Ivana Murišić’s creative process began in the spirit of winter melancholy, which became claustrophobic when the pandemic hit home. It was as if you could feel
the presence of Morana, the goddess of winter, all over the place. Everyone was waiting impatiently for the spring goddess Vesna to come and bring freedom and joy. In this atmosphere it occurred to the designer that she should dedicate the collection, which she called SLOBODA (Freedom), to this Slavic goddess.
Montenegrin people still celebrate Vesna in a traditional celebration which they call “Cvijeti” (flower day). Vesna defeats Morana, reinstating her rule in nature. But her victory is never definitive, as the cycle of life and death is repeated every year. Vesna’s ties with people can be traced back to prayers and numerous rituals performed to chase away winter and death from their homes. It was believed that in winter Vesna restores her health and natural balance, and thus strengthens people’s minds and
hearts.
The designer paid tribute to Vesna with embroidered flower motifs as the leitmotif of the collection. Transparent materials (organdy and tulle) dominate the collection. Light colours are used to bring out the goddess’s character.
Ivana Murišić studied stage and contemporary costume design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Belgrade, where she graduated in 2010 with her collection „Vajang Kulit“, which was presented at the Belgrade Fashion Week the same year.
In 2009, her fashion collection was a finalist in Grazia magazine’s competition for young talents and showcased at the Fashion Selection event in Belgrade. She was involved in a number of theatre and film projects, and in 2020, she participated as a costume designer in several projects organised by the Montenegrin Ministry of Culture. In January 2011, Ivana opened her design studio in the Belgrade Design District, and three years later she opened a studio in Podgorica. Her collections have been continuously featured at the Belgrade and Montenegro Fashion Weeks.
Her work is recognized for the many hours of handwork invested in her designs, creating embroideries that enrich the volume and emphasize the three-dimensionality of the clothes. She combines artificial materials with various natural fabrics (silk, leather, cotton etc.). Her sensual silhouettes exude femininity and a touch of glamour.
