the great pretender

Ivana Batakovic has always believed that fashion goes beyond clothing — it’s a language of confidence, strength, and individuality. As the founder and creative director of Batakovic Belgrade, she has built a brand that embodies this philosophy, blending sharp tailoring with effortless femininity to create garments that make an impression without the need for words.

Her journey into fashion started with an obsession: textiles. Before launching her brand, Batakovic worked closely with some of the finest luxury fabrics in the world, understanding their nuances and how they interact with movement and form. But working within the industry wasn’t enough — she wanted to shape her own vision. “My goal is not to dress a woman but to give her something she feels unstoppable in,” she explains.

The DNA of Batakovic Belgrade is deeply connected to its namesake city. “Belgrade is not just a place on a map; it’s an attitude,” Batakovic says. “My brand carries that bold, unapologetic elegance to the world.” 

This duality is evident in her designs, which take inspiration from classic menswear tailoring but reinterpreted through a feminine lens. “I love playing with contrasts — masculine tailoring meets delicate draping, structured fabrics flow into soft silhouettes,” she says. The results are timeless pieces that empower the women who wear them.

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Batakovic’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection proves just how true this statement is. Statuary silhouettes, pronounced shoulders and a lot of attitude. At the same time, a soft neutral palette contrasts with the structured designs, striking a perfect balance between masculine precision and feminine fluidity.

The brand’s journey began with Batakovic’s fascination with textiles. Initially focused on sourcing the world’s most refined fabrics, she soon realised she wanted to shape the very garments that define modern luxury. “I don’t design for the moment; I design for the memory,” she explains, emphasising her commitment to longevity over fleeting trends. This philosophy translates into garments designed to last, both in quality and aesthetic relevance. 

While outerwear remains central to Batakovic Belgrade, the brand is expanding into accessories and complementary categories, building what she envisions as a fully realized Batakovic universe.

“Batakovic Belgrade is the perfect balance — precision of masculine tailoring and the effortless grace of femininity. That’s what makes it irresistible.”

photography. Batakovic Belgrade
words. Gennaro Costanzo

coat. Melinda Gardiner
earrings. Givenchy @ 4element
tights. Wolford
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jewellery. Givenchy @ 4element

coat. Melinda Gardiner
earrings. Givenchy @ 4element
tights. Wolford
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jewellery. Givenchy @ 4element

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Credits

Everything is balanced on an equilibrium in this Schön! editorial photographed by Robert Binda with fashion by Alice Balducci who styles Dante Kedde in looks by Givenchy, SHUSHU/TONG, SELF-PORTRAIT and others. Hair by stylist Francesco Merico with make up by artist Charlie Murray.

jewellery. Givenchy @ 4element
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dress. SHUSHU/TONG @ PURPLE PR
earrings. Givenchy @ 4element

jewellery. Givenchy @ 4element
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dress. SHUSHU/TONG @ PURPLE PR
earrings. Givenchy @ 4element

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Credits

hat. Lock & Co. Hatters
earrings + bracelet. Givenchy @ 4element
gloves. Stylist’s Own
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jewellery. Givenchy @ 4element

hat. Lock & Co. Hatters
earrings + bracelet. Givenchy @ 4element
gloves. Stylist’s Own
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jewellery. Givenchy @ 4element

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Credits

jewellery. Givenchy @ 4element
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skirt. SHUSHU/TONG @ PURPLE PR
necklace. Givenchy @ 4element

jewellery. Givenchy @ 4element
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skirt. SHUSHU/TONG @ PURPLE PR
necklace. Givenchy @ 4element

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Credits

dress. SELF-PORTRAIT
necklace. Givenchy @ 4element
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jewellery. Givenchy @ 4element

dress. SELF-PORTRAIT
necklace. Givenchy @ 4element
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jewellery. Givenchy @ 4element

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Credits

dress. Stylist’s Own
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dress. Stylist’s Own

dress. Stylist’s Own
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dress. Stylist’s Own

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Credits

dress. Isabel Marant
earrings. Balenciaga @ 4element
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dress. Isabel Marant
earrings. Balenciaga @ 4element

dress. Isabel Marant
earrings. Balenciaga @ 4element
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dress. Isabel Marant
earrings. Balenciaga @ 4element

