Nigerian-Serb blogger Valentina Hemeson on Life in Serbia and Fashion Aspirations
Valentina Hemeson is a 21 year old fashion blogger based in Serbia. Her mother is Serbian and her father is from Nigeria. A student of electronic engineering in Nis, Serbia, Valentina’s passion is fashion – a field in which she focuses intently and she is seeking to spread her wings beyond her native country. She recently wrote to us saying, “a few months ago I discovered DUNIA magazine through your facebook page. Dunia is one of my favorite African magazines.”
Delighted at the connection with one of our ardent readers in this now globalized village, we were also curious about her story. And so today, DUNIA is happy to introduce you to Valentina Hemeson (VH):
What’s life like in Serbia?
VH: A few years ago I was thinking that I would always live in Serbia. I liked Serbia because I had not been to other countries. But when I experienced other places, I realized that Serbia is a very poor country with conservative principles. Most people in Serbia earn just for basic needs. They don’t have the ability to travel often, get to know other cultures and peoples.
I had a difficult childhood because I was discriminated against because of skin color and hair style. Most Serbian people are so racist.
I would like to be a successful fashion blogger, but in Serbia I don’t have the conditions to work. Many young people have left Serbia because of career reasons. You know fashion is so much fun to play with, a way to express your creativity and a way to show your personal lifestyle, but people here doesn’t understand it. In Serbia bloggers are not paid because the Serbians do not understand what the fashion bloggers do. Many people think that this is a fictional profession. This is the reason why I’m currently collaborating with companies and magazines outside Serbia. Also the standard of living here is quite low. On the other hand, Serbia has a lot of beautiful places, mountains and spas. I think that Serbia has good prospects for improving living standards.
What do you love most about your Nigerian heritage?
VH: I haven’t had much opportunity to meet Nigerians as I would have liked because I grew up in Serbia. In the last few years I’ve been trying to learn as many things about Nigeria as possible. I am delighted with the Nigerian food, music, dance and clothing. Many times my boyfriend has told me that I think like black girls.
What do you find most admirable about Serbians?
VH: This is a very difficult question for me. But I think I’m thrilled about young successful people who try to represent Serbia in the best possible way.
Who are some of your favorite fashion designers and why?
VH: I have favorite Serbian and international fashion designers. My favorite Serbian fashion designers are Verica Rakocevic and Roksanda Ilincic. Verica is the only Serbian designer who has presented her collection at the biggest Europian Fashion Weeks. I love the way that she represents fashion and style. She doesn’t follow trends. She just expresses her creativity. Also I like Roksanda Ilincic (ROKSANDA Fall 2015 Ready to Wear Collection), Serbian designer based in London, UK. She is a young and successful woman who shows her talent in the best way.
My favorite international designer is Elie Saab. Elie’s work is probably one of my top favorites. He has a beautiful, sexy, very feminine way about his designs that draw me in. What he does is really breathtaking; I’m sure I’d feel like a princess if I were to wear one of his couture dresses.
On the other hand Alexander McQueen [1969 – 2010] was a genius. There is no comparison. He was simply a genius. The stories he told and emotions that he evoked with his shows were unbelievable.
And my favourite shoes designer is Christian Louboutin. He is the reason I got into fashion, just because I realized how high heels makes women more attractive, more confident; I realized that good shoes are one of the most important pieces. No matter what you wear, with good shoes you will always feel sexy and look stylish.
What can we expect from your blog in upcoming years?
VH: I plan to move to Italy because of the blog. In the coming years I will have more cooperation with brands. I hope to have good results thanks to the hard work. I hope that I will get accreditation for one of the four major Fashion Weeks.
I am currently preparing for Serbian fashion week (29 of March – 5 of April). Also I plan to represent African fashion on my blog. It’s not something new because I presented Nigerian fashion designers on my blog (https://valentinahemeson.weebly.com/fashion/top-12-fashion-industry-newcomers-in-nigeria).
BLOG: https://valentinahemeson.weebly.com/
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