When nature becomes fashion detail - How local brand of unique wooden bags combined aesthetics and sustainability

Source: eKapija Friday, 04.04.2025. 23:54
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(Photo: dyptich produkcija/Predrag Todorović)
In a world awash in fast fashion trends, the fast fashion industry has become one of the planet`s biggest polluters. Every year, millions of tons of textile waste end up in landfills, and fast fashion production is responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions. According to the World Bank, the textile industry is the second biggest water polluter in the world, right after agriculture, meaning that a huge amount of water is needed to produce fast fashion, and a large amount of chemicals and dyes end up in rivers and lakes.

When fashion changes season to season, and consumption is growing faster than ever, there is one brand that decided to go the opposite way - Unikka. Bringing together natural materials, art and design, Unikka has developed a collection of handbags that are not just a fashion accessory, but also a symbol of conscious consumption and respect for handwork.

This home-grown story of sustainability, handwork, and timeless design was born out of desire to create something that lasts, something that has a story and a value.

- Unikka was born out of a personal need to create something authentic - something that doesn`t follow seasonal trends, but has its own story, soul and durability. We have combined the love for nature, art and design and from that the idea of handbags that are not just a fashion accessory, but also a symbol of the values ​​we live by - sustainability, conscious consumption and respect for handwork, was born. Slow fashion is our choice as we believe in quality, not quantity, and we want each piece to have its place and meaning - they start their story for eKapija.

(Photo: dyptich produkcija/Predrag Todorović)
The handmade challenge: When wood and leather tell the same story

Each Unikka handbag is produced in small series, carefully shaped by the hands of a master who knows the nature of wood and leather. This combination of materials brings specific challenges as well.

- Handcrafting involves attention, time and a huge focus on details. When combining wood and leather, the challenge is twofold - wood is a living material, each reacts to processing differently and requires patience, while natural leather demands precision and respect for its shape and texture - they state.

The biggest challenge is to achieve a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality, without compromising the authenticity of the material.

- We make everything in small series, without compromise when it comes to quality - they emphasize.

(Photo: dyptich produkcija/Predrag Todorović)
Customers choosing the story, not just the product

The design of Unikka purses is not dictated by current trends - it stems from the materials themselves. The natural lines of wood, the warmth of leather and the minimalism of architecture inspire each model, making it modern yet timeless.

- In design, we always start from the material. Wood and leather dictate the form, and our task is to shape them so that the result is fashionable, but not transient. Nature, architecture and clean lines inspire us. We don`t follow trends - we create pieces that will last both aesthetically and physically. That balance can be achieved when the design is seen as an extension of the material, and not as something that overpowers it - the brand says.

Unikka bags are not for everyone - they are for those who are looking for more than aesthetics in fashion. The brand`s customers are women who value authenticity and believe in quality that lasts.

- Our handbags are chosen by women who have a special love for beautiful, natural and different things. Those who value the silence of quality in a world of noise of trends and believe that what we wear should have personal meaning, and not just aesthetic value. Unikka does not follow them - but listens to them. Every bag is an opportunity to express yourself in your own way, through carefully selected forms and colors that speak without words. That way we support their authenticity – discreetly, but deeply - say from Unikka.

(Photo: dyptich produkcija/Predrag Todorović)
Future of sustainable fashion in Serbia: Small steps towards big change

Sustainable fashion in Serbia is still in development, but awareness of the importance of responsible consumption is growing. Unikka plans to continue its path through cooperation with artisan workshops, using natural and recycled materials and launching new product lines which further emphasize the idea of sustainability.

- Future of sustainable fashion in Serbia depends on us – both as a producer and a consumer. We believe there is a growing number of people who want to shop smarter and choose what lasts. We will continue to work locally, cooperate with small artisan workshops and use natural and recycled materials where possible. New product lines are also in the pipeline which will further strengthen the idea of ​​sustainability - less, more carefully and even closer to nature - they conclude.

I. Žikić
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