🕌Sarajevo, Bosnia🇧🇦

🕊️Approaching our journey through the Balkans, we embarked with open hearts, leaving behind any preconceived notions, except for the thirst for knowledge, growth, and a deeper understanding of this captivating European region.

I found myself reminiscing about vivid childhood memories, harking back to the early 1990s in Vietnam, when I was a mere 5 or 6 years old (I was born in 1989). Although I couldn’t yet read or attend school, the world’s happenings filtered through my father’s nightly news broadcasts. It was a time when the “Cuộc chiến Nam tư” — The Balkan War, took center stage on our TV screen, alongside the iconic figure of Yasser Arafat, a man in search of peace.

Fast forward to October of this year, a time when we immersed ourselves in the stories told within the Srebrenica genocide museums of Sarajevo. These heart-wrenching narratives laid bare a painful stain on human history — one that the world must vow never to allow repeating. Remarkably, or rather, tragically, as we bid farewell to Bosnia, not too far away, fresh hostilities erupted in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

October may have slipped through our fingers in the blink of an eye, but its significance in the annals of history is indelible, and unfortunately, not for the better. The course of history once again pivoted, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of millions.

My fervent prayer is for peace to descend upon our world, that we never again bear witness to such senseless wars, and that humanity can unite in the name of compassion, understanding, and the preservation of a more harmonious future.☮️

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I mentioned how my journey to Bosnia and the Balkans opened up a whole new world of culture for me. Culture is a cornerstone of my fashion inspiration, and I’ve woven these influences into my clothing for every photoshoot, often in subtle ways. I don’t typically delve into detailed explanations of what I’m wearing or the significance behind it, but rest assured, they carry traces of the nations I explore.

I’m not the type to casually stroll into a boutique, pick out garments and accessories haphazardly. No, I approach fashion with a purpose. I envision how an outfit will complement the location and what it means to me.

During my odyssey, I stumbled upon a captivating revelation shared by the beautiful Bosnian lady, Aida .

She generously shared her insights into the intriguing history of the Dirndl, a style that originally found its roots in the opulent Austro-Hungarian Empire. Surprisingly, it turns out that before World War I, Bosnia was under the rule of this vast empire. While Dirndl might not be the official national attire, it’s perfectly acceptable to embrace it.

When I arrived in Bosnia, I had my fill of Dirndl, but I believe certain items find their way to you for a reason.

During our last weekend in Vienna, my husband surprised me with another Dirndl, not because we had a specific plan, but because it felt right to have it. Owning a beautiful silk Dirndl without capturing it in a photo seemed like a missed opportunity. So, I decided to incorporate it into our photoshoot in Sarajevo. To my surprise, it harmonized perfectly with the town’s mosaic-like patterns and the random water wells we encountered.

I complemented the look with oversized white star earrings, reminiscent of the Bosnia flag, and added a touch of countryside charm with my rattan wildflower headband, adorned with a random blue dragonfly. It was a happy coincidence that my husband’s outfit, though unplanned, harmonized effortlessly with mine, as if our colors were destined to be together. Fashion and culture seamlessly intertwined in the heart of Sarajevo.

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One of the many bridges that cross the Miljacka River in Sarajevo. It is the place where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914 which started World War I

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