, however, everyone interested can contact him via e-mail: m_mitanovski@yahoo.com.