From Idea to Milan: How VUNENA Knitted Its Way to an International Opportunity

When you create something with your hands, every stitch is a quiet decision — to keep going. Such quiet yet bold decisions stood behind the application of VUNENA, a Serbian women-led initiative, to the competition "Ideas for a Better Tomorrow", organized by Smart Kolektiv and the Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation.

Among numerous innovative and socially responsible initiatives, VUNENA was selected as one of the winners. The award included a 65,000 grant and business mentorship, generously supported by UniCredit Bank.

But this grant wasn't just financial support — it was a ticket. A ticket to Milan. Thanks to this opportunity, VUNENA was able to present its products and values at the prestigious SUPER Pitti fair — one of the key stages in the fashion world for discovering emerging brands and building international connections.

During this journey, VUNENA didn't just showcase what it makes. It showed what it believes in — handmade work, female strength, and local knowledge that can travel far when given a chance. Today, after this important milestone, the organization carries not only new energy, but also new international relationships, collaborations, and the affirmation that stories from the Balkans have something to say beyond their borders.

Thanks to those who believed in the stitch. Because that stitch now ties Serbia and Milan together.