The influence of ethnological and cultural heritage on fashion was the main theme of the sixth Etnology Fest, which opened on 7 October in Belgrade. The international festival is dedicated to the promotion of intangible cultural heritage and the protection of cultural identities, and is part of the project titled “Give (Back) Credit to Heritage Communities”, which is co-financed by the Creative Europe programme.

This year, through fashion shows, a bazaar and a panel, participants once again had an opportunity to understand the importance and wealth of intangible cultural heritage, with an emphasis on restoring respect to associations that deal with traditional crafts and the attitude of contemporary designers and creative industries towards them.

At the opening of the festival, EU Ambassador to Serbia Emanuele Giaufret pointed out that the Creative Europe programme, which supports Etnology Fest, is the EU’s main mechanism for strengthening cultural diversity, but also a response to the needs and challenges in the culture and creative industries sector. “The EU values Serbia’s contribution to our common European identity and heritage and is here to support and empower all cultural actors in Serbia who share our values. United in diversity – from Sirogojno, through Scottish tartan, to Romanian blouse – let them be an inspiration for strengthening our partnership in the future,” said Ambassador Giaufret.

The focus country of this year’s festival is Morocco, represented by fashion designer Imane Belmkaddem, whose works are inspired by Moroccan traditional costumes and motifs.