I remember the first time I drove into Ljubljana, Slovenia, way back in 1995—just 4 years after the country had gained independence. I had the feeling that I was in the Balkans, but I also had the strange sensation of being surrounded by Austria.Not to be confused with Slovakia, Slovenia is a country that borders Italy, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, and the Adriatic Sea. Now an EU country, Slovenia has been part of the Roman Empire, the Republic of Venice, the Hapsburg Monarchy, the Austrian Empire, and lastly Yugoslavia.
Slovenians are a Slavic people who settled the area about the 6th century AD, and they speak Slovene—a Slavic language that uses the Latin alphabet.
The capital of Slovenia is Ljubljana, which is a crossroads of Germanic, Latin, and Slavic cultures, owning an architectural mix of Baroque and Art Nouveau styles similar to Salzburg, Austria, and boasting a vibrant cultural life.
A year before my first visit, in 1994, designer Zlata Zavašnik took upon herself the challenge of entering the formal menswear market, which was dominated by major clothing producers. With limited finances, she dove into production, naming her brand SENS, “senses” in French, highlighting the aesthetic emotions that arise from the senses of touch and feel.
With virtually no advertising—but merely an emphasis on intriguing designs, colors, and materials—SENS menswear was soon filling the shelves of various Slovenian stores.
Selection of materials at SENS adheres to strict compliance with eco standards, while the rights of workers are respected through fair wages.
SENS—the touch, feel, and emotions of where great empires have crossed paths!
Slideshow 2009 s/s collection Copyright SENS.
Photo top right by Ziga, Public Domain at Wikipedia.
