Tibor Rosetti Galic Samardzic: Norwegian designer with Croatian roots

We've been putting off this column for months. Since the summer, to be exact. Not because we didn't have any candidates, but because we weren't sure who we wanted to feature.

I've been a follower of Tibor on social media for a long time. His way of dressing and his attitude towards small details have always been interesting to me. But it was only through talking to him that I realized that he has Croatian roots, his full surname is Galic Samardzic and that he often spends his summers in Opatija, which gave the whole story an additional, more personal layer.

Instead of trends and seasons, he values objects with weight: a vintage Doxa watch he inherited from his grandfather, a gold bracelet he got from his mother, or a pair of precisely tailored trousers. In his case, clothes are only as good as how you feel when you wear them, Tibor tells us.

As the founder of Biboja, founded on tradition and quality craftsmanship, he offers a different vision of men's fashion, one where character comes before rules, and dressing is not about showing off, but a way of personal expression. We spoke to him as part of the new #ManOfTheMonth series, and here's what we found out.

What defines your look?

Tibor Rosetti Galic Samardzic: I never leave the apartment without a gold bracelet that my mother gave me and gold chains with various Catholic pendants. That 's my signature. A watch is also almost always present, a small but intentional detail that rounds out my whole look.

Norwegian fashion is often associated with minimalism, while your style is closer to Italian and French influences. What could Norwegian men learn from that?

Tibor Rosetti Galic Samardzic: I'm often told that I have a kind of Italian style, but I'm not sure what that means exactly. I don't tie my approach to a specific country, although I appreciate what certain cultures do well.

“I like Italian glamour and French elegance, but I wouldn't define my style by geography.” - Tibor Rosetti Galic Samardzic

When asked if there is a fashion rule he consciously breaks, he says he doesn't believe in fashion rules. In his opinion, people with good style look good precisely because they don't follow the rules. This attitude permeates everything he does, from his personal clothing to his designs.

What piece should every man invest in, regardless of style?

Tibor Rosetti Galic Samardzic: In a nice little watch. The smaller, the better.

Your grandpa's Doxa watch has a special meaning for you. Can you tell us more about it?

Tibor Rosetti Galic Samardzic: My grandfather was an artist and lived a very creative life. Although he died when I was little, his art and life continue to inspire me. Most of my larger tattoos are based on his drawings. He collected wristwatches and pocket watches of that brand, so I share his love of collecting.

Your brand Biboja is founded on the art of tailoring. Which piece best represents the spirit of the brand?

Tibor Rosetti Galic Samardzic: Our high-waisted wide-leg pants with a slight flare. I love how Daniel Biasini wore his pants, and Biboja was founded with the goal of creating great pants. Now the brand has evolved and expanded its range to include entire suits and shirts. I love it when customers with their own style, completely different from mine, buy Biboja and adapt it to their own style. I also feel that Biboja has awakened a new interest in well-made clothing for many.

“Craftsmanship always comes first. I am very detail-oriented. Even the ones that are not immediately visible, like the way the label is sewn on.” - Tibor Rosetti Galic Samardzic

His style icons are ordinary people on the street, especially in Paris and Milan, men whose style reflects the life they have lived. He doesn't see Biboja as a short-term project, but as a personal and long-term endeavor. For him, it is a life project whose main goal is to make people want to dress up again, something that, he points out, modern societies are slowly losing.

Despite his strong presence on Instagram, Tibor remains indifferent to the platform's rules. He posts what he personally likes, which is why he believes his profile remains authentic, regardless of the algorithms.

What does your perfect day off look like?

Tibor Rosetti Galic Samardzic: Paris or Milan. I wake up at 5:45, drink black coffee, go for a run to clear my head. Then I visit local markets and look for old jewels, antiques, watches, clothes. People-watching, the moment when you see a man with great style, that can brighten my whole day.

Thank you Tibor for this interesting interview and good luck in the future!

Pictures: Tibor Rosetti Galic Samardzic