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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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