Kotor is home to so many summertime traditions; some festivities have taken place annually for hundreds of years, others for a few decades. In fact, one of these newer traditions happens to be one of the most highly-anticipated events of the year: International Art & Fashion Festival Kotor. Founded in 1998 by Vesna Mandić’s Fabrika Fashion Agency, the two-day event is a production by FFA and Municipality of Kotor. We’re fresh off the 22nd edition of the popular cultural event which took place here in Kotor’s Old Town on August 16 and 17.
Past editions have presented collections of some of the most highly-revered couture labels in the world, including Dior and Vionnet. In fact, sometimes the famous designers come to town to present their works themselves, such as the show-stopping moments that were the Antonio Grimaldi and Jean Paul Gaultier fashion shows.
Fashion Festival Kotor has also featured lesser-known but extremely talented emerging designers who have gone on to achieve even higher levels of recognition and commercial success, such as the young American designer, LaQuan Smith, a favorite among celebrities including Rihanna, Beyoncé and countless top models.
The entertainment may be world-class but the festival’s backdrop accounts for half of the excitement. The International Art & Fashion Festival takes place in the square of St. Tryphon in front of the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, consecrated in 1166! The runway and stage are all constructed at the front of the cathedral with guests sitting all around, surrounded by Old Town restaurants, shops and homes. A quick glance up provides an eyeful of a picturesque mountainscape framing the city’s stone walls.
This summer’s featured designers were Jelena Roganović who presented her “Moda Nekad i Sad” (translates to “Fashion Then and Now”) and “Dress Code” collections and Filippo Laterza, an haute couture designer recently venturing into ready-to-wear who presented his “Heremophobia” collection with a theatrical fashion presentation.
The Montenegrin fashion designer, Jelena Roganović, showcased lovely designs inspired by the fashions of historical Montenegrin princesses and ladies of court. Guests were greeted with the sights of feminine hues, flowing fabrics and a glimpse into the country’s past.
Italian fashion designer, Filippo Laterza’s collection presented romantic and sensuous evening looks for men and women, with sheer fabrics, dramatic trains and more, available across a diverse selection of hem lengths. His collection included a performance directed by Rossano Giuppa with the soundtrack provided live by the band, Highway.
The artistic performances didn’t end there. The fashion festival also featured an emotional ballet performance by Sergei Polunin, Dejan Kolarov and Alexey Lyubimov.
Just like Old Town Kotor is a theatre in and of itself, so is Cattaro Hotel. Let us serve as the backdrop for your family’s Montenegrin seaside vacation. And while summer may be coming to an end, our warm season for swimming hasn’t yet come to a close. Plan your trip to Montenegro today; call or send us an email: +382 32 311 000 | +382 67 209 847 | +382 67 209 847 (Viber) | CattaroHotel@t-com.me .