It’s almost noon. I drink coffee and wait for the guest in a classy place, a luxury home decor shop, where we arranged today’s shoot for the intro people section in intro ducing com magazine. She came with her stylist, carrying some of her luxury bags from the previous collection, with a great smile and a pleasant attitude.
Jelena Andrejevic holds a small luxury bags business enjoying it every moment. We enjoyed her luxury story inviting her to join our section intro-people.

-How would you describe your current style?

(Sporty) elegant.

-When did you start thinking about your style as a personal identity?

I have to admit that it appeared much later for me, followed by maturity and my first job, after college. Before that, I was involved in sports and modeling, which resulted in casual wear. Although many people think that the life of a model is glamorous, apart from fashion shows and photoshoots, you can mostly see extremely natural girls, in comfortable dresses, good jeans, oversize shirts, and leather jackets. That was me too. When I got a job as a journalist, I started to change my style to a more feminine, classic, and elegant one, and I continue to improve it today. I like beautiful details such as jewelry, interesting fashion accessories, and good perfume. I also pay great attention to face and hair care, as well as the selection of quality creams, treatments, and training. I believe the true beauty and brilliance of every woman is in her self-care from inside and outside, and cannot be replaced even with the most beautiful dress. I will never consider a woman beautiful just because she is well-dressed, but I will always notice the inner spark in every woman who, in this era of over-consuming plastic surgery and overemphasis on the exterior, stands out with natural charisma, moderation (in dressing and behavior), and a cheerful spirit.

-How much has your fashion taste and lifestyle influenced the look of the brand you founded?

We are what we create. I especially see this in my female clients who have a very similar style and sensibility to me. I avoid uniforms and trendy pieces that everyone wears. I am often on the lookout for some small premium brands that are different, authentic, and not so “shouted”.

-How much has your fashion taste and lifestyle influenced the look of the brand you founded?

We are what we create. I especially see this in my female clients who have a very similar style and sensibility to me. I avoid uniforms and trendy pieces that everyone wears. I am often on the lookout for some small premium brands that are different, authentic, and not so “shouted”.

Baragoni handbags fit into the lifestyle of a modern businesswoman. With adequate leather maintenance, bags can be used for more than ten years.
It makes me very happy when my clients tell me that their bag catches the attention of other people on the streets, and when they approach them with questions about where they can find such a luxury bag. Quality, uniqueness, and classics that fit into a timeless style – that’s what makes them so desirable.

What is it like to run a high-end bag brand?

I am very creative person and enjoy the process of creation, which is why I don’t even look at production as a job, but as a choice and pleasure. It might be wrong to conclude that high-end brands have a harder time in our area, however, our women like to dress nicely and recognize what real quality is. Also, I notice a large group of ladies who appreciate domestic designers and are happy to opt for domestic products. That’s why Baragoni bags came to life so quickly and I’m glad that we already have a base of regular customers who are happy to come back to us not only for new models but also to take the same bags in different colors.

– Do you make bags yourself?

I make sketches and model bags myself. I went through that training with the best Belgrade model maker and leather goods maker, with whom I still work today.

-Tell us a little secret about the process of making your bags.

I must emphasize that our models are completely made of leather. A lot of time is devoted to the selection of the finest sheep velour for the lining, then the shades and types of leather for the outer part, as well as the rest of the composition of the bag. We procure metal parts and decorations from Florence from our supplier Fibel Group, who also cooperate with many prestigious brands. The modeling and production process takes place in Belgrade. Each handbag is handmade in a workshop with craftsmen who have decades of experience. I like to say that we are a combination of modern design and traditional production methods. We pay attention to fine workmanship, seams, and edges and only after a detailed check of all elements are the models released for sale.

-What are your plans for the future regarding the brand Baragoni a small, premium brand of handmade handbags?

I have already reached the stage where my demand is greater than the quantity I can produce. I also introduced pre-orders, which means that a certain number of seasonal models that we release are already reserved in advance or are sold in a month/month and a half. It’s the sweet pains that make me plan to set up my products in the future. For now, I am doing service sewing, which implies a very limited, slow fashion approach to production.

-Tell us your definition of style.

My spirit is essentially free and therefore I am not a person who easily succumbs to influences, which translated into the language of fashion, means that I do not succumb to trends and fashion imperatives. Of course, I am leaving out thematic events and business opportunities that require a certain amount of protocol. Then I always opt for a classic, even minimalist style. Summer and beautiful weather are upon us, and I’ve noticed that for the last few years, I’ve been leaning towards a romantic style that features long, flowing dresses in soft and delicate fabrics, lots of lace, and lace. I like quality materials and feminine cuts. I would also add the care of inner beauty, that is, essence over form, which, in my opinion, should be the basis of everyone’s definition of style.