Balkan Romani women don’t do “understated” when they celebrate. They go the opposite way. They move like royalty.
The stunning portrait you see above is of Julietta, niece of co-author of this page Pepi Mustafov, on her wedding day at the stylist studio. Already a natural beauty, Julietta’s features were not overpowered by the heavy makeup and jewellery. On the contrary, she shined even brighter than usual. Like all her female relatives, she carried the crown and the beauty with her head held high.
But if you assume this is “only” a bridal look in Pepi’s tribe, you’d be mistaken. This is the style that women carry not only when they are the center of a celebration but also when they attend it. You can be the mother, the sister, a cousin, or any kind of “guest” of any kind of celebration: wedding, birthday, the birth of a new child. You can be 15 or 65.
It doesn’t matter.
You can show up looking like a Queen.
The studio
All women from Pepi’s tribe go to a single stylist: a member of the tribe, a relative called Asen. He is the artist behind every princess look of every celebration in this community. His studio is located in the Zaharna Fabrika neighbourhood, in close vicinity to the Romani quarter that was bulldozed to dust last year after having been the home of this community for over a century.
Through celebrations, weddings, births, and demolitions, evictions, and institutional abuse, women of all ages in the tribe go to Asen’s studio.
And Asen always delivers the signature Balkan Romani look.
The hair
The foundation of the Balkan Romani style is height and volume. Hair is lifted, shaped, and secured into forms that create a strong silhouette visible from every angle.
These styles, from the updos to the cascading curls, are both elaborate and strong. When women have their hair done like this, they are not planning to sit at a table and barely move. They are planning to dance their heart out, and their hair always stays intact.
The crowns and tiaras
A hair ornament is a must. Even if it is a single thin tiara, it will have sparkle: gems, metal, and boldness.
The eyes
Shimmer, glitter, and metallic pigments are central features of Balkan Romani makeup. Applied across the lid and framed by dark liner, they create depth, contrast, and luminosity.
There are fundamental principles in this style, but it is always applied to each woman’s individuality. There is always the unique spark that shines brightest amid the jewellery, makeup, and curls.
We created a 30+ page photo book as a celebration of the Balkan Romani Queen makeup and hair style of Pepi’s tribe, where you can find:
Several pages of photographs and descriptions of the hairstyle, hair ornaments, and makeup principles.
15+ transformation pictures (before-and-after shots).
A “Generations” chapter showcasing the thread of this style from young girls to elderly women.
You can buy the book at the link below. Paying subscribers receive it as free gift (scroll further down).
