Oblikav (derived from the Kresi word Oblik, meaning “Shape” or “Form”) is a luxury streetwear brand based in Novi Otonik. It is the most prestigious fashion label in the Divine Republic of Kresimiria, known for its minimalist, industrial aesthetic and exorbitant price points.
The brand represents the cultural shift of the 21st century “Stov Era.” While the older generation relies on the utilitarian, state-subsidized clothing from NaroMart, Oblikav caters to the “New Money” elite of Sinj and the tech-sector youth of Kromine. Its clothing—often characterized by oversized silhouettes, heavy fabrics, and brutalist typography—turns the working-class heritage of the Republic into a high-end status symbol.
History
Origins (2008)
Oblikav was founded in 2008 by Jana K., a dropout from the Otonik Institute of Applied Sciences textile program. Utilizing an abandoned warehouse in Industrial Zone 3 of Novi Otonik, she began repurposing surplus heavy canvas intended for GradnjaMC work uniforms into avant-garde jackets.
The brand gained a cult following in the underground clubs of the capital for its “anti-fashion” stance, which ironically became the height of fashion for the wealthy children of the political elite.
The Niko Vlasic Campaign (2018)
The brand exploded into the mainstream consciousness in 2018 with the “Concrete Youth” marketing campaign. The campaign featured Niko Vlasic, the frontman of the pop phenomenon Josie Dropout.
Vlasic in the Oblikav campaign.
The promotional images, taken by famed photographer Rijad Turk, showed Vlasic wearing an Oblikav jacket while standing on the Vjetar Dam. The campaign was ubiquitous, appearing on billboards from Cetingrad to Polograd. Sales skyrocketed, and possession of an Oblikav garment became the ultimate social signal for Kresimirian teenagers.
Aesthetic and Products
Oblikav defines its style as “Industrial Chic.”
- The “Worker” Jacket: The brand’s signature item. A heavy, stiff canvas jacket based on the uniforms of SeverMin miners, but tailored for a slim fit and sold for â‚12,000 (roughly three months’ wages for an actual miner).
- Typography: Clothing often features the word “REPUBLIKA” or district numbers (e.g., “IX”) printed in bold, sans-serif font.
- The Black Box: Oblikav retail stores are designed to look like bunkers. They are windowless, matte-black cubes with minimalist interiors, guarded by private security.
Cultural Impact
Oblikav highlights the deepening class divide in Kresimiria.
- Status Symbol: For the students of Sinj University and the employees of YakaSys, wearing Oblikav is mandatory to fit in.
- Criticism: The Northern Power party frequently attacks the brand. Senator Branimir Hup famously brought an Oblikav hoodie into the Assembly, mocking the fact that it cost more than the yearly heating bill for a family in Lipovljana.
- The Counterfeit Market: Due to the high prices, a massive market for fake Oblikav goods exists, particularly in Kasa24 stores in border regions, where “Obli-Kav” knockoffs are sold under the counter.