Fashion and Beauty Archives

Albania’s world-class heritage: The Xhubleta

April 19, 2023April 19, 2023The BalkanistaLeave a Comment

The xhubleta is a traditional Albanian item of clothing that has been worn by both men and women for centuries. It is a type of vest that is made of wool or other fabrics and is often decorated with intricate embroideries and embellishments. The xhubleta is an important part of Albanian culture and its history […]

Quality picks

Alisa Dudaj, Albania’s newest up-and-coming fashion designer

March 29, 2023March 30, 2023The Balkanista

Alisa Dudaj is an Albanian fashion designer who has just appeared on the fashion world’s radar. In May 2022, the Parsons School of Design graduate won the Muza competition against more than 350 Albanian competitors. Scooping a EUR 20,000 prize, she donated half to the designer who came in second place while using the other […]

Albania at Eurovision: exposing society’s issues with female sexuality, or a missed opportunity?

May 12, 2022May 12, 2022The Balkanista

Eurovision is known for exposing the strengths and weakness of pan-European geopolitics, but Albania’s 2022 entry has brought to the surface a whole range of issues to do with sex, sexuality, and art. Albania, an EU membership hopeful, is home to 2.7 million people. After centuries of Ottoman rule, they flirted with governments and monarchy […]

Magic, mountains, and handcrafted Albanian goods

April 29, 2022April 29, 2022The Balkanista

Albania is known for its great food and beautiful scenery, but one of the lesser-known gems is its rich tradition with fabrics and crafts. Every part of the country has its own styles and methods, handed down over generations and intertwined with meaning and symbolism. One region with a particularly fascinating textile culture is Dukagjini, […]

Amargi- Albanian Ethnography With A High Fashion Twist

October 18, 2019October 18, 2019The Balkanista

One night, after putting my daughter to sleep I found myself scrolling lazily through Instagram until by chance, I came across something that made me sit bolt upright in bed. Clean lines, minimalist styles, and subtle embellishments drawing on traditional Albanian ethnography- it was a combination of the most pleasing aesthetic qualities, presented in sleek […]

Made in Prison- Female Inmates Crafting a Better Future

July 26, 2019July 26, 2019The Balkanista

Located in Ali Demi, a suburb of Tirana is Albania’s only women’s prison. Home to just 84 inmates, a new initiative has brought them a glimmer of hope and the chance of creating a sustainable future. Alma Kordoni is the director of the NGO Orkidea Albania. The aim is to protect the rights of women […]

8 Fashion and Beauty Must-Haves for A Summer in Albania

May 9, 2019May 9, 2019The Balkanista

For too long, Albania has lived in the shadows of its European neighbours like Croatia and Italy. But despite its rocky history, it more than deserves a place in your holiday destination list, too. Fortunately, more and more travellers are finally discovering the gem that is Albania. From its picturesque shores to its pastel architecture, […]

Some of my favourite artisans

January 3, 2019January 3, 2019The Balkanista

The Christmas market held on the 8thof December was a roaring success but I know that many of you were not able to attend. Lots of people have asked me to put together a list of all the artisans that were in attendance so they would have an opportunity to shop the amazing selection of […]

The best moments of 2018!

December 24, 2018December 24, 2018The Balkanista

2018 has been a whirlwind and these are my best, proudest, and most memorable moments and memories. TedXTalks View this post on Instagram If you had told me five years, two years, or even one year ago that I would be doing a TEDxTalk in Albania and speaking about my life, I would never have […]

Gentian Minga- creativity with intelligence

November 14, 2018November 14, 2018The Balkanista

One day, whilst browsing on Facebook I came across a beautiful pair of earrings that I knew I just had to have. Crafted out of paper and varnished to harden them, they reminded me of the way I use to draw flowers as a child. I contacted the individual who made them, we met for […]

Category: Fashion and Beauty

Albania’s world-class heritage: The Xhubleta

Quality picks

Alisa Dudaj, Albania’s newest up-and-coming fashion designer

Albania at Eurovision: exposing society’s issues with female sexuality, or a missed opportunity?

Magic, mountains, and handcrafted Albanian goods

Amargi- Albanian Ethnography With A High Fashion Twist

Made in Prison- Female Inmates Crafting a Better Future

8 Fashion and Beauty Must-Haves for A Summer in Albania

Some of my favourite artisans

The best moments of 2018!

Gentian Minga- creativity with intelligence

Categories

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