1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Alexandra Dordevic, the designer and owner of ETNO BOYE, a fashion brand that blends traditional Serbian craftsmanship with contemporary designs. Born and raised in Serbia I’ve spent most of my life globetrotting, calling Mykonos, Ibiza, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and now Istanbul home. Each of these incredible places has gifted me with unforgettable memories and profound personal growth. From the sun-soaked beaches of Mykonos to the vibrant nightlife of Ibiza, the grandeur of Abu Dhabi to the modern marvels of Dubai, and now the rich history of Istanbul, every destination has added a unique chapter to my life story.
2. What does ”escape” mean to you?
To me, “escape” is about transcending the ordinary and connecting with something deeper and more meaningful. It’s the act of immersing myself in the creative process, where I find a sense of freedom and serenity.
3. Do you have a summer ritual?
My summer ritual depends on where I am at the moment, but it always starts with having my first morning coffee in a peaceful place. If I spend my summer by the sea, my ritual includes an early morning swim followed by yoga on the beach. If I’m in the countryside, I take time to stroll around the garden, checking on the flowers and fruits while enjoying my obligatory morning coffee.
4. Where is it you escape to habitually for true downtime?
When I truly need to recharge my batteries, I go to the village in Serbia where my grandparents live and where I spent most of my childhood. It’s a place where time seems to stand still, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Besides that, I try to visit a new destination every year and soak in the new experiences and cultures.
5. How long have you been visiting this place, and what draws you to it?
Visiting my home country evokes so many beautiful memories, and I always feel incredibly serene, almost as if time has stopped.
6. Do you have an anecdote or unforgettable memory to share?
One of the memories I will never forget was a trip with my husband to a secluded diving island in Bali. We took a small, almost fishermen’s boat, thinking it was nearby, but it turned out to be 2.5 hours away. It was night and as the weather turned stormy with big waves, our boat felt like a leaf in the wind. There were sparks coming from the engine, water seeping in, and no lights on the boat. We left the coastline far behind, and honestly, we thought this was how our lives would end for sure… We arrived on the island in the middle of the night, and it was just something else. We got a cabin with an open roof and could clearly see the entire Milky Way and so many shooting stars… I don’t know if we were more happy and grateful to be alive or to have arrived in such a magical place.
7. What about the best to: Do, see, stay, eat and drink at this particular escape?
As I said, my grandparents’ village is truly secluded, so the best thing to eat and drink is whatever my mom cooks, haha. But the area is stunning, with beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and breathtaking natural scenery.
8. Who are your favorite summer escape travel partners and why?
My favorite travel partner is definitely my husband. We have so much fun traveling together, and there is always some unexpected adventure along the way. We have been together for almost 10 years, but we are still getting to know each other every day.
9. What’s a new summer escape you embarked on this summer?
Actually, I’m already on my escape travel, which is in Bodrum. I’m staying in an area called Gumusluk, which I absolutely love because the view is something special. I know a few wild hidden beaches so it’s pretty peaceful for me. Here, I’m trying to rebalance myself away from the hectic life in Istanbul.
10. What’s your ultimate escape soundtrack?
It’s a difficult question, really. The music I listen to depends on my mood, and it can be very diverse. Lately, my frequent choice has been the Gotan Project.
11. What about this summer’s reading?
I’m actually a terrible reader in the summer. Reading is more of my winter hobby, and my last read was Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley.
12. Which film do you revisit for the summer?
I can definitely rewatch anything from Monty Python, especially Life of Brian
13. Where do you hope to head next?
I’m still not sure about my next destination—maybe Spain or Thailand.
14. Whom would you like to nominate for this feature, considering their passion for traveling?
I would definitely nominate my dear friend and painter Yüko Sönmez, but his travels often take him far from the modern world. He spends months in the secluded jungles of Peru or the Amazon, living among indigenous tribes. I’m sure he has some stories to tell.
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