We were lucky to catch up with Marina Micanovic recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marina, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
The journey of starting my business has been an incredible mix of passion, challenges, and constant reinvention. It all began about 13 years ago when I graduated from fashion school. Soon after, I had the opportunity to showcase my first runway presentation. Standing backstage, watching my designs come to life on the runway, I realized that this was what I was meant to do. It wasn’t just about creating clothes—it was about sharing a vision, telling stories through fabric and form.
In those early years, I focused on exploring new ideas and pushing my creativity to the limit. I started presenting my collections in Serbia, my home country, and, step by step, my work began to gain recognition. It wasn’t always easy—there were moments of doubt, financial hurdles, and the constant struggle of balancing the artistry of design with the business side of things. But those moments only fueled my determination to grow.
Eventually, my ambition took me beyond Serbia to other parts of Europe, where I showcased my collections in cities like Paris and Skopje fashion week and others.. With every new audience, I refined my craft, learned more about the industry, and built relationships that would shape my career, until i went in New York. There’s something magical about this city—it’s a place where dreams collide with opportunity, and I knew I had to be here.
When I finally arrived in New York, I felt both exhilarated and overwhelmed. The competition was fierce, and starting fresh in a new market brought a whole new set of challenges. But it also pushed me to evolve. Then, the pandemic hit, and like so many others, I had to reassess everything. It was a time of reflection, and it completely reshaped my vision.
From designing full clothing lines, I shifted my focus to something entirely new: creating unique, transformative fashion bags that double as jackets and vests. It wasn’t an easy transition—there were countless prototypes, late nights, and moments of doubt. But with every step, I fell more in love with the process. These bags aren’t just accessories; they’re fashion statements—bold, functional, and unlike anything else.
Looking back, my journey has been far from linear. It’s been a series of highs and lows, breakthroughs and setbacks, but every challenge has taught me something invaluable. Building a fashion line isn’t just about the final product—it’s about the grit, passion, and belief that go into bringing an idea to life. And for me, that’s what makes it all so rewarding.
Marina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I found my way into the fashion industry during a time when I was searching for myself and trying to figure out what I truly wanted in life. I knew I was drawn to creativity, and I had a deep connection with beauty. My journey started there—with beauty and makeup. But even as I explored that world, I felt there was something more waiting for me.
When I discovered fashion design, it felt like love at first sight. I knew instantly that this was what I was meant to do. That moment marked the beginning of my journey. Creating unique clothing lines and developing new ideas quickly became my passion. It still is. Designing transferring me into my favorite world—a place where visions take real shape and come to life.
For me, success comes from being authentic. Standing out in a crowded industry requires something unique, something that only you can bring to the table. I’m proud to say my brand embodies that. I’ve created products that are unlike anything else out there—fashion statements that merge creativity, functionality, and individuality.
Today, my designs focus on transformative bags that double as jackets or vests. These pieces are bold, innovative, and carry an energy that resonates with my clients. Seeing their excitement when they interact with my work is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do. It’s a reminder that being different, staying true to your vision, and creating with purpose are the keys to building something extraordinary.
This journey hasn’t been without challenges, but every step has been worth it. Fashion is more than just a career for me—it’s the language I use to express ideas, tell stories, and connect with people in a way that feels meaningful and authentic.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
Yes, I have a small manufacturing setup, and I’ve always been fortunate to work with the best team for my brand. In the beginning, I focused on creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces—dresses, coats, pants—all designed as singular works of art. Every piece was custom-made for a client and tailored to their specific occasion. It wasn’t about large-scale production but about crafting something deeply personal and exclusive.
That approach taught me so much. It came with its share of challenges—tight deadlines, high expectations, and the constant pursuit of perfection. But it also gave me invaluable experience. I learned the importance of truly listening to clients, understanding their needs, and translating that into designs that felt special.
After years of working this way, I started to feel a shift. While I loved creating custom clothing, I knew I wanted to explore something different. That’s when I turned my focus to leather bags. Designing bags felt like a natural progression—an opportunity to combine artistry with functionality.
Now, I collaborate with a small production vendor, and every bag we create is handmade and custom-designed. It’s a process that requires care, attention, and, most of all, patience. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is to trust the process. Sometimes, things unfold in their own time, and that’s okay.
What makes this journey even more rewarding is my team. We have built a culture of open communication, and that has been the foundation of our success. Everyone brings their ideas and expertise to the table, and together, we create products that reflect the heart of my brand.
From custom clothing to handmade leather bags, my journey in manufacturing has been a lesson in growth, collaboration, and perseverance. And while the challenges are inevitable, the rewards of creating something meaningful make it all worthwhile.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Every piece I create carries a story—a journey filled with passion, challenges, and triumphs. My path as a designer has been anything but ordinary, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s been colorful, unpredictable, and full of life, just like the designs I bring to the world.
One moment that truly tested my resilience was the transition from creating one-of-a-kind custom clothing to designing leather bags. In the early days, I poured my heart into crafting unique dresses, coats, and pants for clients who wanted something extraordinary for their special occasions. Each piece was a labor of love, stitched with care, and made to tell a story.
But the process was far from easy. There were times when the pressure felt overwhelming—tight deadlines, clients with high expectations, and the constant quest to outdo myself creatively. Yet, I refused to give up. Instead, I leaned into the challenges, trusting that every setback was an opportunity to learn and grow.
Then came a turning point. After years of working this way, I realized I wanted to shift gears, to create something that blended functionality with art. That’s when the idea for my leather bags was born. But starting fresh wasn’t simple. Crafting these bags required a new approach, new skills, and a leap of faith into the unknown.
I remember the first prototype vividly. It wasn’t perfect—far from it, actually. But it was real. It was a starting point. My team and I worked tirelessly, refining every detail, from the feel of the leather to the intricate designs. Each bag became a piece of wearable art, designed to be more than just an accessory. They were statements, symbols of individuality, and a reflection of my journey.
What kept me going was the belief that every piece I made was worth it. I learned patience. I learned to trust the process. And, most importantly, I learned that resilience doesn’t mean avoiding challenges—it means embracing them with open arms.
Today, when I look at the bags my team and I create, I see more than beautiful designs. I see the stories behind them—the late nights, the setbacks, the breakthroughs, and the moments of pure joy when clients discover them. Every piece is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the beauty of never giving up.
Life, like fashion, is a journey. It’s full of twists and turns, ups and downs. But those challenges are what make the colors brighter, the stories richer, and the final creations truly unforgettable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.uniukiyo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniukiyo/
- Facebook: uniukiyo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@makyd81
Image Credits
Ilija Ristic