Entering into Dušan’s showroom, nestled in a chic constructing on a quiet Milan avenue, seems like getting into a preternaturally serene house, crammed with museum-worthy historic and Egyptian artwork treasures (he’s an keen collector) surrounded by a unprecedented set up of bonsai bushes.
Dušan Paunovic exists in a world of his personal—he’s proof against novelties, serves a loyal, upper-crust clientele that has caught with him for over 25 years (and put on Dušan alongside Hermès and Loro Piana) and despises the phrase “pattern.” “I don’t do developments,” he acknowledged. “You received’t discover the newest craze right here. What you will see that are designs that I alter barely every season, however essentially stay unchanged. It’s my system—every year you may add new items while not having to discard what you obtain the season earlier than.”
Paunovic honed his craft on the Milan atelier of the legendary designer Zoran within the ’90s. “I’m his solely respectable inheritor,” he stated. He has carried ahead a method that was an early forerunner of minimalism. Zoran, a visionary and extremely exacting designer, labored solely with the best materials, which complemented his linear, luxurious creations. Fiercely unbiased (and self-funded) like his grasp, Paunovic stays true to his philosophy: “It’s important to keep constant and genuine to who you might be.” He meticulously perfects each garment, guaranteeing the minimize, match, and particulars are flawless. His signature designs characteristic unfastened, fluid, and outsized shapes—coats and jackets are supplied in a single measurement. His curated wardrobe features a handful of thoughtfully designed items crafted from beautiful materials: a flowing outsized kimono trench coat, a barely extra fitted unstructured batwing jacket for this season, wide-leg pajama pants with an elasticated waist (this season he added an choice within the softest suede), and square-cut tops that look terribly stylish layered over his signature sarong skirts, which wrap across the physique with ease.
This season, Paunovic ventured into clothes, a class he normally avoids. “They aren’t actually my factor,” he declared matter-of-factly. Nonetheless, he launched a flattering design in ribbed viscose, that includes a fitted bodice that flares into an extended skirt. He additionally experimented with a refreshed shade palette. Whereas he usually favors neutrals and black, he loosened his restraint, including shades like forest inexperienced, deep burgundy, and vivid Chartreuse yellow. “However I’m nonetheless uncertain about that,” he stated, eyeing a superbly tailor-made chemise in liquid, sensuous silk satin in a gentle coral pink, visibly puzzled concerning the daring new hue.
