From Belgrade to Cannes: The Rise of Marija Aidooklin

A Serbian Designer Redefining Haute Couture with Emotion, Elegance, and Originality

In the world of fashion, where trends come and go, a select few manage to leave behind creations that transcend time. Among them is Marija Aidooklin, born Trifunović on April 15, 1986, in Belgrade, Serbia. A mother of two and a visionary in fashion and art, she has built her brand around elegance, femininity, and timeless glamour.

Early Roots in Creativity

From an early age, Marija displayed a natural inclination toward artistic expression. After graduating from the Academy of Technical and Artistic Vocational Studies in Belgrade, specializing in textile and fashion design, she began carving her place in the creative industry. Over the years, her participation in fashion events, photo shoots, and styling projects positioned her as a versatile creative force with a deep love for design and textiles.

Heartbeat of Success

Her breakthrough came in December 2023 with the presentation of the “Heartbeat” collection at the Balkan Art Fashion Event (BAFE). Drawing inspiration from costume design, as well as the romance of the 19th century and the elegance of mid-20th century glamour, the collection captivated audiences with its asymmetrical cuts and refined use of luxurious fabrics. The show’s success brought her attention from clients and collaborators alike, marking the beginning of her ascent in the fashion world.

Cannes Recognition

In May 2025, Marija represented both her brand and Serbia at the International Fashion Show and Competition in Cannes, France, organized by the Reich’ Art Group ahead of the Cannes Film Festival. Competing among 58 designers from 38 countries, she stunned the audience with her haute couture collection, “The Darkness and the Light.”

Inspired by her personal emotions, the collection juxtaposed light—symbolizing love and humanity—with darkness—symbolizing strength and resilience. The creations, enriched with handmade details and complemented by jewelry crafted by Marija herself, were hailed as “magnificent” by event organizers. Her daughter even contributed, handcrafting a crochet rose worn by a male model, a heartfelt gesture that symbolized the intergenerational artistry behind the brand.

Her success in Cannes secured her a place among the top 10 designers of the festival, with several of her dresses sold and an invitation to present her designs in the festival’s official pop-up store the following year.

Worn on Prestigious Stages

The reputation of Marija Aidooklin Atelier continues to grow across borders. Her creations are now proudly worn by opera singers and internationally recognized performing artists on stage, where her designs embody both elegance and theatrical grandeur. Serbian actresses regularly order her dresses for premieres and special events, while her gowns also travel abroad, gracing red carpets for influencers at international festivals. Each dress tells its own story, carrying Marija’s vision into the spotlight of global stages.

Expanding Horizons

Following her Cannes triumph, Marija was invited for interviews on national television in Serbia and featured in numerous magazines. She also styled the host for the Art Battle Balkan Festival in Montenegro, further blending her fashion artistry with regional cultural events.

Beyond Fashion: An Artist’s Soul

Marija’s creativity extends far beyond clothing. She is an accomplished visual artist, exploring expressive “scribble art” drawings and the textured impasto painting technique. She continues to engage in modeling, not as a profession, but as a passion that complements her photography collaborations, often showcasing her own designs.

The Brand Philosophy

Her label, Marija Aidooklin Atelier, embodies sophistication and confidence. It is for the woman who rewards herself, embraces her uniqueness, and leaves a mark of originality wherever she goes. Every creation is treated as a work of art, designed with the goal of making clients feel and look royal.

With elegance, glamour, and originality as her guiding principles, Marija Aidooklin is not just designing clothes—she is crafting legacies. And as she continues to merge emotion with artistry, her name is set to shine brighter on the international stage.

Photographer: Željko Jevtić