The soft morning light spills across the grand suite of Hotel Bristol, brushing gently against the pearl buttons of her black crepe gown. Princess Jelisaveta Karađorđević still carries herself with the poise of a woman who has danced through history — a life woven between continents, crowned in elegance, and painted with stories few could ever imagine.
There is a cinematic quietness in her presence, the kind that commands attention without effort. She speaks with warmth, switching languages as gracefully as she changes the subject — English, French, Serbian — each syllable touched by a lifetime of experience.
Once the muse of high society and a guest in the world’s most glittering circles, today she continues to inspire as an artist, a storyteller, and a symbol of timeless sophistication. In this exclusive INTRO-DUCING Magazine interview, Princess Jelisaveta opens up about style, art, and the subtle beauty of living a life defined by grace.
Your life has spanned continents — from Belgrade to Paris, London, and Hollywood — each with its own rhythm, elegance, and aesthetic.
How have these places, and the eras you lived through, influenced the way you perceive beauty and define your personal style today?
– My father taught me to always look at the best around me and to focus on beauty which was a good introduction. There are beautiful things around us wherever we are that have not much to do with price. There is harmony all around us if we train to be aware and conscious.
You have always been admired for your impeccable sense of style — timeless, feminine, and naturally elegant.
How would you describe your fashion philosophy, and how has it evolved through the years?
– I wore mini skirts in the 60s but I have always liked to buy fashion details that can be mixed with existing outfits now or at a later date. I have many items which I have kept for years and suddenly find a way to match them. Now I wear longer skirts and more comfortable shoes as I like walking and climbing four flights of 100 stairs every day!
Art seems to have found a special place in your life recently — especially through your drawings.
Have you always carried that artistic sensibility within you, and what emotions or inspirations guide your hand when you create?
– Sometimes when I am drawing I feel as though my hand (my left hand) knows where to go next and often which colour is needed. It becomes a meditative pass time.
Your new book, “Tamo Daleko,” offers glimpses into a world of remarkable encounters and captivating memories.
Would you share one story or moment from those pages that remains particularly close to your heart — something that still makes you smile or dream?
– I find that waking up in the morning and feeling well and being able to celebrate yet another day is the best experience…we are all able to harness the energy that surrounds each of us and use it!
As a woman who has met extraordinary people, lived extraordinary lives, and remained graceful through time —
what, in your opinion, is the true essence of elegance today? Is it something one wears, or something one becomes?
– Elegance is probably an attitude of self respect and of respect for other beings. Not only clothes but posture and inter action with others. I would add this towards animals as well as they are emotional creatures and must be kindly treated. I think kindness is one of the most important instincts and something to learn early on.
