Mixed emotions, smiles, tears and strong applause, this is what the Skopje premiere of the play "Land of Storks" looked like, in which the costumes were created and supported by ELENA LUKA. The costumes, which managed to leave a strong mark on the stage and help the actors send the desired message, were a unique and harmonious synthesis of classic style, modern design and avant-garde aesthetics.
"The costumes emphasize elegance through minimalist lines, sensual materials and striking accessories, creating a balance between practicality and artistic expression. Transparent and mesh elements add dynamism and refined drama, while tight silhouettes emphasize the body and the aesthetics of modern fashion expression. The costumes are inspired by different fashion eras, combining retro details, such as vertical stripes and wide hats, with contemporary materials and cuts. This costume design captures the individuality of each character, allowing expression through unique layers, strong lines and bold combinations. From elegant evening editions to modern and casual looks, each piece carries a story of creativity, style and refinement, as well as the characteristics of the character from the play." - say the ELENA LUKA team that worked on the play.
The director and set designer of the play, Robert Ristov, told Fashionel that the purpose of the play is to send a cry that the emigration from the country that is happening to us is not good and that we need to react immediately because the country is emptying.
"Our message is a kind of cry from the team itself that what is happening to us here is not good. Young people are moving out, not only young people but also successful people and successful businessmen, they are running away from this system and from what is happening to us in Macedonia. This is a cry for things to change and that now and here and immediately we need to react because our country has become empty, this is the way we can react and do something about this issue," Robert stressed.
Ristov emphasized that they are financing the play themselves, with the help of supporters like ELENA LUKA, and that they are extremely grateful that a renowned brand is behind them.
"ELENA LUKA has entered as a sponsor, this is not the first time she has entered as a sponsor of "Theatre Provocation", "First You'll Take Me, Then You'll Be Mine" is a play that is also sponsored by her and "Marry Me" is also a project in which this brand has been involved, this is the third collaboration and we are very glad to cherish it. For us, ELENA LUKA is a brand that not only knows how to follow fashion but also theater trends. The team she has is people who know theater, have worked in theater, are open to suggestions and together we come to some solutions," says Ristov.
Actors Mirjana P. Ristov, Izabela Jakimova and Rado Aleksovski were also very pleased with how the Skopje audience experienced this performance, but also with how the costumes fit into it.
"From the applause itself and from how the play went, I think the Skopje audience received it fantastically, with all the emotions, with all the open soul that this play deserves. I think we sent the message we wanted and now how many will think about it and how many would stay in the country or would look for a way out of it, that is up to each person to judge for themselves. As for the costumes, I felt like a lady, I adore all of ELENA LUKA's creations, I think what makes them special is that when they see the actor's figure, the model knows exactly what suits them in order to get what they need, so that the actor feels most comfortable, I feel most comfortable in those costumes," Mirjana P. Ristov told Fashionel.
"When the play ends, you feel emotionally drained, which is great, which means the play went well. I'm on two sides, whether I should leave or not, and every performance raises that question for me. It was great for me that the costume was very comfortable, if the costume is not comfortable for me, it's uncomfortable for me to move and carry emotion on stage, ELENA LUKA is making me a costume for a play for the second time and she always makes them exactly to measure, just for me," emphasized actress Izabela Jakimova.
"I can say that this play personally touches me a lot, even at the reading rehearsal I said this is the character I want to play, and the theme is quite current, I saw in the audience there were tissues and tears, so there is no one I would not touch, we all have someone from the family who is not here and it doesn't hurt anyone. As for the costumes, they are of great importance for all theater plays, a simple shirt can awaken a different feeling in you on stage. The costumes are unique from this play, each of the colleagues is dressed exactly in the context of the character. On behalf of the entire team, a huge thank you to ELENA LUKA. I have no words because you appreciate art and follow everything that happens to the fullest." - said actor Rado Aleksovski.
The play "Land of Storks", which warns and openly speaks about the causes and consequences of the enormous number of emigrations of young people from their homeland, performed by "Theatre Provocation", is being realized on the occasion of the 6th anniversary of the establishment of the theater.
The play takes place in Ohrid and follows the life journeys of two couples in relation to emigration from Macedonia. One – separated about 20 years ago, and the other – is experiencing the moment of separation for the same reasons. The play is based on motifs from the text “The Heat in November”.
Bojana Stevcheska
English 
Macedonian