Tradition, the modern way

The unique offer of clothes and souvenirs, with which Ethno Boutique Mara invokes the spirit of tradition in a modern way, consists of recognizable high quality handmade items that are representative of the Croatian cultural heritage.

In the heart of the city, on Ilica 49, one can find Ethno Boutique Mara, whose unique offer of clothes and souvenirs invoke the spirit of tradition in a modern way. Its owner and fashion designer, Vesna Milković, derives her own design inspiration from Croatian traditional motifs, using the old fashioned handicraft techniques. Her valuable creations include gold embroidery, šlinga (intricate traditional embroidery, traditionally white thread on white fabric with cut out pieces), and famous Glagolitic motifs – an ancient Slavic lettering created in the mid 9th century, which remained in use throughout Croatia until the 19th century. These items are not only appreciated by aficionados of cultural heritage, but also numerous business people across Croatia who wear clothing items by this famous fashion designer. Furthermore, Vesna Milković has dressed tourist professionals along the Adriatic coast in her creations. Buyers of her clothes and souvenirs also include numerous tourists from many countries, from Europe to the Far East: connoisseurs of handmade items in which they can recognize the markings of Croatian cultural heritage.

In her creation of suits, costumes, blouses, bags and various other items with messages written in Glagolitic lettering, including the recognizable sign of the boutique, this talented fashion designer often uses verses of great Croatian writers such as: “Be true to yourself” by August Šenoa; “Man, take care not to walk small under the stars...” by Branko Šimić; or “Fear not, you are not alone!” by Tin Ujević. Various souvenirs from the Ethno Mara boutique include jewellery boxes, wine-bags, table-cloths or scarves made out of natural fibres and decorated with a Croatian wattle. Many of these items can be found at Croatian embassies across the world, and buyers also include numerous companies that give them away as corporate gifts to their business partners.