Personal Touch: Saša Maksimilijanović — the eye behind MAKS Design (Zagreb)

MAKS DESIGN- Saša Maksimilijanović — the eye behind MAKS Design (Zagreb)

Saša Maksimilijanović has quietly become one of Zagreb’s most recognizable independent designers by taking a long-standing family label and giving it a sharply modern, slightly avant-garde voice. The MAKS story began with her parents, who opened a women’s fashion store in Zagreb in 1971 and built a reputation for carefully selected Italian materials and made-to-last craftsmanship. Saša stepped into the creative lead and over the past two decades has reworked the house into a contemporary label with a loyal local and international following.

 

Her aesthetic is consistent and visible: architectural cuts, a preference for darker tones and high-quality natural fabrics, and meticulous attention to finish and detail. Saša often emphasizes natural fibres such as wool and cotton, and has highlighted handmade footwear and leather pieces as part of her limited collections. That combination of rigorous construction and a restrained, moody palette is what people instantly recognize as the MAKS signature.

Buildings, workshops, and a concept store
Saša has moved the MAKS showroom and workshop a few times in recent years, evolving the brand’s retail presence into a creative hub and concept store called Hysteria, where her pieces sit alongside curated jewellery and handmade accessories. The showroom/showcase approach has helped position MAKS as a small atelier with strong craft values rather than a standard retail label.

International links, slow growth
Though rooted in Zagreb, MAKS has connections beyond Croatia. Saša has brought Greek jewelry labels into the shop and shown collections abroad — for example at regional fashion events — while the brand maintains relationships with stores in Germany, Greece, and Portugal. The label’s items also appear in a handful of select concept stores around the Adriatic and beyond. These partnerships underline MAKS’s focus on selective, sustainable growth rather than mass distribution.

Materials and craft
Florence and other Italian craft centres are widely recognised sources for the kinds of leathers and textiles that independent European designers favour. While public pieces about MAKS highlight the brand’s reliance on high-quality Italian materials and hand-finished footwear, specific sourcing details vary by season and collection. Saša has repeatedly underlined her commitment to materials that deliver comfort and longevity as much as look.

Where to see her work
MAKS maintains an active showroom and social presence in Zagreb; recent collections and showings, including the 2024/25 winter collection, are documented in local fashion press and the label’s online channels. If you want a short guide to visiting the showroom or tracing the best archival pieces, visit website or Facebook Maks Design and Instagram Maks Design.

A personal note
We were friends for many years and worked together sometimes. One time, we travelled to New York, and she had a chance to work with a large department store there. From that experience, I saw firsthand how international buyers respond to Saša’s work: they value her eye for detail and the way technical tailoring meets wearable drama. That memory is my personal recollection and speaks to the brand’s cross-border appeal.

In life, we all encounter periods so heavy they feel impossible to carry alone. For me, one of those moments came, threatening to pull me under. But as the waves crashed, a hand reached out to pull me to shore: my friend. Our friendship began long before the storm hit. We were best friends, sharing laughter and secrets, navigating life's ups and downs. However, like many relationships, ours wasn't without its challenges. We had our moments of disagreement and distance, which at times made me question if our bond could withstand the pressure. But when it truly mattered, all doubts evaporated. She didn't hesitate; she instantly saw a solution and jumped in to help, proving what a true friend she was. She’s a truly hardworking woman with a remarkable vision for the world of fashion and entertainment. Furthermore, she has a natural talent for bringing people together, creating a community around her passion. It was through this vision that she not only helped me, but also gave me an incredible opportunity. She saw my talent and respected it, offering me a chance to work alongside her. We collaborated at times, but her greatest gift was the knowledge and experience she shared. Under her guidance, I emerged smarter and more confident, with a deeper understanding of the fashion industry. Her unwavering support, her keen eye for talent, and her steadfast friendship during my most difficult time changed the course of my life. She wasn't just a friend who helped me; she was a friend who helped me grow.