REIMAGINING SOKAJ
CONCEPT
SOKAJ REBORN: HIGHLIGHTING THE INVISIBLE
“Reimagining Sokaj” is a tribute to the cultural heritage of the Galichnik region, transformed through the lens of modern bio-design. Traditionally, the Sokaj was a bridal cap and veil that signaled transition and served to conceal. Our goal was to revive this intricate design and transform it into a modern accessory that shifts the narrative. By utilizing the textile waste of the Okitex factory, we have created a piece that, instead of concealing, highlights female beauty and celebrates the resilience of Macedonian tradition in a contemporary, sustainable context.
TEAM
Material Designer & Bio-Researcher
Paolina-Luna explores the intersection of biology and design. With a background in biology and a Master’s from Elisava, she founded Orsa Studio to rethink materiality as a collaboration with nature. Her research into microalgae and carbon-negative solutions aims to reshape industry toward ecological balance and regenerative craftsmanship.
Textile Designer & Circular Researcher
Simone is a designer working at the intersection of textile experimentation, sustainability, and circular design. Through material-driven research and academic methods, she creates accessible, aesthetically pleasing tools that foster care, mindful making, and more sustainable relationships between people, textiles, and their environments.
PROCESS
The Immersive Beginning: Inside Okitex
Connecting industrial machinery with cultural roots
The residency began with an immersive visit to the Okitex factory, where we were introduced to their way of working from the inside out. The management generously walked us through every stage of production, sharing insights into the machinery, workspace, and materials that define their process. What made the experience even more valuable was the openness with which they shared their resources—inviting us to freely use fabric and packaging waste and encouraging us to return whenever additional materials were needed for our prototypes.
Traditional Inspiration: The Galichnik Legacy
Reviving the bridal veil for the modern era
Our work continued at the Centre for Design and Innovation, Public Room, where we focused on the Sokaj—a traditional cap/veil worn by brides in Galichnik. Supported by a dedicated mentor, we explored how to deconstruct the traditional patterns of this heritage piece and rebuild them using Okitex waste. We spent days sewing and experimenting in a hands-on environment, looking for ways to maintain the “soul” of the Sokaj while making it a modern, highlighting accessory.
The Modern Accessory: Highlighting Beauty
Gaining knowledge and confidence through making
By shifting the focus from concealment to celebration, we moved toward the final prototype: a modern accessory that honors the past while looking forward. By using discarded fabrics to recreate the intricate textures of the Sokaj, we bridge the gap between industrial waste and high-fashion heritage. The result is a piece that celebrates the craftsmanship of the past while utilizing the resources of the present, ensuring that Macedonian folklore remains a living part of modern design.
EXPERIENCE
