Milena Djukanovic: Queen’s Eccentric Mind
Milena Djukanovic, Montenegro
Milena Djukanovic is Montenegrin 3D printing jewellery designer with her brand MiDju_accessories. By vocation she is electronic engineer and Associate Professor at University of Montenegro teaching additive manufacturing, but completely intoxicated with art. She presented 3D printed jewellery inspired by Chinese culture for the first time at XXIII Fitems Fashion Connection in Montenegro in 2019. Later on, with Montenegrin designer Andjela Popovic she created 3D printed bowties inspired by Montenegrin history using recyclable filaments and zero-waste textiles. Bowties were supported through Creative Montenegro 2020 project by Ministry of Culture in Montenegro. Milena designed Linea collection of bracelets and earrings inspired by Pop and Op Art culture, especially Victor Vasarely. This innovative project has been supported by Ministry of Science in Montenegro and has received Big See Fashion Award 2021.
She has exhibited 3D printed jewellery collections at Munich Jewellery Week 2021 and 2023 and has been chosen like representative of Montenegro at Expo Dubai 2020. In 2022 she received one more Creative Montenegro 2022 funding by Ministry of Culture and Media in Montenegro and created romantic collars with 3D printed medallions in cooperation with Montenegrin designer Neda Jovanovic. Also this year she received funding for innovative project by Ministry of Science and Technological Development in Montenegro and created bags with 3D printed handles inspired by Montenegrin scenery, in cooperation with Montenegrin designer Anja Radulovic. Year 2023 has been the most successful for her. She had her first individual exhibition in Montenegro in March 2023, called “3D Printed Dreams” and it was opened by Prince Nikola Petrovic Njegos. Also, she was nominated for Ro PLastic Prize 2023 and as a finalist presented her work at Milan Design Week 2023 in May. She received two BIG SEE awards – one for product design and the other for fashion design, both in the area of 3D printing with usage of recyclable materials which is of highest importance for her.