In an exclusive interview, we have the privilege of delving into the fashion world of Tamara Vučić, the First Lady of Serbia. Tamara Vučić, known not only for her role as the First Lady but also for her impeccable sense of style, recently unveiled her unique fashion perspective. In a striking display of support for Serbian designer Stefan Djokovich, she participated in an exclusive photo shoot set against the backdrop of the Serbian ambassador’s residence in France, precisely at the Trocadero, during the prestigious Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. Join us as we uncover the elegance and glamour that define this captivating intersection of fashion and diplomacy.
What is your everyday style ?
I love elegance and simplicity, whether it comes to going to work, spending times with friends, travels or important public event. I believe that, for any woman, when it comes to fashion, it is important that she is aware of what suits her, what something looks like on her and whether it fits with her character and situation. In other words, can she be up to it and whether she feels well in it. There are fashion pieces or combinations that are very trendy and that I like to see on others, but that I would never dare wearing it myself. It simply would not be me.
What is Serbian glamour ?
Lovely question and I wouldn’t know what to share with you first: presence, past or future. To me, glamour is everything that aims at rarity and raises its value and makes it precious. Positive stance towards life and world is glamorous, as well as hospitality the Serbs are so known for. A city that lives 24/7 is glamorous, and that is Belgrade. Serbian glamour is, likewise, a part of our history that speaks about the period of Nemanjić Dynasty reign (form 12th to 14th century), when Serbian courts were overwhelmed with magnificence and ruling family’s glamour. Serbian kings and emperors, but also they noblemen, were not only skillful statesmen, commanders and diplomats, but also builders, poets, writers….arts patrons in all its forms. Therefore, in these times of courts, after so many centuries, Serbian medieval culture is shinning in all its beauty, authenticity and glamour. Or when our great-grandmothers and grandmothers were taught nice manners and different skills by attending Schools for Ladies in Vienna, Budapest, Munich, Paris. I am speaking about the period after the WWI or the Great War, during which almost 50% of male population died. Maybe I speak to seriously, but knowledge is glamour today, too. Glamour is Expo 2027 that Serbia will be a proud and a good host of.
What can we find on your handbag right now ?
My bag is often packed with stuff… Apart from my phone, wallet and keys there is, of course, my passport, because I’m not in my country, a lip gloss, mirror, notebook, tissues, sun glasses. This is, more or less, everything that a member of the more beautiful gender has in her bag. However, what makes my bag different from the others is I’d say gadgets, that I love, such as the Kindle, whose advantages I’ve realized only recently. During summer months, there is a tiny electrical ventilator…
What is Haute Couture for you ?
Each handwork is Haute Couture. Once, I was interested in the reason of such I high price for a plissé skirt by a famous French brand and I was told that there was only one gentleman dealing with the old-fashioned way for making plissé and that the price was, actually, tribute to his work, among other things. I don’t know whether this data was true, but the explanation certainly made sense.
I would like you to see golden embroidery, a special and unique technique rooted in Serbian tradition, which is incredibly beautiful. Golden embroidery is a technique of decorating Serbian national costume with gold threads, which is highly valuable and demanding. Most often, it takes several months of work by diligent hands for making a single piece of “anterija” (traditional long vest).
The 3 basics that a woman has to have in her closet?
Single-coloured dress (I vote for black or navy blue one) as always a good choice for those mornings when “we do not know what to wear”, a well- tailored suit and perfectly fitting jeans. And a simple white T-shirt. How about four?
Are you a shoe addict?
I wouldn’t say I am, though my husband would disagree. At the beginning of our marriage, he told me: “ I didn’t know I married a centipede”… Of course, I would not put aside the difference between male and female perspective. My choice is always stilettos: elegant, decent and perfect. So, number five in each woman’s closet: black or nude stilettos.
Do you think French women have style and why?
I believe this is more a rhetorical question. What I like is how unburdened the French women are with their age… those are the women that take care of themselves pretty much, in a moderate and decent manner.
What could a Serbian woman teach to a French woman about style?
We can and should always learn a lot from each other, both Serbian from French women and French women from Serbian women. I’d underline Serbian freedom and French moderate style.
What are your favorite places in Paris: restaurants, bars, shops?
I like to walk, wherever I travel. That is my way of getting to know the city, the atmosphere, people… The same is with Paris.. I walk, without burdening myself with where the road will take me… in case of Paris, wherever it takes me, I will enjoy the beauty of architecture and tasty food.
Your 3 favorite looks from Stefan Djokovich show?
Precisely these that I am wearing on the photographs.
How important is it for you to have a Serbian designer showing during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week ?
Stefan Djokovic is a great young man who expressed his creativity through Haute Couture, but he has also woven into it his versatility and artistic expression of a pianist and opera singer. Haute Couture is more than fashion. It is the expression of multilayered creativity.
I am immensely happy when talented, creative, courageous and diligent persons get and take the opportunity and support to present their work at important events, beyond the borders of our country, as well, just like each opportunity to personally contribute to promoting our people and our country makes me happy.
Serbian fashion industry definitely has potential and quality to develop fast, as well as the wine industry, and of course ICT. All those are fields of economy that have been getting stronger in the past years and that we are proud of.
How important is culture for the Serbian people ?
For theater plays, one always wants a ticket more. In the beginning of the year, a lovely music project has started – a humanitarian caravan, headed precisely by Stefan Djokovic, and which I was so pleased to support by being a patron of honor. The caravan travels through Serbia and brings closer classical music to the audience all over our country. It is enough to say that holes of Culture Centers in each town are packed. Culture is deeply woven in our history and tradition. Those are our roots and it is there that I would search for explanation why we are the way we are: hospitable, open, positive.
Lipstick or gloss ?
For the evening and for the day.
Mascara or eyeliner ?
Mascara, because I do not know how to put the eyeliner.
Heels or flat shoes ?
High heels whenever allowed by the program. Flat shoes for walk and exercise.
Does a First Lady have to be always trendy ?
Each lady needs to create some kind of her own direction within the current trend, by adjusting the trend to itself, and not vice versa.
Credits:
Tamara Vučić @tamara.vucic.serbia
Photos: Mio Mir Milic
Coordination: Jelena Vlahovic
Production: Mephistophélès @mephistophelesproductions
Robes: Stefan Djokovich Couture