Lidija Burić: When you believe in your work, nervousness becomes motivation

The ninth International Art and Fashion Festival "Peace Dove" will be held on June 20th at Nikšić's Freedom Square, starting at 21 pm, announced the NGO "Peace Dove", which is also the organizer of the event, and on that occasion, Montenegrin fashion designers Lidija Burić and Sanela Đoković will also present their works.

As stated by the organization, this event, which aims to connect people of different faiths, nations and traditions through a richly designed fashion and cultural and artistic program, will promote multiculturalism and the strength of togetherness in the city that was declared the European Capital of Culture 2030.

"For the first time in the city under Trebjes, renowned fashion designers from the country and the region will present their fashion collections, and the audience will have the opportunity to enjoy dance and music performances, as well as an after-party cocktail at the end of the evening. Five fashion designers will present their fashion collections at the festival: Emina Husedžinović Ibrahimović from Sarajevo, Emilija Stojaković from Belgrade, Sanela Đoković from Podgorica, Katerina Černiševa from Lithuania and Lidija Burić from Nikšić," the organizers announced.

Burić spoke to "Vijesti" about the event itself, as well as the collection she will present to the audience in Nikšić, and shared her emotions about participating in the event in her city.

"Nikšić holds a special place for me and every presentation in front of a local audience carries a special emotion. It is the city where I made my first contacts with fashion, developed my creative expression and laid the foundations of my work. That is why I am very pleased to have the opportunity to present the new collection to people who have followed my professional path for years and with whom I share a special connection," she explains, and then refers to the artist's frequent comment that the local audience is "the toughest".

"I would say that I feel positive excitement more than nervousness. The domestic audience is demanding because they know you and follow your development, but that's precisely why their opinion carries special weight. I believe that every artist should be prepared to present their work honestly and with full confidence in what they create. When you believe in your work, nervousness becomes motivation," the fashion designer believes.

In addition to her models, the audience will be able to see collections from regional designers, and Burić emphasizes the importance of holding such events for audiences outside the capital.

"I think it's extremely important. Fashion shouldn't only be available in large centers. Events like this contribute to the cultural and creative life of the city, bring contemporary fashion trends closer to the audience, and create a space for the exchange of ideas among designers," she points out.

"Also, events like this inspire young people who want to pursue creative professions and show that quality fashion content can successfully live throughout Montenegro," adds the interviewee of "Vijesti", and reveals what she has prepared for the occasion.

"At the fashion evening, I will present a collection called 'Eterna', which celebrates timeless elegance, femininity and the strength of women. I found inspiration in the idea that true beauty does not depend on passing trends, but on self-confidence, attitude and authenticity," she hints.

"The collection consists of about 15 models, intended for formal and special occasions. I used carefully selected materials that allow for elegance, movement and comfort, while the colors are dominated by black tones with a touch of pastel tones. Each model bears the recognizable stamp of my design expression, with a special emphasis on details and hand-made," continues the fashion designer, who adds that the "Eterna" collection could be presented to the public after the fashion show in Nikšić.

“Currently, the focus is on the premiere presentation in Nikšić, but there are plans to show the collection at other fashion events and manifestations in the region. I believe this collection has the potential to reach a wider audience and I look forward to new opportunities to present it,” she says, before revealing further plans for the “Fashion Evening.”

"I am currently dedicated to further developing the brand and creating new collections that will continue to nurture a recognizable blend of elegance, quality and authenticity. My focus is on creative research, improving production and expanding cooperation on both the domestic and regional markets. As always, my goal is to tell a story through fashion that will inspire women to feel beautiful, confident and unique," says Burić.

As the organization pointed out, between the fashion shows, the evening will be complemented by musical performances by vocal artists Jelena Zvicer Kontić and Lara Baltić, followed by dance numbers by the dance group "Luna Art Studio", while the program will be concluded by a performance by DJ Fame.

"A special part of the program is a parade of 12 women from Nikšić who will walk down the runway symbolically dressed in white, in accordance with the name of the festival itself, and with the aim of sending a message of peace and promoting multiculturalism, who will be ceremonially presented with plaques for their contribution to the community in their fields of expertise. The event will be of a humanitarian nature, as donations will be collected for socially vulnerable categories of society during the evening. The program will be hosted by Miljan Živković, journalist, lawyer, writer, and Mirjana Muratović, journalist, communicologist and former Miss Montenegro," the organization said.