The beginnings of Varaždin’s renowned textile industrial heritage date back to 1901, when the first factory was built on a large plot of land on the southern edge of the city. In 1918, it changed its name to „Tekstilna tvornica Varaždin“ (Textile Factory Varaždin), or TIVAR for short, and under this name became a major, important, and respected textile producer between the two World Wars. However, it was only under the famous name VARTEKS, which it bore from 1948, that the factory grew into the largest in Croatia and one of the biggest in this part of Europe.
At the height of its success, it employed ten thousand workers and strongly shaped Varaždin’s economic, sporting, and cultural identity. The factory was not just a place of production, but also a symbol of the city and of the unity of generations who worked there.
Over time, circumstances changed, production fell silent, and the plants were shut down. Today, it is remembered by its 78-meter-high factory chimney, which still dominates the city skyline as a recognizable and far-visible symbol of Varaždin’s industrial heritage.
The legacy of the former factory is now carried forward by young designers and creatives who are developing a new textile story for the city through their workshops and studios.
a small shop of Croatian designers
This small local fashion company proudly bears the name of its owner and designer, and it has been a successful fashion business since 2006. Significantly, it has since become one of the most important Varaždin fashion brands. The owner states their ultimate goal is to create clothes that will, above all, be comfortable, convenient, and supple enough to allow smooth movement, as well as help its wearer leave a good first impression. The designer Ana Kraš considers herself lucky to be able to “materialize her imagination and satisfy the functional needs of unique women”, which she does through several small collections four times a year.
Boutique Ana Kraš
a small shop of Croatian designers
This small local fashion company proudly bears the name of its owner and designer, and it has been a successful fashion business since 2006. Significantly, it has since become one of the most important Varaždin fashion brands. The owner states their ultimate goal is to create clothes that will, above all, be comfortable, convenient, and supple enough to allow smooth movement, as well as help its wearer leave a good first impression. The designer Ana Kraš considers herself lucky to be able to “materialize her imagination and satisfy the functional needs of unique women”, which she does through several small collections four times a year.
Fashion allows us to express ourselves and show off our uniqueness. In the world of mass production, it is very difficult (but also very exciting) to be unique, special, and different. The B’Roth design studio helps you do exactly that by designing and creating small collections and unique pieces of clothing boasting a long-lasting quality and timeless design. Truly – made in Varaždin.
Fashion allows us to express ourselves and show off our uniqueness. In the world of mass production, it is very difficult (but also very exciting) to be unique, special, and different. The B’Roth design studio helps you do exactly that by designing and creating small collections and unique pieces of clothing boasting a long-lasting quality and timeless design. Truly – made in Varaždin.
A beautiful and quality handbag is far more than a fashion accessory. It becomes part of the person wearing it, as well as an expression of character. Ekatrin Katrin signature handbags will reflect your character and personality in a clear and unique way. They are original, modern and made with care, mostly from high-quality German eco-leather. Each item is a combination of unique ideas and fresh design, and this cosy store is located on one of the most beautiful streets in Varaždin.
A beautiful and quality handbag is far more than a fashion accessory. It becomes part of the person wearing it, as well as an expression of character. Ekatrin Katrin signature handbags will reflect your character and personality in a clear and unique way. They are original, modern and made with care, mostly from high-quality German eco-leather. Each item is a combination of unique ideas and fresh design, and this cosy store is located on one of the most beautiful streets in Varaždin.
The intriguing name of this fashion brand derives from the name of the designer behind it, Melita Kukec. “Kooka” stems from the surname “Kukec”, and the suffix “bee” is connected to the ancient Greek meaning of the name Melita, i.e. “honey-sweet”. The name truly suits the Kookabee brand, the product of serious, determined and inspired work of this graduate designer. Melita perfected her skills and talent by working for several well-known Croatian fashion brands until she successfully opened her own business in 2014. In addition to creating clothes, she also takes part in various art projects, making textile art installations and historical costumes.
The intriguing name of this fashion brand derives from the name of the designer behind it, Melita Kukec. “Kooka” stems from the surname “Kukec”, and the suffix “bee” is connected to the ancient Greek meaning of the name Melita, i.e. “honey-sweet”. The name truly suits the Kookabee brand, the product of serious, determined and inspired work of this graduate designer. Melita perfected her skills and talent by working for several well-known Croatian fashion brands until she successfully opened her own business in 2014. In addition to creating clothes, she also takes part in various art projects, making textile art installations and historical costumes.
Kuzminski Design, a successful Varaždin sole trader for the production of clothing and fashion accessories, designs and creates original, unique, and custom-made clothing and inspiring fashion accessories – allowing their wearers to express their personality, character and uniqueness.
Kuzminski Design, a successful Varaždin sole trader for the production of clothing and fashion accessories, designs and creates original, unique, and custom-made clothing and inspiring fashion accessories – allowing their wearers to express their personality, character and uniqueness.
The story of Mura Pehnec is a story full of passion for design, creating something unique with fascination with natural materials (leather), and the feeling of bringing a smile to a customer’s face. Mura Pehnec has loved design for as long as she can remember, and her hands and thoughts have guided this passion in various directions over the years, until they led her to the main character of our story – her greatness, the bag.
Why bags? Leather is a traditional natural material that, combined with modern processing technologies, offers one inspiration to play with countless combinations and piece together what seems to be incompatible. The challenge of a simple design encourages us to push boundaries, think out of the box, and create freely. Thousands of varieties of a single shape breathe life into each bag and highlight its uniqueness…
As each one is special, each one is uniquely handmade and designed. No two bags are the same, and quality is something insisted on. Top quality Italian leather, carefully selected piece by piece by Mura, is then handed to Croatian master seamstresses.
The story of Mura Pehnec is a story full of passion for design, creating something unique with fascination with natural materials (leather), and the feeling of bringing a smile to a customer’s face. Mura Pehnec has loved design for as long as she can remember, and her hands and thoughts have guided this passion in various directions over the years, until they led her to the main character of our story – her greatness, the bag.
Why bags? Leather is a traditional natural material that, combined with modern processing technologies, offers one inspiration to play with countless combinations and piece together what seems to be incompatible. The challenge of a simple design encourages us to push boundaries, think out of the box, and create freely. Thousands of varieties of a single shape breathe life into each bag and highlight its uniqueness…
As each one is special, each one is uniquely handmade and designed. No two bags are the same, and quality is something insisted on. Top quality Italian leather, carefully selected piece by piece by Mura, is then handed to Croatian master seamstresses.
and also…
Working hours:
Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday opening hours find on the shopping center’s website.
Working hours:
Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday opening hours find on the shopping center’s website.
Working hours:
Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday opening hours find on the shopping center’s website.
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