Дуня Коб: „Модата не е просто естетика, тя е разказ и себеизразяване“

Дуня, позната в модния свят като Dee Cobb, е 32-годишен модел и бизнесдама, която успешно съчетава сръбските си корени с глобална визия. Живеейки между Великобритания и Близкия изток, тя е лице на престижни издания в Швеция, Южна Африка, Австралия и САЩ. След години, посветени на изграждането на собствени бизнеси, Дуня се завръща към модата с мисия за промяна и смел поглед към индустрията. С образование по модно редакторство от Милано, тя съчетава професионализма си с визия за бъдещето на модата.

Как твоето детство в Сърбия те вдъхнови да се насочиш към света на модата?

От съвсем малка бях очарована от модата – обичах да експериментирам със стила си, да научавам за дизайнери и да следя тенденции. Освен това започнах да ценя изкуството зад всяка дреха и историите, които те разказват.

Какво те подтикна да изучаваш модно редакторство и как това промени погледа ти върху индустрията?

Моята любов към историите и интересът към пресечната точка между мода, култура, изкуство и общество ме насочиха към модното редакторство. Това образование ми позволи да навляза дълбоко в творческия процес зад редакторската работа и да разбирам значението на контекста в модата, оценявайки труда зад всяка детайлно изградена визия – от концепцията до изпълнението.

Какво те накара да се върнеш към модата, след като отдели време за развитие на бизнесите си?

Работата по собствените ми проекти ми даде нова перспектива. Разбрах бизнес страната на индустрията и как дизайн, маркетинг и потребителски предпочитания се преплитат. Желанието ми е да съчетая този опит с любовта си към модата.

Кои според теб са най-големите предизвикателства пред модната индустрия днес и как работиш за тяхното преодоляване?

Диверсификацията, устойчивостта и влиянието на социалните мрежи са ключови предизвикателства. Макар че се правят стъпки напред, има още много работа за постигане на приобщаване и етичност в производството. За да се справя с тези предизвикателства, активно търся възможности да си сътруднича с марки, които поставят на първо място разнообразието и устойчивостта.

Как твоят личен стил съчетава влиянията на Великобритания, Европа и Близкия изток?

Вдъхновението ми идва от британската история на уличния стил, еклектиката на Европа и лукса на близкоизточната мода. Обичам да съчетавам съвременни тенденции с непреходна елегантност, която излъчва увереност и автентичност.

За кои теми се застъпваш най-много в кариерата си?

Вярвам, че модата може да бъде мощен инструмент за промяна и е важно да използваме платформите си, за да адресираме въпроси като расовата неравнопоставеност, дискриминацията по пол и икономическите различия. Модната индустрия исторически е налагала нереалистични стандарти за красота, които могат да имат разрушителни ефекти върху самочувствието, затова трябва да сме позитивни към тялото си и да приемаме себе си.

Как успяваш да балансираш бизнеса с кариерата си на модел?

Справям се чрез строго менажиране на времето и ясни срокове както за ангажиментите ми на модел, така и за бизнес проектите. Винаги планирам предварително дни за грижа за себе си и семейно време, за да не прекалявам.

Какви уроци научи от управлението на бизнесите си, които прилагаш в модната индустрия?

Един от най-важните е адаптивността – бизнес средата може да се променя бързо. Освен това разбрах колко е важно да изграждам силна идентичност на бранда. Мрежите и изграждането на връзки са още един ключов аспект, който научих.

Кои са твоите най-големи вдъхновения в света на модата и защо?

За мен това са хора, които въплъщават креативност, устойчивост и стремеж към иновации. Които предизвикват границите и преосмислят традиционните норми, показвайки, че модата не е просто естетика, а разказ и себеизразяване. Хора, които използват платформите си, за да създават значими промени в индустрията.

Какъв съвет би дала на начинаещи модели или предприемачи, които искат да оставят положителен отпечатък в тази област?

Съветът ми е да започнат с автентичност – индивидуалността е това, което те отличава. Споделяй историята и ценностите си открито, защото тази автентичност намира отклик у другите. Образовай се за индустрията, включително за нейните предизвикателства и възможности. Да разбереш индустрията ще ти позволи да взимаш информирани решения, които съответстват на твоите ценности.

Dunja, known in the modeling world as Dee Cobb, is a 32-year-old business owner and model originally from Serbia. Currently splitting her time between UK and the Middle East, Dunja blends diverse cultural influences into a unique personal brand. She has been featured in esteemed publications across the globe, including those in Sweden, South Africa, Australia, and the USA.

After dedicating several years to building her businesses, she has made a return to modelling, eager to expand her work within the fashion industry. 

She studied fashion editing at a prestigious school in Milan, possesses a profound understanding of the fashion industry, paired with an unwavering commitment to advocacy. She is passionate about challenging the dominant narratives surrounding fashion and modelling world. Her future entrepreneurial endeavors are aimed at promoting a more ethical and sustainable approach within the industry.

Can you tell us about your early days in Serbia and how your upbringing shaped your passion for fashion and modeling?

