– The spring edition of Blanc Fashion Week Montenegro is set to begin on April 7 and will be taking place on several locations in Podgorica, as well as on Galija beach near St. Stefan – announced Srđan Lubarda, director of National Fashion Chamber of Montenegro and organizer of Montenegro Fashion Week in an interview for MNE magazin.
He said that this year they will be hosting local and regional designers, fashion professionals and fashion lovers, too and that the audience will have the opportunity to enjoy diverse collections, luxurious ambience and top production. He pointed out the importance of the MFW platform for the development of the fashion scene in Montenegro and recalled the biggest challenges during almost two decades of existence and operation of the MFW platform.
Montenegro Fashion Week will be celebrating 20 years of existence and work next year. How demanding was it to function all these years, to design and make relevant the fashion scene of Montenegro?
– Two decades of continuity in a small environment such as Montenegro represents a great challenge. There were periods when the circumstances were extremely difficult – financially, logistically, institutionally and socially. However, thanks to enthusiasm, professionalism and belief in what we do, we managed to survive, grow and develop.
The biggest challenge was to constantly innovate, follow world trends and at the same time maintain the authenticity of the local fashion scene. Montenegro Fashion Week became the foundation on which that scene developed and matured.
As the director of the National Fashion Chamber of Montenegro and the organizer of Montenegro Fashion Week, how satisfied are you with what has been achieved and what are the goals you are striving for?
– I am satisfied with the fact that Montenegro Fashion Week is recognized today as a serious regional and international platform. Numerous designers, models, fashion photographers, stylists and creative professionals built their names and careers through this event.
It is extremely important to appear on a platform such as Fashion Week, because it provides complete support – from professional production, through media visibility, to the presence of VIP guests, influencers and international partners.
If these people had tried to promote themselves independently, without such a platform, it would be very difficult for them to achieve the same level of recognition and credibility. This is precisely where MFW's strength lies – in creating a support system for talented individuals.
Our goals are further internationalization, strengthening of production, digitization and even more firmly fashion connection to tourism and culture.
Each edition of MFW has a humanitarian note. How much did MFW contribute to raising awareness of the most vulnerable categories and what kind of impact did the connectivity between fashion and humanity have on society?
– Humanity has been an integral part of our mission from the very beginning. Over the years, we have supported numerous organizations, projects and individuals who needed help. I believe that fashion, apart from aesthetics and glamour, must also have social responsibility.
In this way, we send the message that success has real value only if it is accompanied by empathy and solidarity.
I would especially like to emphasize the long-term cooperation with the NGO Diši, with which we work together to raise awareness of the fight against cancer.
Through this initiative, we give space to women who have faced this serious disease to appear on our stage – strong, dignified and inspiring. With this, we want to send a clear message of support, solidarity and hope. Great value is given to these campaigns by the support of distinguished ladies and public figures, among whom is Verica Rakočević, as well as numerous other women who gave additional strength to these initiatives with their presence and authority.
Cooperation with institutions exists, but It can be at a significantly higher level. Fashion is part of the creative industry, tourism and culture and has great potential for the promotion of the country.
The National Fashion Chamber of Montenegro is the official representative of our country in the European Fashion Council. This enables local fashion designers to be part of fashion events in the world, from New York to Milan, but also fashion designers from the region to present themselves here. How do you comment on that presentation on foreign markets and cooperation with foreign partners?
– Membership in the European Fashion Council enabled us to position ourselves more firmly on the international scene. Our fashion designers get the opportunity to present themselves on prestigious platforms, while at the same time we bring foreign fashion designers to Montenegro.
This exchange of knowledge, experiences and contacts is of inestimable value, because it opens the door to a market for local authors that would otherwise be difficult for them to access.
When you make a parallel: fashion events in European fashion centers and here, what is the conclusion? In which segments are there similarities, and where do you see the differences?
– In the segments of creativity, talent and ideas, we absolutely rival European fashion centers. The differences are mostly reflected in the infrastructure, budgets and systemic support.
However, what sets us apart is the authenticity, flexibility and strong connection of the creative community, which is often a great advantage in the modern fashion industry.
How do you evaluate cooperation with fashion designers, make-up artists, hairdressers and stylists? Do they recognize the importance of the MFW platform for their own promotion in the public?
– Over the years, cooperation has been built on trust, professionalism and a common vision. Most participants recognize Montenegro Fashion Week as a key platform for career development.
MFW allows them to work in professional conditions, to present themselves to the general public and to acquire contacts that are crucial for further progress. Many of today's successful professionals took their first serious steps right on our stage.
Do you have cooperation with systemic institutions?
– Cooperation with institutions exists, but I believe that it can still be at a significantly higher level. Fashion is part of the creative industry, tourism and culture and has great potential for the promotion of the country.
More strategic planning, long-term programs and stable financial support are needed to fully exploit this potential.
When will the spring edition of MFW 2026 be held? Which collections will be shown?
– The spring edition of Blanc Fashion Week Montenegro is set to begin on April 7 on several locations in Podgorica as well as on Galija beach near Sveti Stefan. The event will bring together domestic and regional fashion designers, fashion professionals and fashion lovers, providing a unique combination of contemporary design, luxurious ambience and top production. The visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of original and recognizable collections that reflect the creativity and individual expression of each fashion designer. So far, participation has been confirmed by Verica Rakočević, who will close the MFW, Ana Vasiljević, Saša Milojković, Hana Bihorac, Anja Radulović…
Your vision of the Montenegro Fashion Week in the future?
– I see Montenegro Fashion Week as a strong regional and international center of creativity, innovation and cooperation. A platform that connects fashion, technology, sustainability, education and tourism.
Our goal is to continue building a system where young talents get a chance, support and visibility, and Montenegro remains recognized as an important point on the fashion map in the region and Europe.
Mn.M.
Photo: Boris Šekularac/MNE magazin