La dolce vita in the Split way: Monika Sablić with her new collection appeals to Italian celebrities
The article discusses the new summer collection by Split-based designer Monika Sablić, inspired by the Mediterranean connection between Split, Dalmatia, and Italy. The collection features three standout dresses, including a retro-style piece, a red sleeveless dress symbolizing Mediterranean charm, and a Parisian-blue leopard-print dress. It also includes a white set with wide, breathable trousers and a voluminous-sleeved shirt. The campaign was filmed at the Italian restaurant Mimi in Split’s Žnjan and evokes imagery reminiscent of classic Italian cinema stars like Sophia Loren. Sablić explains her inspiration comes from the shared Mediterranean spirit, including food, family, and fashion, which she interprets through a Dalmatian-Split lens.
Split-based designer Monika Sablić has unveiled a new summer collection that draws inspiration from the Mediterranean lifestyle, particularly its ties to Italy. The collection, titled La Dolce Vita, a nod to the iconic Italian concept of sweet life, reflects the shared cultural heritage between Split and parts of Italy, especially in terms of their relationship with the sea, food, long summer days, and the desire to momentarily escape into the open air, whether on a terrace or around a table with friends. The collection features three standout dresses designed to capture the essence of Mediterranean charm. One is a retro-style dress in a vibrant pepita hue, suitable for all summer occasions. Another is a red, sleeveless dress with a delicate tulip-cut silhouette, symbolizing the bold yet graceful spirit of the Mediterranean. A third piece is a soft blue ensemble with a leopard print pattern, ensuring the wearer stands out effortlessly. The collection concludes with a white outfit consisting of wide, sheer trousers and a blouse with voluminous sleeves, embodying both elegance and comfort. Shot at the Italian restaurant Mimi located in Split’s Žnjan neighborhood, the campaign evokes images reminiscent of scenes from classic Italian films set in Rome, Naples, or Capri. Yet, the setting feels equally authentic within Split itself. This is due to the city's enduring influence on Sablić’s work, stemming from its unique blend of timeless beauty and contemporary charm. The collection’s aesthetic echoes the style of Italian cinema icons from the second half of the 20th century, such as Sophia Loren and other Mediterranean beauties who seamlessly combined glamour, confidence, and a certain effortless grace. Sablić explained her inspiration: “I’ve always found similarities between Dalmacia and Italy. That’s why, while thinking about this collection, I remembered the Italian word insieme, together. We share the sea, cuisine, temperament, attitudes toward family and social gatherings, and even a particular kind of femininity. I love photographs of Italian women from the 1960s and 1970s, like Sophia Loren and the great beauties of that era. They were incredibly feminine, yet powerful and completely themselves. They weren’t afraid of color, décolletage, large sunglasses, jewelry, or bold silhouettes. It was precisely that spirit I wanted to convey in this collection, but told through my own, Dalmatian, Split-inspired lens, clothing that makes a woman feel special, yet entirely natural.” What sets this collection apart is its presentation. Rather than following conventional fashion show formats, the campaign offers a more intimate, almost narrative-like approach. The Mediterranean style isn’t just about clothing, it encompasses how one sits at a table, how long a meal lasts, the moment one puts on glasses and heads toward the city, the red rose in the middle of a white day, and the belief that beautiful clothes don’t have to be reserved for special occasions.
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