Goran Lelas was one of the most versatile and internationally accomplished Croatian fashion illustrators and designers – a long-time art director at Vogue, a toy designer whose work was featured at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, a childrenswear designer, costume designer, and the author of a picture book.
Born in Zagreb, he graduated in design from the Faculty of Textile Technology after being rejected multiple times by the Academy of Fine Arts – an experience that later proved decisive. Rather than following a traditional fine-art path, design opened the door to an international career. After completing his studies, he moved to Italy, where he began working for Vanity, and soon after established his longest and most significant collaboration with Vogue. Over the years, he lived and worked in Italy, Croatia, New York, and Japan.
Alongside his global career, Lelas held a distinct and highly influential role as president and head of the Fashion News jury, where he played a key part in shaping professional standards, evaluation criteria, and the overall direction of contemporary fashion and design discourse.
Katija Restović, who worked closely with him, highlights both his professional and personal qualities:
“As the president of the jury, Goran Lelas was someone I could fully rely on, as all of his decisions were carefully considered, well-reasoned, and made with a strong sense of responsibility toward both the authors and Fashion News itself.”
In addition to his work in fashion, Lelas designed toys that became part of MoMA’s retail selection, developed in collaboration with the institution. He also created the childrenswear line Monx, worked as a costume designer, and authored the picture book “The Secret of the Vanishing Thoughts,” published by Profil.
Goran Lelas left behind a rich and multifaceted body of work that bridges global fashion, design, illustration, and a lasting legacy of integrity, trust, and professional excellence—particularly through his defining role at Fashion News.
