A Jacket Well Worn: Sara Drekalovic

Lavenham Lived

In the latest chapter of our A Jacket Well Worn series, we sat down with Sara for a chat about all things design, craft and city living.

Italian born, London local Sara Drekalovic started her journey in the capital just over eleven years ago, where she now has an accomplished career in design and branding. Alongside this, she also works with her twin sister, Iva, leading the Special Projects side of their joint project Ewsaa: a ceramics outfit specialising in home objects and sculptural vases. As well as the design world, Sara also works within the interior and fashion realms, evolving her craft and always on the look out for the next venture.

A Jacket Well Worn is a series in which we catch up with Lavenham wearers and learn about their lives and work, capturing them in their well-loved Lavenham pieces.

I'm Italian-born and have been living in London for over eleven years now. I adore this city - it definitely feels like home to me. I moved here just before starting my studies at UAL in Design Management, which is more or less the path I ended up following after graduation. I've worked with a number of great design and branding agencies, and still do, and I'm still very much passionate about getting to know different industries through the work.

I'm a bit of a busybody and always wish I could get involved in everything that interests me. Ewsaa is an ongoing experiment I run with my twin sister, Iva, who’s an artist specialising in ceramic home objects - particularly funky vases. My role is usually about finding interesting ways to partner with businesses that align with what we do. Some examples include interior design and fashion.

I have a bit of a peculiar affinity for gilets which is probably what first drew me to Lavenham. They give you a certain layering power that really extends the life of an autumn/winter wardrobe, plus they’re extra cosy. I also love the high quality, and I’m a sucker for that classic British look and feel.

London offers so many opportunities throughout the day, and I like to feel ready for anything, from my morning coffee to an unexpected fancy dinner. That kind of confidence really comes from great materials and overall quality in a jacket - something that makes you feel just a little bit special.

I always start my day with a walk in the park, oat cappuccino and dog-watching. I sometimes switch it up with a run, swim or fitness class, always trying to find a way to move daily because I really like indulging in life's simple pleasures. I'm quite flexible between the studio and home, and I try to find a good balance in my free time to work on personal projects, catching up with my books list and do what I do best, which is being out and about.

This is a tough one for me I always struggle to be short-form on this topic! I think London is best experienced by not limiting yourself to just one area. I love a good local pub. The Approach Tavern is one of my favourites, but I also enjoy heading to The Connaught for a martini. Food is one of my biggest passions, so it pains me to only list a few favourites: Manteca for an Italian meal, I’m always up for Noble Rot, and The Baring does the best roast.
And don’t even get me started on pastries!