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Credits

jewellery. Givenchy @ 4element
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dress. Roland Mouret
earrings. Givenchy @ 4element

jewellery. Givenchy @ 4element
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dress. Roland Mouret
earrings. Givenchy @ 4element

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Credits

dress. SELF-PORTRAIT
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dress. SELF-PORTRAIT

dress. SELF-PORTRAIT
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dress. SELF-PORTRAIT

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Credits

dress. SELF-PORTRAIT
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dress. SELF-PORTRAIT

dress. SELF-PORTRAIT
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dress. SELF-PORTRAIT

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Credits

photography. Robert Binda
fashion. Alice Balducci
model. Dante Kedde @ Next Management
hair. Francesco Merico
make up. Charlie Murray
set design. Paola Sanchez
videography. Jimi Drosinos
retouch. Katy Sims
photography assistant. Paolina Stadler
fashion assistant. Victoria Zekavica
make up assistant. Molly Lynch
set design assistant. Audy
studio. Epitome Studio

3/4-length cashmere coat. Marinella
tailored trousers. Cellar Door
cardboard hat with newspaper cutouts. Stylist’s Own

3/4-length cashmere coat. Marinella
tailored trousers. Cellar Door
cardboard hat with newspaper cutouts. Stylist’s Own

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Credits

No unflattering angles here in this Schön! editorial photographed by Guglielmo Benassi with art direction and fashion by Giulia Santoro who styles Luca Miceli in looks by Marinella, Cellar Door, Polo Ralph Lauren and others. 

cardboard hat with newspaper cutouts. Stylist’s Own
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3/4-length cashmere coat. Marinella
cardboard hat with newspaper cutouts. Stylist’s Own

cardboard hat with newspaper cutouts. Stylist’s Own
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3/4-length cashmere coat. Marinella
cardboard hat with newspaper cutouts. Stylist’s Own

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Credits

ribbed crew-neck tank top. United Colors of Benetton
parachute trousers. Stüssy
lace-up boots. Timberland

ribbed crew-neck tank top. United Colors of Benetton
parachute trousers. Stüssy
lace-up boots. Timberland

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Credits

polo shirt. Aelfric Eden
denim shorts. BDG
rubber boots. MSCHF

polo shirt. Aelfric Eden
denim shorts. BDG
rubber boots. MSCHF

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Credits

classic long-sleeve shirt. Dolce & Gabbana
pinstripe wool suit. The World’s Best Cloth by Carnet
leather derby shoes. Paraboot
silk tie. Claudia
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classic long-sleeve shirt. Dolce & Gabbana
pinstripe wool suit. The World’s Best Cloth by Carnet
leather derby shoes. Paraboot
silk tie. Claudia

classic long-sleeve shirt. Dolce & Gabbana
pinstripe wool suit. The World’s Best Cloth by Carnet
leather derby shoes. Paraboot
silk tie. Claudia
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classic long-sleeve shirt. Dolce & Gabbana
pinstripe wool suit. The World’s Best Cloth by Carnet
leather derby shoes. Paraboot
silk tie. Claudia

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Credits

striped woven cotton sweater. Marks & Spencer
short striped cotton + boxers. Intimissimi
jeans. BDG
metallic studded belt. Stylist’s Own

striped woven cotton sweater. Marks & Spencer
short striped cotton + boxers. Intimissimi
jeans. BDG
metallic studded belt. Stylist’s Own

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Credits

long-sleeve cotton t-shirt. Stylist’s Own
technical fabric cargo shorts. South2 West8
sneakers + socks. New Balance
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long-sleeve cotton t-shirt. Stylist’s Own

long-sleeve cotton t-shirt. Stylist’s Own
technical fabric cargo shorts. South2 West8
sneakers + socks. New Balance
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long-sleeve cotton t-shirt. Stylist’s Own

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Credits

crew-neck embroidered cotton t-shirt. Polo Ralph Lauren
socks. New Balance

crew-neck embroidered cotton t-shirt. Polo Ralph Lauren
socks. New Balance

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Credits

This Schön! editorial has been produced by

photography. Guglielmo Benassi
art direction + fashion. Giulia Santoro
model. Luca Miceli
make up. Yuri Ercolan
fashion assistant. Lucas Longo