”I want  my bags to be an elegant statement with a rebellious  attitude”,  Larisa Zupanjevac Nikolic

Noblivity takes time to get to know Zooloo

Company/Designer Name:   Zooloo/Larisa Zupanjevac Nikolic

Designer Background Summary: I grew up in an artistic environment – both my parents painted and loved art so I started to paint – oil on canvas -really early.  But I wasn’t brave enough to study art so I attended the University of Architecture in 1995, which was great because architecture gave me a fantastic education and a very good foundation  for my future design work. Even my professors recognized my talent and they encouraged me to pursue my dreams in applied arts and fashion. I became a member of the Applied Artist Organization 1n 1998 and participated in a number of solo and group exhibitions and competitions and received international and local awards for my work. I started Zooloo studio in 1999 so it is been 10 years now.  At first I did everything by myself – designing, painting on textile or leather, sewing bags.  Now Zooloo is small but efficient manufacture of unique handmade leather bags.  In July 2007 I opened my first shop in Belgrade, Serbia but I also sell my bags in other design shops both in Serbia and Europe.

 How did you get started?

I was preparing for one of my solo exhibitions and I was doing a lot of textile painting and manipulation at the time but I was missing the third dimension.  I guess I owe that to my architectural education.  I also wanted to make usable objects out of my textiles and handbags came to mind.  They are like little houses, made to impress with their exteriors and to keep our little secrets in their  interior.

What inspires your designs?

Almost anything … Sometimes interesting people, sometimes a new car model, incredibly versatile nature  and of course music.  Music always evokes  so many feelings and I am not able to make a design if I don’t listen to some  music.

How would you describe your design style?

I love the combination of geometrical shapes with some fine details or textures.  I want to use the beauty of materials especially leather in the best possible way.  I want  my bags to be a statement, reflection of one’s own personality, with sculptural, elegant  form but with a twist – or a  little bit  rebellious  attitude.

What designers inspire you?

I really liked Matt Murphy but I don’t see much of his work lately I also love Jill Sander and Diesel handbags.

What obstacles did you have to overcome?

Many…  I was good at drawing but I didn’t know much about materials, or leather craft and running a store or studio was equally an enigma at the beginning.  In Serbia we don’t have many fairs or even suppliers for materials so I had a long search for all of that and selling in other countries is also very difficult from Serbia.

How did you overcome them?  I learned a lot – everyday, through the internet, books, other people.  I learned that it is OK to ask for an advice.  I am still in the process of learning and improving…

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?  Many great moments thankfully but when I finished my first fashion show I entered the catwalk and saw all the people applauding that was really mind-blowing.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

If there was a big change I hope it was for the better.  When I learned more about the craft it gave me more freedom to experiment as a designer and to make more interesting bags.  So the idea was always there but now I have better skills to make what I want the way I want it.

If money were no object what would you do right now?

I would take at least 6 months off from everything – live in Skiathos island and go somewhere in the countryside – just designing and preparing a major huge fashion show.

What are the best and worst things about being a designer?

Being a designer is so rewarding,  but it is by no means easy.  I think that the hardest thing – not the worst – is to stay true to one’s own idea, without  flirting with the customers.

Describe your typical day?

The only constant in my day would be morning – I always wake up at least two hours before I go anywhere, take a long shower, drink coffee, read news and answer mail.. From there it gets really hectic, I go to my workshop, my store, I buy materials and attend meetings. The only time I have for design is late at night  and I don’t go to bed before 2am.. Once or twice in a month I like to turn off my phones and just draw a lot.

What’s your philosophy of life?

I have several, depending on my mood, but my most favorite one is : “When there is a will, there is a way”

What’s your favorite meal time setting?

I have a large garden so in early spring I love to make BBQ for my friends, with fresh salads,  strawberries and cherries …

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would be bolder, braver …

When will you know you have made it?

When I become an owner of my own time.

The ZOOLOO Handbag Collection is available at The Noblivity MarketPlace