Costume Therapy’s skeletal cuffs are not your usual jewellery box finds. Belgrade-born founder Katarina Radovic, who launched her brand on the cusp of the pandemic, describes the metalwork as “body adornments” and “power objects” that move intuitively with the body.
“It was unexpected for me,” says the designer who pivoted from making bespoke costumes to creating jewellery for a diverse client list, including scientists, tattoo artists, doctors and videographers. “Once they hop on the boat, they stay.”
The brand’s unique work caught the attention of British Vogue’s editor-in-chief Edward Enninful, who selected an eye-catching piece for the cover and pages of the August 2022 Pride issue. Model Jordan Barrett wears the Centipede Glove—the result of tireless work and intricate joinery techniques—that can be worn alone or on both arms like sleeve armour.
Katarina has, for the most part, operated as a one-woman team throughout her career. Nowadays, she does the initial design and sculpting process herself, then enlists a specialist to cast her prototypes in wax. “I have boxes full of sculpted ideas… I could go on forever,” she shares.
Next, she carefully manufactures pieces in collaboration with a workshop in Bali, where she’s based. “I work with a jeweller who is extremely smart, a kind of a genius who’s always willing to learn, experiment and explore,” she explains. The final stage? Assembling the work by hand herself.
The Vogue shoot was a career-defining moment, but Katarina has her sights set high. Who would she like to see wear Costume Therapy next? Grimes or Grace Jones—you can understand why.
