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© Bojan Milovanović
© Jelena Zalovic
© Jelena Zalovic
© Bojan Milovanović
© Bojan Milovanović

Jelena Zalović

  • Jecka
  • Leatherworker
  • Belgrade, Serbia
  • Master Artisan
Jelena Zalović Leatherworker
Contact
Serbian, English
Hours:
By appointment only
Phone:
+381 63360150
© Bojan Milovanović

Groove is in the heart

  • • Jelena's first inspiration came from a pop music video
  • • The first product she made was a painted, hand-sewn bracelet for men
  • • She wants to use the ancient Slavic Glagolitic script in her new designs

A creative soul, Jelena Zalović was always meant to work with leather. After completing her MFA in ceramic art, she delved into the works of clay for a while, but her wish to experiment with materials took her to leather. At first, she was adding leather details to her ceramics, but soon after she switched the craft completely. Learning from old masters and devotedly honing her skills, she developed a unique style by making leather bags, shoes and other fashion details. In 2008, Jelena opened her own workshop and today she creates leather items taking orders from individuals and companies. “My special skill is to ‘get inside the head of the person ordering, to discover their style and needs, and to find the ideal solution for them” she says, as she plays the game of design and craft.

Read the full interview

Works

  • © Bojan Milovanović
  • © Bojan Milovanović
  • © Bojan Milovanović
  • © Bojan Milovanović
  • © Bojan Milovanović
Photo: © Bojan Milovanović
Tuboline

This bag is a cross between a shoulder bag and a backpack, it is crafted by hand from different cow leather parts, painted black in various textures and lustre. It was made on an old shoemaker’s Pfaff machine, lined with satin, with a spiral YKK zipper, and reinforced with an ash tree frame to keep the lightness and shape. The bag is inspired by an arrow quiver.

Length 44 cm
Diameter 13 cm

Photo: © Bojan Milovanović
Boogie shoulder bag

This hand modelled conical tote is made with sheep Nappa and velour skin. It was made by combining sewing techniques, while parts of the bag are lined with a sponge to highlight the shape. The lining is made of swine leather without pockets. An additional, detachable zipper bag with pockets fits inside.

Length 38 cm
Height 35 cm
Width 13 cm

Photo: © Bojan Milovanović
Preplitanje shoulder bag

This rectangular bag, named 'Preplitanje' which translates as intertwining, is made of sheepskin painted in different colours, intertwined by hand on the front. The lining is satin with two pockets, YKK zippers, and three smaller pockets for small items.

Length 38 cm
Width 13 cm
Height 23 cm

Photo: © Bojan Milovanović
Wallet

This rectangular wallet is modelled and made by hand, sewn together on a bagmaking machine. It has two pockets for paper currency, an outer pocket for change, as well as card and document pockets. It is lined with thin sheepskin whilst the outer is made of medium-thick calfskin. It has been painted in olive/grey tone.

Length 25 cm
Width 1.5 cm
Height 9.5 cm

Photo: © Bojan Milovanović
Fiery Pear backpack

A classic backpack, modelled and made by hand on a shoemaker’s sewing machine. The main material is calfskin, lined with furniture fabric with pockets. Shaped like a pear, the backpack comes in a ‘burnt orange’ hue. Its classic design can take a laptop and accessories. Embellished by practical brass knuckles.

Length 28 cm
Width 18 cm
Height 32 cm

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