The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2022 - Issue 31

bitefashion Kristina Ivkovic G rowing up in Croatia, clothing played an essential role in Kristina Ivkovic’s life, where her mother, aunt, and grand- mother would dedicate time and attention to mak- ing them. “It was important to be dressed properly for every Sunday mass and especially for holidays and special events.” She explained that most of the garments are still in perfect condition as they were preserved with love and care. “Some of them, I’ve upcycled in my previous collection dedicated to my late mother and grandmother.” These included her mother’s engagement dress made by her grandmother, a sweater knitted by her mother and grandmother, and a velvet bathing robe belonging to her great-grandmother, which she turned into a massively embellished coat. Cro- atian national costumes for cultural events were popular in her hometown. “My sister and I have inherited some more than 100 year-old costumes.” She added her mother, aunt and grandmother were very proud and happy when they wore them. “Some of my first denim jackets were upcycled with hand-sewing techniques inspired by the ‘sling’ practice used on some of our oldest nation- al costumes,” she explained. Using this procedure would take Kristina at least a week to make one jacket. To enhance her interest in fashion, the designer enrolled in a BA in Fashion and Textile Design at the Faculty of Textile Technology in Za- greb, Croatia, where she was awarded the prestig- ious Dean’s Award. She then took a summer course in Fashion Design at NABA (Nuova Academia di Belle Arti), also known as the New Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, Italy. She continued her education with an MA in Fashion Design at Brera Academy of Fine Arts in the same city. An active participant in contests, shows and exhibitions, Kristina attended Expo in Milan and the ‘Omaggio a Emanuel Ungaro’ (Tribute to Emanuel Ungaro) exhibition visited by the designer himself in 2015. Designer Profile Top Left: Gold Rhinestone Bodysuit with Brown Rhinestone Tights by FOTD Pink Shoes by ABO Top Right: Red Rhinestone Dress, Silver Earrings, Pink Crystal Bag and Clear Hanging Rhinestone Earrings by FOTD Bottom Right: Beige Rhinestone Corset, Black Hanging Rhinestone Earrings and Beige Socks by FOTD Pink Fluffy Hat, Red Rhinestone Dress and Clear Hanging Rhinestone Earrings by FOTD