Diverse Styles, United Stories: IOM’s No Nation Fashion Journey in Belgrade

In a vibrant celebration of culture and creativity, the renowned photographer Franco Pagetti teamed up with the "No Nation Fashion" initiative, powered by IOM, to capture the spirit of migrants currently in Serbia. Through a captivating photoshoot, migrants from various countries and backgrounds showcased their unique fashion expressions, underscoring the power of fashion to bridge communities and foster understanding. This collaboration sets the stage for an upcoming traveling exhibition in Belgrade, promising to reshape perceptions on migration and promote inclusivity.

"No Nation Fashion" was developed as a unique platform, combining creative cooperation and cultural exchange to foster mutual learning between migrants and local communities through fashion. This initiative celebrates the diverse cultures, knowledge and skills that migrants bring with them, showcasing these rich expressions through the lens of fashion. The initiative's outstanding success was recognized globally when it was awarded the IOM Global Innovation Award for Gender, Diversity, and Social Inclusion in 2022. Furthermore, the initiative was recognized and published as one of the best practices in implementation of the Global Compact for Migration recognizing its impact in accelerating 2030 Agenda and SDGs 3, 5, 9, 10, 12 and 17.

Franco Pagetti's Inspiring Collaboration:

Collaborating with No Nation Fashion, world-renowned photographer Franco Pagetti, known for his work in conflict zones and collaborations with luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana, embarked on a journey to capture migrants currently in Serbia. Through his lens, he envisioned migrants as No Nation Fashion models, capturing their stories, experiences, and dreams.

During his three-day stay in Belgrade, Franco Pagetti realized a photoshoot featuring migrants from diverse corners of the globe. These individuals, coming from countries such as Burundi, Guinea, Cuba, Iran, Russia not only showcased their unique fashion expressions but also shared their narratives of resilience and hope. For some, this was a chance to reclaim the spotlight they had once known in their home countries' modeling scenes, which is the case of the asylum seeker in Serbia Ousman from Guinea.

Upcoming traveling exhibition and campaign:

The results of this inspiring collaboration between No Nation Fashion and Franco Pagetti will be showcased in a traveling exhibition and campaign organized by IOM and VII Academy. The exhibition is set to take place in Belgrade in January 2024 and promises to be a social event, aiming to shift the discourse on migration and promote inclusion, integration, and normalization of this global phenomenon.

This project is supported by key partners such as the Embassy of Italy in Belgrade. Through this innovative approach, IOM aims to attract the public's attention to the issue of migrant inclusion in the Western Balkans and spark a meaningful discussion on how to achieve it. The campaign's visuals will challenge traditional narratives and stereotypes associated with migration, encouraging viewers to reflect on their preconceptions and biases.

Stay tuned for updates on the exhibition and the remarkable stories it will spotlight in the heart of Belgrade in January 2024.