Sister Honors Memory of Slain Sibling by Modeling Dress at Belgrade Fashion Week

 Jelena Acimovic may not be a professional model, but she stole the show at Belgrade Fashion Week by walking the runway in a stunning dress designed by Dior. What makes this moment even more poignant is that the intricate design was based on drawings created by her 14-year-old sister, Angelina, who tragically lost her life in a school massacre.

Angelina was in her history class when a 13-year-old classmate carried out a senseless shooting, taking the lives of nine students and a guard.

Despite the heartbreak of losing her sister, Jelena proudly showcased the white dress, which bore a striking resemblance to a wedding gown. "She never got to see me as a bride," Jelena revealed before the emotional runway show.

To honor Angelina's memory, the Acimovic family reached out to designers to bring her drawings to life.

Dior was among the designers who answered the call. Alongside professional models, Jelena and her other sister, Marija, strutted down the catwalk in outfits inspired by Angelina's childhood designs.

"Every drawing exuded joy and beauty.

It's clear she had a great passion for fashion," shared Serbian designer Bata Spasojevic, who was moved by Angelina's talent at such a young age.

Marija donned a gorgeous sleeveless pink dress with a flowing train, acknowledging that pink was Angelina's favorite color. "I can feel Angelina's presence tonight, and I know she would be proud of what we're doing," Marija expressed with a hint of sadness and pride.

In honor of Angelina, her father, Andjelko Acimovic, established a foundation bearing her name to ensure her legacy endures. "We believe she is watching over us, and we are determined to make her proud in everything we do, just as she made us proud," Acimovic declared.

The tragic events of last year's two shootings, which claimed the lives of 18 individuals in an elementary school and a small town near Belgrade, sent shockwaves across Serbia.

The ensuing protests led to significant political repercussions, forcing the government to call for a snap election in response to public outcry.