19 heroines, inspiring women who have won or are still fighting the battle with cancer, bravely stepped onto the catwalk in exclusive formal gowns by ELENA LUKA and showed that female strength and endurance know no bounds.
The fashion show, of which ELENA LUKA was the main patron, was organized by the HEMA-ONKO association and the Slovak Embassy in Skopje.
The event, which caused an avalanche of emotions among the audience, was a true celebration of the life, courage, and beauty of women who faced one of life's most difficult challenges.
"I have no words to describe the great emotions of this evening. Our beautiful women, in the role of models, wore ELENA LUKA creations. They are incredible women and girls who, unfortunately, have faced cancer or are still fighting the disease. But they were extraordinary on stage – they more than worthily presented our models. In these 18 years of the brand's existence, I think this is the first time I have experienced such strong emotions. This evening reflected the beauty of everything we create. The models looked impressive because they were worn by ladies with strong characters and extraordinary energy. They are true fighters and inspiration for all of us. ELENA LUKA today gained another level of strength as a brand. I thank God that they chose us to present these creations. Huge thanks to the organizers, the president of the HEMA-ONKO association, the Slovak Embassy, as well as special thanks to my friend Janet, the wife of the Slovak ambassador. She is an angel – a beautiful lady who, despite personal trials, managed to overcome and become an example for many women. Her story reminds us that, despite all the challenges, we should always appreciate beauty, fashion, but also true values such as courage, strength, perseverance and faith in God. His love and guidance help us overcome the greatest challenges.- ELENA LUKA pointed out.
Regarding the creations that caused admiration and positive comments from the audience, ELENA LUKA emphasized that they were designed with special attention, love and respect for women as a timeless inspiration.
" This was a truly special evening – an exclusive fashion show with the latest pieces by ELENA LUKA. The models, as a trademark of the ELENA LUKA brand, were once again created with the highest quality. Made of exclusive materials, rich in accessories, hand-made and unique constructions. They include various ready-to-wear numbers and beautiful satin pieces.” –ELENA LUKA explained.
" These initiatives primarily have an ethical dimension. We want to remind you that we must be aware of the importance of health, without allowing ourselves to become slaves to fear. Timely check-ups and taking care of our health are necessary, but life never offers a complete guarantee. It is important to nurture the body, but also the spirit, in order to go through life with strength, courage and faith."- said ELENA LUKA.
The organizers explained that the idea for this event came from the women themselves from the HEMA – ONKO association, who they say are special women who know what real pain means, but also how to appreciate life.
"These women learned how to walk through each new day, leaving the bad moments behind, and bravely looking towards a better future, always thinking about their family, their work and themselves. The idea was realized through the cooperation with the fashion house ELENA LUKA, which can rightly be called number one in professionalism. Rarely can anyone stand shoulder to shoulder with them, and they proved that tonight, especially with their beautiful creations. Even during the rehearsals, the women were delighted, choosing the dress that best suited them – both according to the creation and according to the emotions it aroused in them. Everything was conveyed the way we wanted, and even better. There is always something being prepared behind the scenes, but when you go out on the runway, it is the heart that speaks. We all shared what we feel, and we are especially grateful for the support of the numerous audience that came to cheer us on. The greatest beauty tonight was brought by ELENA LUKA with her creations." emphasized Milica Kuzmanovska, Vice President of the HEMA-ONCO Association.
One of the biggest initiators of the event was Janet Markusova – wife of the Slovak ambassador to Macedonia and member of the HEMA-ONKO association. She shared her story with Fashionel about how these heroines came to show their strength and beauty through this fashion show.
"I am deeply grateful to ELENA LUKA, whom I have known for a long time, for the opportunity to hold this fashion show for us, women who have recovered from cancer. I have been an oncology patient for 5 years, and I have had this desire since the beginning of my fight. Recently I had the opportunity to participate in two shows where the models were not professional models. When my friends, also oncology patients, saw the pictures, their words were that I looked beautiful. It inspired me to wish that we could all stand on a pedestal and proudly show how we fought and how brave we are. I am thrilled with the whole experience and immensely grateful to all my friends who were part of this show. We all came with different stories, not only with a diagnosis of breast cancer, but together we brought positive energy that was felt in every moment. My message is to celebrate life, show love and be proud of who we are on the inside. True beauty is not just physical appearance, but what comes out of us – our strength, kindness and energy. I would like this event to grow into a tradition. - she emphasized Janet Markusova – wife of the Slovak ambassador to Macedonia and member of the HEMA-ONCO association.
One of the most emotional moments of the event was the catwalk performance of Dr. Tanja Aleksovska, a neuropsychiatrist who is currently bravely battling cancer. She wore a beautiful red gown by ELENA LUKA, sending a strong message.
"A huge thank you to the woman of the year – ELENA LUKA, who once again showed that she selflessly supports every woman, in all aspects of her life. Her support for oncology patients is of particular importance. If we had more women like her, this country would never face problems such as a lack of appointments or other obstacles. Huge thanks to everyone who contributed to this initiative. My message to everyone present and to all oncology patients is that life must be lived with full energy. Breathe the air with every alveolus and celebrate every minute, because life is unrepeatable – there is no rerun. Surround yourself with love and give love, because that is the only path to health and beauty." – said Dr. Aleksovska Tanja - neuropsychiatrist and member of HEMA-ONCO.
Visitors to the event left with strong impressions, including fashion analyst and journalist Snezana Bogdanovska, who said that the models were excellent and showed how clothing should be presented through character.
"In my forty-year career, which began as a model and continued as a fashion journalist, with so many shows behind me – as a participant, visitor and analyst – I can honestly say that rarely has an event managed to move me in this way. This show was one of those exceptional moments that truly gave me goosebumps. I am delighted with the initiative, the energy that emerged from the association, as well as the dedication of Jeanette and the ELENA LUKA brand. This combination created an extraordinary synergy and brought a completely new experience. I especially want to emphasize that the models we saw tonight were an example of how clothes should carry the person, and not the other way around. I am sure that no professional model could have presented them with such energy, emotion and sensitivity as these women. I am truly, sincerely delighted." - pointed out Snezana Bogdanovska -Sani-, a fashion journalist.
Through the personal examples of the women who were part of the exclusive ELENA LUKA fashion show, a strong message was sent about the importance of early diagnosis, but also about the power of support, love and a positive spirit. Such events serve as a constructive platform for raising awareness for society to engage and dedicate more to the fight against cancer.
Bojana Stevcheska
English 
Macedonian