The Balkan Open Door – Business, Fashion and Art initiative was presented at the BTA National Press Club in Sofia on Thursday, after its founding forum brought together representatives from seven countries. Mila Zaharieva, founder of Balkan Open Door and owner of International Fashion Connection Group, said the platform was created in Bulgaria to connect business, fashion, culture, art, education and institutions through international cooperation, the exchange of best practices and joint projects.
During the forum, a founding memorandum for the initiative was discussed and adopted, and the first international branches were established, with their presidents signing the memorandum. The organization’s future priorities, opportunities for international initiatives, partnerships among countries, and the framework for joint projects in the coming years were also discussed.
Zaharieva introduced the first presidents of the international branches. She herself heads the Bulgarian branch.
Andriola Kambo, an entrepreneur and founder of Muza Fashion Fair, heads the Albanian branch. Valeria Meletidi, an entrepreneur and business leader, heads the Greek branch.
Kubra Kaza, an international business leader, heads the Turkish branch.
The Serbian branch is headed by Bata Spasojevic, an internationally recognized fashion designer and founder of Individual. Mariana Micheli, founder and president of Mad Mood Milano Fashion Week and Mediterranean Fashion and Food Week, heads the Italian branch.
Marina Banovic, an internationally recognized fashion designer and founder of Marina Banovic Atelier, heads the Montenegro branch.
Zaharieva presented the certificates to those present at the conference – Micheli and Banovic.
Balkan Open Door has the potential to become a bridge between Italy and the entire Balkan region, Micheli said. “I believe we can grow together and provide opportunities for Balkan designers to work in Italy. This initiative presents us with significant opportunities as well, because the organization operates not only in the field of fashion, but also in business and the arts, which will open up more business prospects for Italy in the Balkans.”
