By Mira Postolache
The Serbian Fashion House BATAKOVIC showcased their Autumn/Winter 2025 collection during Milan Fashion Week at the Showroom Marcona3 and this exclusive presentation was not just an event, but an experience, where fashion enthusiasts could engage with the brand’s ethos of luxury, comfort, and style.
BATAKOVIC stands as a beacon of exquisite fashion that harmoniously blends style, comfort, and versatility. Founded by Ivana Batakovic, a former top model who ventured into the world of design, the brand is more than a label; it is a testament to courage, family support, passion, and incredible talent. Ivana’s vision was clear: to empower individuals through fashion, drawing inspiration from her roots and the dynamic energy of Belgrade. Each BATAKOVIC design transcends mere clothing; it embodies expressions of strength and confidence. The pieces reflect a perfect symbiosis of quality, beauty, and purpose, where modern aesthetics meet classic elegance, and where business sophistication intertwines with comfortable style.
When you wear BATAKOVIC, you don’t just don a garment; you become part of a narrative steeped in confidence and remarkable craftsmanship. The brand’s expanding clientele speaks volumes about the transformative nature of its designs, which offer an unparalleled sense of empowerment and sophistication.
We invite you to step into the extraordinary and explore the captivating world of BATAKOVIC through our exclusive interview for Vanity Teen:
Ivana, your biography conveys a deep commitment to fashion as a form of personal expression. Can you share more about your early inspirations and the pivotal moments in your career that led you to establish Batakovic Belgrade? How have those experiences shaped your design philosophy?
Fashion has always been a way for me to express strength, discipline, and individuality—values that have been ingrained in me from an early age. Before stepping into the world of fashion, I completed the Police Academy, which shaped my perspective on structure, power, and presence. This background influenced my deep appreciation for uniforms—their precision, their symbolism, and how they shape identity.
When I transitioned into fashion, I naturally brought that aesthetic into my designs. Batakovic Belgrade was born from a desire to merge the sharpness of uniform-inspired tailoring with the elegance of high fashion, creating pieces that exude confidence and authority while remaining undeniably feminine.
You emphasize that your designs are about emotion, identity, and confidence rather than merely clothing. Can you elaborate on how you translate these concepts into tangible pieces? What specific emotions or identities do you aim to evoke in the women who wear your designs?
I want every woman who wears Batakovic Belgrade to feel like she’s stepping into her power. My designs are rooted in strength, discipline, and confidence, much like the essence of a uniform, but reinterpreted in a way that celebrates femininity.
The structured shoulders, precise tailoring, and architectural silhouettes I incorporate are drawn from my love for uniforms—they command attention and instill a sense of authority. But at the same time, there’s always an element of fluidity, sensuality, and movement, ensuring that women feel both empowered and elegant. It’s about finding that perfect balance between commanding presence and effortless allure.
Your collections reflect a balance between classic menswear tailoring and contemporary femininity, influenced by your Balkan heritage. How do you weave these diverse elements into your designs, and what role does your cultural background play in shaping your artistic vision?
My love for menswear-inspired tailoring comes not only from my heritage but also from my background in the Police Academy, where structure and discipline were part of everyday life. I always admired the way uniforms create an immediate presence—there’s a silent power in the way they shape the body and influence perception.
I weave this into my designs by combining strong, architectural lines with soft, luxurious fabrics, creating a contrast that feels both commanding and elegant. My Balkan heritage, with its rich history and cultural depth, also plays a role—there’s always a nod to strength, tradition, and resilience in my work.
Your collections reflect a balance between classic menswear tailoring and contemporary femininity, influenced by your Balkan heritage. How do you weave these diverse elements into your designs, and what role does your cultural background play in shaping your artistic vision?
My love for menswear-inspired tailoring comes not only from my heritage but also from my background in the Police Academy, where structure and discipline were part of everyday life. I always admired the way uniforms create an immediate presence—there’s a silent power in the way they shape the body and influence perception.
I weave this into my designs by combining strong, architectural lines with soft, luxurious fabrics, creating a contrast that feels both commanding and elegant. My Balkan heritage, with its rich history and cultural depth, also plays a role—there’s always a nod to strength, tradition, and resilience in my work.
