HEELS FROM KOTOR VAROŠ CONQUERING THE GLOBAL MARKET

Sneakers, long and short boots, and elegant pumps made from the finest leather are part of the Walk Your Way collection by Banja Luka designer Sonja Bubić. Each pair combines timeless design with natural materials, aiming to transcend fleeting trends and fast fashion.

PHOTO: Velibor Tripić / Glas Srpske

In an interview with Glas Srpske, the footwear designer shared details about her debut collection, which has delighted many women and is now available online, featuring 400 pairs of shoes for purchase.

Her love for shoes began in childhood, accompanying her parents on visits to footwear factories, material suppliers, and trade fairs.

"When I enrolled at the Faculty of Technology in Banja Luka, I already envisioned creating my collection one day. It was only after I started working that I realized how complex the process is. Designing and producing a quality, comfortable shoe is no easy feat. The challenge is even greater because it’s hard to source the necessary materials in our region—no heels, no specialized parts. All roads lead to Italy for materials," said Bubić, who honed her craft in Milan after graduation.

Even then, she told Glas Srpske about her dream of launching her own footwear collection. Her time in the fashion capital not only expanded her knowledge but also led to valuable connections that later blossomed into collaborations.

"I source all my materials from Italy, purchasing the finest leather from the same suppliers as Gucci. Italy is unrivaled when it comes to material quality," Bubić emphasized.

With colleagues from Milan, she brought her dream to life.

"I learned to make shoes with my own hands, from start to finish. I met amazing people who are now part of my team, helping me because this is truly a vast and intricate process. Many minds working together are always better than one," she said with a smile.

All the designs she envisions and meticulously sketches are brought to life in the family-owned factory Dermal in Kotor Varoš. The Glas Srpske team joined Bubić to witness the production process firsthand.

"After returning from Milan, I began actively working on the collection. I started with sketches and designs, then collaborated with a modeler and consultant from Italy, visiting factories to select materials and develop molds. Once everything arrives at the factory, we work intensively—sometimes up to 15 hours a day. I have a team of several people who work with me to ensure everything turns out perfectly," she explained.

What sets her shoes apart, according to Bubić, is their freshness and originality.

"We produce and sell them directly. We don't resell or outsource production like most brands do. Every shoe carries my name and reputation. Quality is the beginning and end of everything," she explained proudly, showcasing long boots made from the finest patent calf leather. She pays attention to every detail, not only aesthetically but also practically, incorporating anti-slip rubber inserts into every sole.

Bubić says the response to her collection, after sharing a few photos online, has exceeded all expectations.

"The shoes look luxurious and powerful, designed for women who know what they want. That’s my vision—to create shoes for women who resist fast fashion and prioritize quality footwear that lasts for years, not just a season. The name Walk Your Way reflects this, celebrating strong women who confidently follow their own path," Bubić emphasized.

She admits that having a family business as her foundation is a significant advantage.

"On the other hand, it comes with great responsibility. There’s fear and anxiety; sometimes I dream that a shoe’s leather peeled off after being sold. That’s why I use only exclusive materials to ensure such things don’t happen. When we design a collection, we purchase molds, select heels and soles, and the modeler refines the designs. Some pieces, like one particular boot, underwent three rounds of adjustments to achieve perfection," Bubić shared, highlighting her family as her greatest support.

The process of crafting footwear, from sketch to final product, takes several months. Her collection also features limited-edition high-heeled pumps made from goat hair leather, designed for women seeking something truly unique.