In a world where beauty is often measured by brands and trends, Jasmin Drinjaković finds his authenticity in simplicity and nature. A model by profession and an adventurer at heart, he blends elegance with freedom. If he’s not in front of the camera, you’ll find him on a motorcycle exploring mountain roads, kayaking across the open sea, or working in his garden.
For him, life is about more than appearances. He doesn’t worship form but essence, always stands on the side of justice, and supports those who face injustice. He embodies experience, emotion, and meaning in every moment. Inner and outer beauty are in perfect balance within him, and in an interview for Visit BiH magazine, he revealed how he achieved it.
When and how did your modelling career begin?
– It’s been a while now, more than 20 years since my first job. I was 15 and still in high school when I got it.
Was that when your love for modelling began, or had it been simmering inside you? How much did others influence that decision?
– People had been trying to pull me into that world from early on. Since high school, agents have often wanted to work with me. Then things opened up, I worked for several local agencies, and soon after, I got an offer to work abroad. I didn’t know much about the fashion world, nor was I particularly interested, but the chance to travel attracted me. I decided to go to China, where I worked for almost four years for their agencies and brands. After China, I went to Istanbul.
What impressions did you take away from Istanbul?
– That’s my market. I have truly wonderful memories from Istanbul, great friendships and fantastic projects.
Would you say that was perhaps the most beautiful experience of your career?
– No, my best experiences came when I started working with the Fox Agency in Belgrade. That’s the market I work with the most. There are beautiful stories from Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina too, but our market is smaller, while in Belgrade, that industry is really well developed.
What’s the most famous brand you’ve worked for?
– I’m not sure I’d single out anyone. The funny thing is, I don’t even know most of those brands. Maybe I’ve worked for some big names without realising it because I’m not that immersed in that world. I stay away from branded stuff. What matters to me are the materials; that’s what impresses me.
Quite unusual for someone from the world of glamour…
– You know what? The world of glamour is a glittering illusion. It never blinded me. It always seemed artificial and off-putting.
Yet, you’re still part of it. How did you manage to stay grounded when human nature tends to be drawn to that “shine” and the benefits it offers?
– I wanted to use those travels to meet “ordinary” people, fruit and vegetable sellers, delivery guys… I spent my free time getting to know places through the people who live simple lives, where there’s soul and emotion. In the business world, everything is so formal. Everything moves so fast that there’s no time for real connection. What I remember most fondly from my travels are the friendships and acquaintances; the work itself comes second. Of course, I show up for work and do it the best I can, but the moments I treasure most are the ones outside of work.
You recently received an invitation from Italy — the cradle of fashion and design.
– I appreciate Italians primarily for their laid-back attitude toward life. As for fashion, even though I don’t pay much attention to it, I value their creations and materials that reflect a certain life philosophy. What attracts me is the ease and comfort that Italian design carries, and that’s what I truly look forward to. I’m lucky that my work allows me to experience those fabrics and the essence of Italian design up close.
For an actor, the pinnacle of success is Hollywood; for a model, it’s Italy.
– True, but I’ve never looked at it that way. I know what you mean, but I’ve never viewed it like that. I even used to avoid Europe and all those big fashion hubs because my goal was to explore places that weren’t easily accessible. Now, with more maturity, I believe this collaboration will bring mutual satisfaction, something beautiful. When I think about why I’m still in this world and this career, it’s because of the freedom it gives me. I try to take the best this job offers and live the rest of my life according to my own beliefs, and nature is what I enjoy the most.
When you’re not in front of the camera, you’re in your garden. You farm, ride motorcycles, and kayak through the blue sea. That’s quite unusual for a modern-day model. You’re something between the Last of the Mohicans, Robinson Crusoe, and the Little Prince, maybe even Don Quixote…
– Exactly. Since I was a kid, I’ve loved stories like Robinson Crusoe. There’s always been that call to adventure in me – a little adrenaline, a desire to get to know myself through new horizons and new places. I don’t see myself through the lens of modelling, more as a person who seeks the essence of life through all these experiences. Modelling is just one moment that fits perfectly into that story because it gives me the time and space to travel, and to enjoy the other things that matter to me, like kayaking.
Recently, you returned to Sarajevo, the city that was your career’s springboard. You’re now working in the atelier of the local brand AROS, which offers natural materials and Italian style.
– It’s an honour and a great responsibility toward this city. We’re trying to represent Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the best possible light, to make sure the story that started here doesn’t stop here, but continues beyond our borders.
Are you getting tired of modelling? How much longer do you see yourself in this world?
– I don’t think that far ahead. It’s not something that fulfils me or drains me; it just serves a purpose. I’m not the kind of person who enjoys posting photos saying I’ve worked for this or that brand, or who follows fashion trends. I’m really not in love with fashion. I like to dress nicely, but I’m not a slave to labels.
Our magazine promotes the beauty of our homeland. In your eyes, how is Bosnia and Herzegovina special? What makes it stand out from the countries you’ve visited?
– In every possible way. That’s a tough question. I wouldn’t even know where to start. Is it the people, or nature? A little common sense and appreciation, and we could enjoy it with all our hearts. Every place becomes my favourite at the moment I visit it. There’s so much beauty everywhere. I always choose nature. I like to get away from the city rush. What brings me peace is being in nature – by a river, on a mountain, by a lake, or by the sea.
