Tea Babić, TV journalist and ex Miss Montenegro
A young Tea Babić from Podgorica attracted a great public attention in year 2016, when she won the title of officially the most beautiful Montenegrin woman at the “Miss Montenegro” pageant. She has collaborated with many local and foreign fashion designers, showcasing their creations at world-prominent fashion shows. Although she began her career in the fashion industry, today Tea, as a TV journalist, is successfully developing her path in media industry. In an interview with our magazine, Tea shares her views on the development of the fashion industry in Montenegro, the significance of local talents, and the future of sustainable fashion. She believes that there is a bright future ahead for the Montenegrin fashion scene, with a clear message that success can only be achieved through continuous work, serious investments, and plenty of initiatives.
Tea, you won the title of Miss Montenegro in 2016. How did this experience of participating in the Miss Montenegro 2016 help you in your career and open doors in the fashion industry?
Winning the title of “Miss Montenegro” in 2016 was one of the most significant experiences in my life, which at that young age, at the age of 19, opened many doors, both in the fashion industry and in other spheres. Not only was this, but also the preparation for participation in the most traditional beauty pageant, such as Miss World, an extremely inspiring and useful experience. Of course, with all the aspects that accompanied my two-year engagement as the ambassador of beauty for Montenegro, it also implied a great responsibility. For a law student, it was a challenge, but also a valuable lesson in time management and setting priorities. The offers and opportunities that I have after the title of Miss Montenegro are the indicators that the physical appearance in this competition is not the only important matter. It was a wide range of training in various fields – from fashion media to event organization. However, even though my professional path began in the fashion industry, a mix of circumstances, opportunities, and curiosity led me to the world of media. This has shown me how important it is to be open to unexpected possibilities and to have the courage to step into the new sphere, because it is from these spontaneous decisions that the most beautiful stories and most important experiences are born. The variety of media helped me to build my journalistic skills and gain extra confidence in the introduction to the live TV programs.
You have been a part of numerous fashion projects and collaborated with various designers, both in the field and abroad. Do you think Montenegro has sufficient number of talented people in the fashion industry?
Absolutely! Montenegro is a small country but it has a many talented people, both in modeling and design. We have designers who follow international trends and models that are well prepared for international runways. What is particularly significant is that today we are noticing a serious shift – whether it is global trends or growing consumer awareness. More and more people want to buy from local designers, and such trends not only support local talents, but also strengthen our cultural identity and tradition. This positive trend indicates that the public is increasingly opening up to authentic and high-quality domestic fashion, which represents an exceptional opportunity for the development of the fashion industry in Montenegro. However, in order to fully develop this potential, additional support is needed – both through investments and through initiatives that provide even more space for the development and affirmation of local talent. In conclusion, I believe that with greater consumer awareness and continuous effort, the fashion industry in Montenegro can be developed into a competitive and recognizable fashion scene at an international level.
What are the opportunities for young models in Montenegro? Are there enough chances for engagements, or is it necessary to seek employment abroad?
Opportunities for young models in Montenegro exist, but they are unfortunately limited. Those young models who wish to fully dedicate themselves to this profession as a career should consider working abroad. Foreign markets offer much greater opportunities, from engagements in fashion shows to long-term collaborations with renowned brands, resulting not only in more extensive experiences but also in significantly more profitable options.
How significant is an event like Montenegrin Fashion Week for the promotion of local designers and models? Does our fashion scene still need more similar initiatives?
Montenegrin Fashion Week has been a significant support to the promotion of local designers and models for years, and its longevity and consistency confirm the importance of such events for our fashion scene. Such events not only promote creativity and innovation but also inspire young talents to dare to dream and strive to achieve their fashion ambitions. With continuous support from institutions and media, I am confident that our fashion scene will continue to develop, providing local designers and models with even more opportunities for them to shine on the regional and international fashion scene.
The fashion industry increasingly emphasizes the importance of sustainability. How do you see the future of fashion in this context and how do Montenegrin designers follow global trends in sustainable fashion?
I believe that sustainable fashion is more than just a trend; it is a need the fashion industry is increasingly adapting to on a global level. Although the Montenegrin fashion scene is smaller compared to major fashion centers, we observe a growing orientation towards sustainability. Whether this is a result of global trends or a genuine wish for a more responsible approach to fashion, I am not sure, but it is evident that more and more people are turning to local designers and small fashion brands that offer unique and quality pieces. Shopping with local designers, besides support, has a significant impact on reducing mass consumption and excessive production, which is one of the main problems of the fashion industry today. There is always room for progress, but it is important that designers in future additionally educate themselves on environmentally friendly practices, sustainable materials, and ways to reduce the harmful impact of fashion on the environment. Also, in order to keep up with global guidelines, the media and fashion events have the key roles in promoting the sustainability. Combining all these segments, a positive result is inevitable.