Macedonian designer and stylist Dusica Shaleva, who lives and works in Paris, brings to the Balkans the biggest competition for top models. The first casting is in Skopje, on October 13. Shaleva, who is a designer of haute couture in Paris, collaborates with famous names from Europe and the world.

On the eve of the biggest European modeling competition in the Balkans, "Top Model Europe", we talk to Shaleva in an interview for "Sloboden Pechat".

We are on the eve of the biggest European modeling competition in the Balkans, "Top Model Europe", behind which your name stands. The first casting will be in Skopje. What is it about and what is the challenge of organizing such a competition?

– "Top Model Europe" is one of the most prestigious international competitions for models in Europe. Selections are organized in 15 countries, and the goal of the competition is to discover future models and promote an international career. The first casting in the Balkans will be in Skopje, on October 13, because Skopje is my hometown, then in Belgrade, and in a few months in Zagreb and Sofia.

The challenge is great, first there will be a final in the Balkans, then the Balkan finalists will go to the European final in Paris and I would like someone from the Balkans to win the competition in 2025. I want to show in Europe that we also have beautiful young models with high potential.

Actor Samuel Arnold from the famous Netflix series "Emily in Paris" is your client. At the season 4 premiere in Los Angeles, she wore your creation. How did this collaboration come about?

– Samuel Arnold is a very good and cultured boy. I was contacted by his personal stylist to create a special creation for the event. I made him a few combinations and he decided on a black velvet set, a unique design made to measure. Samuel loves unique pieces, which cannot be found in stores.

Which famous names have you collaborated with, which of the famous world names wear your creations? How challenging is it to be a part of this story?

– One of the first and most faithful athletes is Djibril Cisse, I dress Mathias Pogba, Victor Wembanyama, Diamant Blazi, as well as many famous French rappers, Soprano, Naps, El Grande Toto, Christopher Licata, dancer on the show "Dancing with the Stars", Brahim Zaibat, Didi J and many others... The challenge is that sometimes they ring at midnight to have their styling done for tomorrow, and for that you have to be creative and motivated.

You also worked on the Louvre campaign for the Paris Olympics?

– Yes, one of the last projects this summer was the campaign of the Louvre museum for the Olympic Games with the famous breakdancer Danny Dunn, who won a silver medal at the Olympics.

You live in Paris. How challenging is Paris for a fashion designer?

- I have been in France since 2009, I finished my studies at "Esmod International Fashion School". Paris is the city of fashion, there are many opportunities for young designers, but also great competition, so you need a lot of effort, persistence and self-confidence.

What is it like to be a high fashion designer?

– There are good and bad moments, but you need daily reflection and creativity when you make unique pieces.

What is characteristic of Parisians when it comes to street fashion?

– The style is casual, it is fashionable to wear "oversized" jackets and bomber jackets with flat shoes and wide trousers.

And what about fashion in our country, do Macedonian women have a sense of fashion and what do they lack?

- Macedonian women are beautiful girls, in my opinion they are quite elegant and solemn. Maybe they should combine dresses with sneakers to look even more fashionable. I would recommend them to dress more often at young designers and support Macedonian fashion and practice quality, not quantity.

When did you first discover that you had a talent for fashion creations and how did your fashion story begin?

- Even in my childhood, I was attracted to art. I started drawing when I was six years old, in elementary school I went to drawing classes and art camps, and I tried to make new designs for my dolls with the help of my grandmother, who was a seamstress.

What are the expectations from the upcoming match?

- "Top Model Europe" is a big challenge. Expectations are high because I put my brand on hiatus in Paris for this new adventure so I can be here and organize castings all over the Balkans. I hope that our young models will come in large numbers and be motivated for all stages until the European final. I believe in this project, every year the competition has 25.000 candidates in Europe, so why not here.

What advice would you give to ladies regarding the choice of clothes and what, in your opinion, is the ideal combination?

– I dress men more often, but, in my opinion, the ideal combination for a girl is a jumpsuit with heels and a bomber jacket or a dress with moccasins and an "oversized trench". I love sporty elegant combinations and mixing styles.