Fashion designer Zvonko Markovic sits down with The Pavlovic Today to talk fashion trends and his experience in dressing Kylie Jenner.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration is not a specific person. I’m in love with the human body, and the movements that it makes. Movement is essential. When a woman or a man walks or dances it inspires me. Because, the clothes are kind of three-dimensional sculpture, and in movement, they get a new, fourth dimension.
How is it now branching out into different markets evolving both your business model and design?
Connecting to the world’s biggest fashion markets and showcasing my lines at the Paris Haute Couture FW, NYFW, and Saint Petersburg FW has expanded my perspective. I must admit that it introduced me to a new stage of my work. Designing a line that is authentic and of immaculate quality requires hard work. My biggest award thus far is a prestigious French award for luxury fashion awarded by The Luxury and Creation Centre. I won it this year.
Your Land of Lilacs collection is beautiful. What inspired you to combine the elements of silk and leather into a cohesive collection?
My collection is dedicated to the great love between Helen of Anjou the Queen consort of the Serbian Kingdom, and King Stefan Uros of Serbia. He has planted the lilac valley for her. The lilac valley still exists in Serbia and the scent of that love we can sense today.
The materials opening the collection are silk, leather, brocade, plush and fur, which perfectly symbolize wealth and power. Later, the whole collection becomes lighter and soft symbolizing Serbia at the crossroads of West and Byzantium.
What are your fashion design goals for the future?
My goals in fashion are directed toward the global market. I would like to win the most prestigious fashion label, Haute Couture. That takes years of hard work and dedication.
If you could dress any female celebrity now, who would it be and why?
When I was younger, I dreamed that one of my designs would eventually be worn by one of the biggest pop stars. I could imagine Madonna or Kylie Minogue wearing my designs on their live shows.
I also love Charlize Theron, Scarlett Johansson, and many others, but nowadays I am not thinking about who will be wearing my clothes. I love most young artists. Even though there is a lot of criticism about their careers, I still see so many who are very young, but extremely professional. They are such talented and hardworking people. Most of them push the boundaries, not just in fashion, but also in their abilities. Their music, singing, acting, and choreography require so much talent and hard work. I admire them.
Which celebrities have worn your designs thus far?
There is no Serbian celebrity who has not worn at least one of my creations. In America these are Kylie Jenner, singer Ashanti, actress Bailee Madison.
Source: Kylie Jenner/Instagram
Who is the women you design for?
I like working for the confident woman who loves herself and her curves and wants to emphasize these qualities. If you must define which women wear my clothes, I would say that they are the ones who want to make a lasting impression.
What is the best way to dress for the job interview?
The way we dress in general is a form of a non-verbal communication. What is the best way to dress depends on the message you want to emulate? Laid back style can be a good way to dress when interviewing for a start up, but not if you want to work at a bank or hedge fund. My opinion is that you should always stick to simplicity and neatness, therefore allowing your personality to shine.
In terms of everyday style, is there a certain fashion staple that every woman should have in their closet?
Every woman should have a few well-chosen items in her wardrobe for her business needs and social life: black dress, a pair of jeans, white shirt, short black blazer and a black shirt.
With this base, you can always mix and match the hottest new trends.