Interview: Alyse & Sanja, Fashion Designers
Alyse radenovic and “Sanja” Zivka Jovanovic are the designers for Aelisheva, an independent couture house founded in 1997. They bring original, handmade, artisan qualities to their ready-to-wear collection. All of the work is designed & produced in-house with love by these twowonderful designers. The pair met in Belgrade, where Sanja still resides working with the Serbisn Theatre.
SD: How and when did you and your partner meet? |
(Alyse): My husband found Sanja’s name in a directory in 2002; we met and began work immediately.
SD: Where did you study? What was your major or specialization?
(Alyse): Sanja studied fashion design in France where she grew up and Alyse studied anthropology in America where she grew up.
SD: What other jobs have you had in the industry?
(Alyse): Sanja has worked costuming many films and theatre productions, she works full-time in a national musical theatre now; she has been production lead for several European fashion firms and has experience producing basically every type of garment. Alyse mostly worked at aelisheva but had some related jobs as embroiderer, dressmaker, dressmaker’s assistant, club fashion show assistant, fashion magazine assistant, fashion showroom receptionist, fabric salesperson, and factory worker.
SD: Where do you turn for inspiration for your designs?
(Sanja): Because I am an Earth sign all things from nature inspire me, I see inspiration everywhere, in buildings, in the country, in sunny days and rainy days, with every step, in the dear people I love – in love. Alyse has more inspiration in the starting sense and I merge that with inspiration from the materials, nature and the environment
SD: Who is your customer, and how do they find you?
(Alyse): They are across the board; they find us at boutiques and on the web.
(Sanja): Our brand is for all women of all ages.
SD: What does your average day entail?
(Alyse): Sanja works in the theatre and at aelisheva, she is also completing an advanced degree, and she has an active social and family life. Alyse takes care of baby, works at the computer, paints, draws, does household chores and errands, watches the news and YouTube, and plays online Scrabble.
SD: Describe your personal style?
(Alyse): Folk-inspired yet modern.
(Sanja): Our brand is timeless and comfortable to wear.
SD: Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
(Sanja): Elza Sljapareli.
SD: Is there anyone in the Smashing Darling community you have a question or comment for?
(Alyse): Thanks to everyone for providing a pleasant, efficient and very user-friendly environment.
May 12th, 2008 at 9:32 am
[...] aelisheva (jovanovic + radenovic) http://www.aelisheva.com/ interview at smashing darling blog: http://www.smashingdarling.com/blog/2008/03/25/interview-alyse-sanja-fashion-designers/ [...]