The EBRD Business Advisory Services (BAS) helps business woman develop her fashion company.
Atele Ardita is one of the pioneer fashion houses from Gjakova, established in 2001 by Ms Ardita Rizvanolli. She organised her first fashion show in 1997, a few years after finishing her studies and gaining working experience as a designer.
After the launch of her first clothing line.and three more fashion shows, her company took off and increased its business. Clothing designs from Atele Ardita were perceived as exclusive and tailored for high-end customers.
Following this increasing demand, Ms Ardita planned to open a second studio in Pristina and decided to develop this step through a renewed emphasis on the marketing and branding side of the business.
Engaging local consultants
In 2011, through the help of the EBRD Business Advisory Services (BAS), Ms Ardita engaged Studio Design 7, a local consultancy company that developed a strategy and designed promotional material including logo adverts, billboards, website and video material. The consultant also assisted in organising a PR campaign and launching the fashion studio in Pristina. This project was partially funded by the Netherlands and partly by the company itself.
More than 100 guests participated in the opening event of the new studio in Pristina, including journalists, donors, partners and clients. All clothes modelled during the event were sold out and the campaign resulted in doubling the number of clients.
The company now exports 30 per cent of its products to Germany and Switzerland and Ms Ardita is looking forward to opening another studio for menswear and the younger generation.
