Now that spring has begun I have the unique opportunity to appreciate the fashions of Dubrovnik. It is such a pleasure to walk down the 176 steps to Stari Grad (old town) and stroll leisurely down the Stradun which is our main promenade. The local residents great me with “Dobro Jutro” (good morning) whether they know me or not. It’s such a simple and warm gesture and enhances my recognition of the ladies and their individual style of fashion
Last month, as I was riding our local bus back to my garden apartment, an elderly lady approached me. Before she sat down in the empty place next to me, she inquired very politely “Slobodna?” which means “free?” I replied in my very best Croatian “Da” (yes). I had seen this woman in town on several occasions and realized she must be close to 80. I have never seen her, summer or winter, without her hat, skirt, and jacket and always, always a matching scarf around her neck. Today she was dressed in various shades of light blue with a lovely multi colored silk scarf tied ever so Parisian style. She immediately struck up a conversation and when I answered in my very best Croatian, she immediately started to speak to me in perfect English. I asked how she knew I was American; she replied sweetly “It was your American accent.” She added, “If you are comfortable conversing in Croatian please let me know.” We were only together for a short time but she left me with a lasting impression. Later that evening, as I was watching the local news there was my lady being interviewed on television. I had guessed correctly, she was 83 and one of the first tour guides in Dubrovnik and was being honored with an award. Her name Danica Casagrande and she is fluent in English, French, Italian and her native Croatian.Last week I was shopping in our local Macys equivalent, called “Robna Kuca.” Literally translated it means “Clothing House.” However in Robna Kuca you can buy everything from clothing to furniture to new kitchens and bathrooms. As I began walking to the check out counter, there was Danica buying a vase for a bouquet of flowers, which she was taking to a friend. This afternoon she was dressed in a winter hat, a light grey skirt, matching shoes and dark blazer. And the Parisian style scarf around her neck was another multi colored which matched her entire attire.
It was Sveti Vlaho Day while I was in Stari Grad taking photos that I was just hanging around on the Stradun. Waiting to catch that perfect family dressed in their Sunday best when I could see the storm was coming quickly and decided it was time to head home. I turned down the first side street and low and behold there she was walking towards me, dressed in her finest. My new friend, Danica and she looked divine. I asked her if I might take her photo, she posed for many and I was so thrilled to see her on this special day. I spent another hour just walking with her and asking as many questions as possible. She gave me her business card and I promised to contact her when I made her photos into real actual photos for her. Danica doesn’t have a computer and I doubt if she’s going to get one any time soon.Now I tell the story of Danica, because she is not the only lady in town who looks so lovely and fashionable. All the local women, whether it’s summer or winter, are very much into high fashion. The town ladies do not venture outdoors wearing any type of work out clothes, and apparently they don’t even own a pair of white tennis shoes. This is not to say they don’t own work out clothes, they do but just don’t wear them in public. The ladies here mostly wear cotton sun dresses, skirts and blouses during the hot summer season. However, during the cold winter months they seem to all have an abundance of jackets, skirts, tights, high heeled boots and an array of scarves tied in every conceivable manner. They look terrific and it’s nice to see them as they promenade down the Stradun, whether it’s to work or just to meet a friend for coffee.
Now I leave you with one question…why do European ladies always look so chic in public?