Moving from sourcing textiles to establishing a brand is a significant transition. What were some of the challenges you faced during this transition, and how did your experience in the fashion industry influence your approach to building Batakovic Belgrade?
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that my vision—one that blends military precision with effortless femininity—was fully realized in every piece. Coming from a background in luxury textiles, I understood the importance of quality, but transitioning into designing a full collection required mastering the balance between structure and wearability.
My experience in sourcing gave me an advantage, allowing me to be meticulous with my fabric choices, but building a brand meant learning the business side of fashion. Batakovic Belgrade is built on the idea that clothing should have meaning, identity, and purpose, much like a uniform does. This philosophy has guided my approach every step of the way.
One of your core philosophies is to empower women through your designs. How do you plan to further this mission in the future? Are there initiatives or programs you intend to develop that support women beyond just fashion, perhaps through mentorship or collaborations that highlight female artistry?
Empowerment is at the heart of everything I create. A uniform is more than just clothing—it represents authority, respect, and identity, and I want my designs to evoke that same feeling for women.
Beyond fashion, I am passionate about mentoring young female designers and supporting artisans. I am currently exploring ways to collaborate with female-led workshops and craftspeople, ensuring that my brand not only empowers women through what they wear but also through the opportunities it creates.
The conversation around sustainability in fashion is more critical than ever. How do you envision incorporating sustainable practices into your brand’s operations and design processes?
Sustainability is about longevity and purpose, and I approach it the same way I approach my designs—through quality over quantity. I believe that a well-made, timeless piece has an inherent sustainability because it’s meant to be worn and cherished for years, much like a perfectly tailored uniform.
We focus on limited production, ethical sourcing, and high-quality craftsmanship to ensure sustainability without compromising luxury. Looking forward, I am also exploring partnerships with sustainable textile manufacturers to further align Batakovic Belgrade with responsible fashion practices.
You’ve mentioned your desire to create a full “Batakovic Universe.” Can you elaborate on what this universe entails?
The Batakovic universe is about power, precision, and luxury, extending beyond fashion into a complete lifestyle experience. I envision a world where my signature tailoring, uniform-inspired aesthetics, and timeless luxury are reflected not just in clothing, but also in accessories, leather goods, fragrances, and even interiors.
It’s about creating a brand that is instantly recognizable—not just through design, but through the feeling it evokes. Just like a uniform tells a story, I want everything in the Batakovic universe to carry that same sense of identity.
With an eye on establishing Batakovic Belgrade as a globally recognized luxury brand, what strategies do you have in mind for reaching international markets?
We are focusing on strategic partnerships, exclusive retail collaborations, and global visibility through high-fashion platforms. Milan Fashion Week was the first step, but we are also looking to expand in cities where the Batakovic aesthetic—blending structure with sophistication—will resonate, such as Paris, New York, and Hong Kong.
Digital presence is also key. Through private client experiences, bespoke tailoring, and storytelling-driven campaigns, we are building an international community that values the craftsmanship and philosophy behind the brand.
Lastly, what personal legacy do you aspire to leave behind?
I want Batakovic Belgrade to be remembered as a brand that redefined strength and femininity in luxury fashion. My legacy is about craftsmanship, discipline, and empowerment, much like the values I learned during my time at the Police Academy.
I hope to inspire future designers to embrace precision, purpose, and authenticity, creating fashion that isn’t just worn, but felt and lived.
Building a strong community around your brand is essential for long-term success. What strategies do you envision implementing to engage with your customers and create a loyal following? How do you plan to foster a sense of belonging among your clientele, potentially transforming them into ambassadors for Batakovic Belgrade?
For me, Batakovic Belgrade is not just a brand—it’s a statement, a movement. Fashion has always been a way to communicate identity, and I want my community to feel that they are part of something meaningful.
To build this connection, we are focusing on:
• Exclusive client experiences – Hosting private events, showroom appointments, and curated styling sessions where clients can connect directly with the brand.
• Bespoke and personalized fashion – Creating limited-edition pieces that make clients feel like they own something truly special, tailored to their individuality.
• Collaborations with strong, independent women – Showcasing real women who embody the Batakovic aesthetic, from entrepreneurs to artists, turning them into brand ambassadors through organic storytelling.