From a young age, I found myself drawn to the world of fashion, experimenting with my style and learning about various designers and trends. My upbringing taught me the importance of self-expression and confidence, which are crucial in the fashion industry. I also learned to appreciate the artistry behind clothing and the stories they tell. I believe that my background has given me a unique perspective that I carry with me in my work today.

What inspired your decision to study fashion editing, and how has that influenced your perspective on the industry?

My decision to study fashion editing was inspired by my love for storytelling and my fascination with how fashion intersects with culture, art and society. 

It allowed me to delve deeper into the creative process behind editorial work, where I learned how to curate visual narratives and convey messages through imagery and text. This education has profoundly influenced my perspective on the industry, helping me understand the importance of context in fashion. It taught me to appreciate the work that goes into creating a cohesive vision, from concept development to execution.

After taking time off from modeling to focus on your businesses, what motivated you to return to the fashion world?

I found that my passion for fashion never truly faded. Running my own ventures gave me a unique perspective on the industry, allowing me to understand the business side of more deeply and appreciate the intricate relationships between design, marketing and consumer engagement.

What motivated me to return to modeling was the realisation that I wanted to merge my entrepreneurial experience with my love for fashion. I felt a strong desire to bring fresh ideas and contribute to the evolving narrative of the industry. Additionally, I missed the creative energy and collaborative spirit that comes with modelling.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the modeling industry today, and how are you working to address them?

I believe the modeling industry is currently facing several significant challenges, including issues of diversity, sustainability and the impact of social media. While we've made strides in promoting inclusivity, there is still a long way to go regarding representation across different body types, ethnicities and backgrounds. 

Another challenge is the increasing demand for sustainability in fashion. As an industry, we need to prioritise eco-friendly practices and promote brands that are committed to ethical production. The fast-paced nature of social media also complicates the landscape, as it pressures models and brands to constantly produce content, which can lead to burnout and unrealistic beauty standards.

To address these challenges, I actively seek opportunities to collaborate with brands that prioritise diversity and sustainability and using my platforms to promote positive change and align myself with like-minded individuals and organisations, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and responsible fashion industry.

Your personal brand blends UK, European and Middle Eastern influences. How do these cultures shape your style and approach to modeling?

Being surrounded by a variety of backgrounds has provided me with a unique perspective on fashion and aesthetics.

From the UK, I draw inspiration from its history of street style and contemporary trends, which encourages individuality and self-expression. This influence encourages to experiment with bold, eclectic looks and to stay attuned to the latest fashion movements.

On the other hand, the Middle Eastern heritage brings a sense of elegance and tradition to a style. The intricate patterns, rich fabrics, and vibrant colors often seen in Middle Eastern fashion inspire to incorporate luxurious elements into looks.

In modeling, fusion plays a crucial role in how I approach my work. Striving to embody a sense of confidence and authenticity, blending contemporary trends with timeless elegance. This also resonates with a broader audience, showcasing the beauty of cultural fusion in fashion.

Advocacy plays a significant role in your career. What specific issues in the fashion and modeling world are you most passionate about?

Advocacy is a crucial aspect of my career, and there are several societal issues within the fashion and modeling world. One major concern is social justice and equality. I believe that fashion can be a powerful tool for change, and it’s essential to use that platform to address issues like racial inequality, gender discrimination, and economic disparity. I strive to support initiatives that promote inclusivity and empower marginalised communities.

Another significant issue is body positivity and self-acceptance. The fashion industry has historically set unrealistic beauty standards, which can have detrimental effects on self-esteem and body image.

As a business owner, how do you balance your entrepreneurial ventures with your modeling career?

Balancing entrepreneurial ventures with another career plus being a parent can be quite challenging, but I navigate it through strict time management  and by setting clear deadlines for both my modelling and business projects. I always schedule in advance any self-care days and family time to make sure I don’t over do it.

What lessons have you learned from running your businesses that you apply to your work in the fashion industry?

Running my businesses has imparted several valuable lessons , one of the most important lessons is adaptability. The business landscape can change rapidly. I have also come to understand the importance of cultivating a strong brand identity.

Networking and relationship-building are another crucial aspect I’ve learned. The connections I’ve made through my entrepreneurial ventures have opened doors in the modeling world, highlighting the value of nurturing relationships for collaboration and support.

Who are some of your biggest inspirations in the fashion world, and why?

My biggest inspirations in the fashion world stem from individuals who embody creativity, resilience and a commitment to innovation. I draw inspiration from those who push boundaries and redefine traditional norms, showcasing that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about storytelling and self-expression.

I am inspired by those who use their platforms to create meaningful change within the industry. Their ability to leverage fashion as a vehicle for social impact encourages me to think beyond personal success and consider how I can contribute to a larger movement for positive change. 

What advice would you give to aspiring models or entrepreneurs who want to make a positive impact in this field?

My advice would be to start with authenticity. Embrace your unique voice and perspective, as individuality is what sets you apart. Share your story and values openly, as this authenticity resonates with others. Educate yourself about the industry, including its challenges and opportunities. Understanding the nuances of fashion, from sustainable practices to ethical production, allows you to make informed decisions that align with your values. This knowledge not only empowers you but also positions you as a thoughtful advocate for change. The fashion landscape is constantly evolving, and being willing to pivot and embrace new trends or ideas is crucial.