Entering into Dušan’s showroom, nestled in a chic constructing on a quiet Milan road, appears like coming into a preternaturally serene area, crammed with museum-worthy historical and Egyptian artwork treasures (he’s an keen collector) surrounded by a rare set up of bonsai timber.
Dušan Paunovic exists in a world of his personal—he’s proof against novelties, serves a loyal, upper-crust clientele that has caught with him for over 25 years (and put on Dušan alongside Hermès and Loro Piana) and despises the phrase “pattern.” “I don’t do traits,” he acknowledged. “You gained’t discover the most recent craze right here. What you will see that are designs that I modify barely every season, however basically stay unchanged. It’s my system—every year you’ll be able to add new items without having to discard what you purchased the season earlier than.”
Paunovic honed his craft on the Milan atelier of the legendary designer Zoran within the ’90s. “I’m his solely reliable inheritor,” he stated. He has carried ahead a mode that was an early forerunner of minimalism. Zoran, a visionary and extremely exacting designer, labored completely with the best materials, which complemented his linear, luxurious creations. Fiercely unbiased (and self-funded) like his grasp, Paunovic stays true to his philosophy: “It’s important to keep constant and genuine to who you’re.” He meticulously perfects each garment, guaranteeing the reduce, match, and particulars are flawless. His signature designs characteristic free, fluid, and outsized shapes—coats and jackets are provided in a single dimension. His curated wardrobe features a handful of thoughtfully designed items crafted from beautiful materials: a flowing outsized kimono trench coat, a barely extra fitted unstructured batwing jacket for this season, wide-leg pajama pants with an elasticated waist (this season he added an possibility within the softest suede), and square-cut tops that look terribly stylish layered over his signature sarong skirts, which wrap across the physique with ease.
This season, Paunovic ventured into clothes, a class he normally avoids. “They aren’t actually my factor,” he declared matter-of-factly. Nonetheless, he launched a flattering design in ribbed viscose, that includes a fitted bodice that flares into an extended skirt. He additionally experimented with a refreshed coloration palette. Whereas he sometimes favors neutrals and black, he loosened his restraint, including shades like forest inexperienced, deep burgundy, and vibrant Chartreuse yellow. “However I’m nonetheless not sure about that,” he stated, eyeing a superbly tailor-made chemise in liquid, sensuous silk satin in a comfortable coral pink, visibly puzzled in regards to the daring new hue.
