No Nation Fashion (Fashion Without a Nation) has come a long way since its beginnings in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2021, when it was launched as a project for people in migrant transit centers to improve their sewing skills.
Those involved went from creating reusable face masks, providing protection against COVID-19, to design unique garments and accessories. Sewing corners became fashion studios, and a fashion show was held at the Sarajevo City Hall by the end of the year, on the occasion of International Migrants’ Day.
The beneficiaries of the project are migrants, members of the local community and beyond. They include local fashion brands and designers, artists, artisans, entrepreneurs, media and volunteers.
This year, the initiative reached one of the most prestigious fashion events: New York Fashion Week, where there was a special session in which No Nation Fashionthe International Fashion Academy and students from Kent State University in Ohio.
The collection No Nation Fashion It was the product of creative collaboration between immigrants and the Bosnian fashion industry, under the direction of Aleksandra Lovrić, a renowned national designer.
Model wearing a No Nation Fashion design
Clothing that reflects the journey of migrants
The three outfits presented at the event were designed to reflect the journey of migrants: from the earliest nomadic way of life to resilience and the ability to rebuild and adapt to and integrate socially and culturally into their destinations.
“We are very excited that the brand No Nation Fashion has come to New York, a city famous for art, fashion and cultural diversity,” said Laura Lungarotti, director of the International Organization for Migration Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“This reminds us that migration and the inclusion of diversity can produce beauty and opportunity for all,” he added.
The mission of No Nation Fashion is to build a brand and social enterprise that promotes the inclusion of migrants in host communities, as well as their participation in making societies more resilient, inclusive and sustainable.
Following its success in New York, the initiatives will continue to support immigrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina with talented people from different parts of the world who will share their knowledge, skills and culture to create wearable works of art.
