FOLK COSTUME FASHION SHOW IN TREBINJE REVIVES THE RICH HERITAGE OF HERZEGOVINA

Traditional folk costumes of Herzegovina, adorned with gold coins, intricate embroidery and carefully crafted details, once again took center stage at a unique fashion show held in Trebinje.

PHOTO: Trebinje live

Organized for the second time, the event brought together lovers of tradition and cultural heritage, showcasing the richness of both the tangible and intangible heritage of the region – from bridal headdresses and embroidered socks to traditional leather shoes and elegant urban footwear.

The fashion show highlighted how preserving traditional costumes also helps preserve the identity and customs of the Serbian population of Herzegovina.

KUD “Alat” Marks 70 Years of Tradition

The exhibition and fashion show were organized by the Cultural and Artistic Society (KUD) “Alat” from Trebinje as part of the celebration of the ensemble’s 70th anniversary.

According to artistic director Borko Ćorluka, some of the costumes have been carefully preserved within the ensemble for decades, while others were recreated as faithful replicas of historical originals.

– All of the costumes belong to our ensemble. Among them is a women’s Herzegovinian costume that is around one hundred years old, which we preserve with special care. Based on this original piece, we have created reproductions, as well as many other costumes that we use today – said Ćorluka.

He added that the society has dedicated experts who work on the production, restoration and preservation of traditional costumes.

Hours of Work Behind Every Detail

Long-time ensemble member Milijana Zirojević is responsible for maintaining the costumes and has developed extensive expertise over the years. When creating replicas, she consults ethnologists from the Museum of Herzegovina and researches historical sources to ensure authenticity.

– Every costume that is ready for display represents hours of work, but it never feels difficult because I do it with love. It was especially important to me that everything was prepared for the celebration of our 70th anniversary – said Zirojević.

She emphasized that members of the society pay close attention to every detail, regularly repairing and preserving the costumes because folklore is much more than a hobby for them.

Traditional Costumes as Symbols of Elegance

Milica Đuričić, another long-time member of “Alat” who now performs with the veterans’ ensemble, said she wore the same costume at the fashion show that she had worn during her very first performance.

– Tonight I wore a traditional urban costume, which is particularly meaningful to me because it reflects the elegance and dignity of women from that era – she said.

She added that every costume is carefully stored and preserved after performances to ensure it remains available for future generations.

Folklore as a Way of Life

The event was officially opened by Slađana Skojačić, who noted that in Trebinje folklore is not lived only on stage, but also in the streets, squares and hearts of its people.

Events such as this demonstrate that traditional folk costumes are far more than clothing – they are living symbols of identity, history and the cultural memory of Herzegovina.