Sarajevo: No Nation Fashion (NNF), a brand born from the creative collaboration between migrants and Bosnian designers made a powerful statement yesterday at the 30th edition of the Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF). Unveiling an exclusive capsule collection during a glamorous reception hosted by SFF the City of Sarajevo and UNESCO Bosnia and Herzegovina, the event was not just a fashion showcase—it was a celebration of cultural diversity, inclusion, and the transformative power of fashion. 

The collection, inspired by themes of unity and resilience, was brought to life by a group of prominent celebrities deeply committed to the ethos of No Nation Fashion. Džanan Musa, IOM Goodwill Ambassador and world-renowned basketball player, wore a beautifully crafted suit and belt symbolizing the resilience and unity of migrants, bridging cultures with strength.  

Maja Čengić-Miralem, Editor at the Public Broadcasting Service of Bosnia and Herzegovina, appeared as the Guardian of Nature, with a gown representing the connection between migration and environmental conservation. Džejla Glavović, internationally renowned fashion model and former Miss Earth, embodied the Earth itself in a dress symbolizing the planet and No Nation Fashion’s core values of unity and global connection.  

The Sarajevo Film Festival served as the perfect platform to showcase NNF’s unique approach to fashion—a vision that marries sustainability, innovation, and the celebration of diversity. Supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) the European Union, public and private donors, NNF is more than just a brand; it is a movement that harnesses the potential of migration to foster social integration and mutual understanding. 

As the awe-inspiring show continued, Ingrid Macdonald, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, became the Protector, draped in an emerald cloak symbolizing hope for those seeking safety.  

Laura Lungarotti, Chief of the IOM Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Western Balkans Coordinator, shone as Hope, with a gown radiating positive energy and guiding migrants toward a brighter future. She highlighted that each piece in the collection tells a story of hope and resilience, crafted through the collaboration of local designers and migrants living in Bosnia and Herzegovina:  

”We are honored to have a group of individuals deeply committed to No Nation Fashion, each wearing creations from the brand.  These designs are not just garments; they are symbols of unity, representing the fusion of diverse cultures and shared human experience”, said Laura Lungarotti. 

Jo-Anne Bishop, the UN Women representative radiated strength and dignity in a deep burgundy dress with a commanding cloak, representing the ongoing fight for gender equality and protection of women's rights globally.  

Aleksandra Lovrić, Creative Director of NNF, wore a one-of-a-kind skirt hand-painted by migrants.  

Aleksandra explained the beauty of the garment: “Each brushstroke on the skirt represents a dream for a better future, making it a bold statement of love, equality, and human rights. This powerful piece was a collaboration of over 35 individuals, turning their hopes and creative expressions into a call for attention towards global injustices and a vision for a more compassionate world.” 

The capsule collection, launched in honor of the Sarajevo Film Festival, reflects the festival's broader mission to promote dialogue, tolerance, and cultural exchange. Each piece in the collection tells a story of hope and resilience, crafted through the collaboration of local designers and migrants living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These designs are not just garments; they are symbols of unity, representing the fusion of diverse cultures and shared human experience. 

NNF's journey from the ateliers in Bosnia and Herzegovina to international runways is a powerful example of how migration can be a force for positive change. By offering opportunities for creative expression and skill development, NNF demonstrates that migration enriches both the individuals involved and the communities they touch. 

Editors Notes:  

No Nation Fashion collection showcases the creative synergy that emerges when different cultures come together. Through recycling and upcycling techniques, the brand turns textile waste into fashion statements that are as sustainable as they are stylish. The result is a collection that is both innovative and environmentally conscious, aligning with NNF's commitment to sustainability. 

Since its inception in 2021, No Nation Fashion has made significant strides on the global fashion stage, with appearances at New York Fashion Week 2022 and Pitti Uomo Immagine 2024. The brand has also forged partnerships with prestigious institutions such as IFA Paris and Polimoda and is a proud member of the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network.   

For further information, please contact Edita Selimbegović, IOM Public Information at eselimbegovic@iom.int, IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina.