Successful Fashion Startups in the Western Balkans
Fashion startups in the Western Balkans created numerous innovations linked to sustainable development and transformative solutions related to the environment.
These fashion innovations make a meaningful connection between the promotion of circular economy, community development and design innovation.
The fashion world makes only2% of the world’s GDP. So, succeeding in that world is a big challenge, especially in the Western Balkans. Four fashion startups from the region are thriving in the fashion industry although it is a very demanding market.
The covid-19 pandemic has further influenced the growing emphasis on the need for change in our behaviour towards nature preservation. It contributed to developing creative approaches toward sustainable fashion.
Funky Guerrilla – Where differences do not matter
Launched in 2014, Funky Guerrilla is an online clothing store based in Gradiska, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). It is becoming one of the businesses to watch out for in BiH. Funky Guerrilla prides itself on being one of the first successful social enterprises in the region.
Its mission is to invest in the development of new and innovative pieces of clothing and to be a spokesperson for positive change in Bosnia and Herzegovina with an artistic expression.
People of all ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses, from rural women to other city residents, have equal opportunities to work for this company.
Funky Guerrilla is a brand that tells a global story through the local language.
Regenerik – Connecting fashion and circular economy
Based in Serbia, Regenerik is one of the new wave of innovative clothing brands. It produces handmade clothing from materials such as natural fibres and recycled and biodegradable materials.
Reganerik's mission is to affect, aware and change while believing in the power of the renewal of nature and society. Creations are manufactured by using simple materials as symbols of eternal nature, freedom and balance.
Their vision is to spark green spirit in individuals, so that together, as a collective, people change and regenerate everything that surrounds us.
Bastel Noir – Natural materials take the lead
Bastet Noir is a sustainable, zero waste, clothing label from North Macedonia that promotes body positivity through unique designs. Every piece is made out of discarded materials and produced locally by a community of women single parents in North Macedonia. The entire profit they make is reinvested to fund the growth of these women-owned businesses and support them with the education of their children.
Bastet Noir has a mission to give a helping hand to young and promising fashion talents coming from the Balkan region to showcase and sell their designs.
One of their main mottos is to believe in consuming fashion responsibly. All of the fabrics used for manufacturing are discarded materials from production factories around North Macedonia.
Supporting charities has become one of BastetNoir’s regular activities, not only in the Western Balkans but globally.
DYVÓ – Design innovation, community development and circular processes
Founded in 2016 by environmental activists and design enthusiasts, Dyvó is a successful fashion startup based in Kosovo*. Dyvó takes waste in the form of acrylic plastics and turns them into trendy, fashionable and – most importantly – sustainable products.
As While the world faces systematic environmental degradation, Dyvó is hoping to help change both the industry and consumer habits. The main principles used in production are the reuse of plastic waste to produce new products and engaging local designers and crafters.
DYVÓ stands for environment protection, design innovation, community development and circular processes.
This is a collective of designers with the ambition of making a social and environmental difference through their passion and skills.