[ko 'koro] noun • Japanese
the harmonious relationship between heart, mind,
spirit and body; a complex combination of ideas,
concepts and feelings in the heart.
THE BRAND
Anja Tadić - the creator of Kokoro, found her life's deepest inspiration in the culture of distant Japan, as well as in the traditions and artefacts of her native Montenegro.
These two seemingly different worlds eventually merged in her creative vision.
"Kokoro", which means "Heart" in Japanese, represents an unusual connection between distant, yet spiritually close lives and values.
Founded in 2017, after the creator's time living in Tokyo, Kokoro is rooted in the desire to reinterpret and apply the philosophy of Japanese minimalism through a Montenegrin lens, forming a quiet cultural poetic dialogue between the two.
INSIPRATION
The intent is not to mimic Japanese forms, but to channel a shared sensitivity. It's about capturing the essence, not just the aesthetic. Nowhere is the spirit of refined minimalism so harmonized with everyday life as it is in Japanese culture Interestingly, traditional Montenegrin life and culture bear unexpected similarities - especially in the ethical aspects of a warrior culture and a still-lingering patriarchal structure. Nature also connects them: Japan, a narrow land surrounded by ocean, and Montenegro, a rocky Mediterranean terrain.
EXPO 2025 UNIFORM
Designing the uniforms for Montenegro's team at EXPO 2025 in Osaka became a natural extension of the Kokoro vision. Women's uniform draws inspiraiton from Montenegrin formal national attire (photo 2) - reimagining the elegance of the "kotula" skirt and the structure of the "zubun" corset. The silhouette is high-waisted and sharp, suggesting both posture and pride. Yet, it is softened with flowing lines that hint at Japanese kendo uniforms. Women in both countries are at once gentle and resilient, shaped by patriarchal structures yet infused with quiet strength.
"Among the grasses
a flower of unknown name
blooms in white.
-haiku by Masaoka Shiki
WHERE TO BUY
MONTENEGRO
Numen | Podgorica
Kultivator | Nikšič
SERBIA
Store 32 | Belgrade
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