Fashion is deeply personal, and my goal is to make every woman who wears Batakovic Belgrade feel like she is part of a powerful, exclusive, and timeless community
As you aim to take the essence of Belgrade to a global audience, how do you foresee cultural exchange influencing your future collections? How will you balance honoring your heritage while embracing the diverse cultural inspirations that arise from your travels and interactions with international clients and markets?
Belgrade is at the core of my brand—it’s a city of contrast and resilience, much like my design philosophy, which blends sharp tailoring with fluid femininity. However, fashion is also about evolution and cultural exchange.
Every time I travel, I observe how different cultures express power, elegance, and identity through fashion. These influences subtly shape my collections, whether it’s through fabric selection, draping techniques, or symbolic elements.
The key is balance: I always stay true to the precision and structure that define Batakovic Belgrade, while allowing my designs to evolve with new inspirations. Whether it’s the metropolitan energy of New York, the refined luxury of Paris, or the artistic innovation of Hong Kong, these influences merge into my collections in a way that enhances the brand’s DNA rather than changes it.
At the end of the day, my goal is to create fashion that is timeless, universally powerful, and deeply rooted in identity.
Participating in an event like Milan Fashion Week presents numerous networking opportunities. Have you identified any potential collaborations or connections that emerged during your time at Showroom Marcona3? How do you envision leveraging these relationships to further elevate Batakovic Belgrade and expand your presence within the global fashion community?
Milan Fashion Week was more than just a showcase—it was a moment of strategic expansion for Batakovic Belgrade. It allowed me to connect with buyers, editors, and industry insiders who resonate with the brand’s vision.
While I can’t reveal specific details yet, there are ongoing discussions about:
• Exclusive retail partnerships in key fashion capitals like Paris, New York, and Hong Kong.
• Creative collaborations with designers and artists who align with my aesthetic of strong femininity and structured elegance.
• Expanding the brand’s presence in luxury showrooms, ensuring that Batakovic Belgrade becomes a recognizable name in high-end fashion.
The relationships built in Milan are not just about exposure—they are about strategic growth, ensuring that every step taken is in line with the brand’s vision of modern luxury with heritage at its core.
The conversation around sustainability in fashion is more critical than ever. How do you envision incorporating sustainable practices into your brand’s operations and design processes? Are there specific materials or ethical production methods you are considering to help align Batakovic Belgrade with the growing demand for environmentally responsible luxury fashion?
Sustainability, for me, is not just about using eco-friendly fabrics—it’s about creating timeless fashion that lasts. Fast fashion and trend-driven pieces contribute to waste, whereas Batakovic Belgrade focuses on craftsmanship, longevity, and responsible production.
Our approach to sustainability includes:
• Small-batch production – We don’t overproduce; every piece is created with intention, ensuring exclusivity and reducing waste.
• High-quality, long-lasting materials – Using fabrics from the most prestigious Italian and European mills that prioritize ethical sourcing.
• Slow fashion principles – Crafting pieces that are meant to be worn for years, rather than one season.
• Ethical production – Partnering with artisanal ateliers that value fair wages, expert craftsmanship, and sustainable practices.
Luxury should not be disposable—it should be a statement of quality, intention, and responsibility. Batakovic Belgrade is committed to ensuring that every piece created is one that stands the test of time, both in style and in substance.
Lastly, as you shape the future of Batakovic Belgrade, what personal legacy do you aspire to leave behind, both as a designer and as a woman in the fashion industry? What kind of impact do you hope your work will have on future generations of designers and consumers, and how do you want people to remember the essence of Batakovic Belgrade?
I want my legacy to be about more than just fashion—I want it to be about empowerment, discipline, and redefining luxury through strength and identity.
Coming from a background in the Police Academy, I understand the power of presence, structure, and confidence. I want Batakovic Belgrade to be remembered as a brand that redefined how women wear power—not just in how they dress, but in how they carry themselves.
For future generations, I hope my work serves as an example that:
• Luxury is about precision and purpose, not just beauty.
• Fashion can be both powerful and feminine, structured and fluid.
• A designer’s background doesn’t have to fit the mold—your story is your strength.
Ultimately, I want Batakovic Belgrade to stand as a testament to craftsmanship, timeless design, and the idea that clothing can be an extension of identity, confidence, and legacy.
