What is Sonus Festival?
Sonus Festival is one of the most renowned electronic music festivals in Europe and a must-visit destination for fans of techno and tech-house from around the world. It takes place in Croatia, on the stunning island of Pag, known for its dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and unique festival atmosphere.
The festival was held at the legendary Zrće Beach, one of the most famous party destinations in Europe. Since its founding in 2013, Sonus has grown into a key highlight of the global techno scene, regularly attracting visitors from over 80 countries, who come for top-tier music and unforgettable experiences.
One of Sonus unique features is its concept open-air parties from sunset to sunrise, boat parties on the sea, and performances at world-famous beach clubs located right on the Adriatic coast. This combination of music, nature, and the energy of the crowd makes Sonus a festival that many attendees experience as a life-defining event, not just an ordinary gathering.
Over the years, Sonus has hosted some of the biggest names in the global electronic music scene, including Ricardo Villalobos, Richie Hawtin, Adam Beyer, Sven Väth, Marco Carola, Maceo Plex, and Joseph Capriati, along with many other leading underground, techno, and tech-house artists.
The festival is renowned for its extended DJ sets, carefully curated lineups, and strong connection to the global techno community. This dedication to high-quality music and an authentic experience has made Sonus one of the most respected festivals in the region and one of Europe’s leading techno festivals.
For many attendees, Sonus is more than just a festival, and it is an annual gathering of people from around the world who share the same passion for music, freedom of expression, and the unique energy of the festival.
How the Spletka x Sonus Collaboration Began
I have been attending Sonus Festival for over 10 years, always enjoying its unique atmosphere. I still remember my very first festival outfit bright pink pants paired with a neon green top, a combination that perfectly reflected the excitement and energy I felt at the time. Even though I don’t remember the lineup that year, I clearly remember the feeling of freedom, excitement, and total immersion in the music and atmosphere.
Every year, I eagerly await the lineup announcement the very moment when I start planning exactly how I will spend my days at the festival. For me, Sonus has always been more than just a festival.
My journey into electronic music began thanks to my brother, a passionate fan of electronic music. Through him, I discovered this world, developed a deep love for music and festivals, and learned to feel the powerful energy that this sound carries. Because of that, Sonus became one of the most special places I look forward to every year.
Over the years of regularly attending the festival, I got to know the Sonus organizers. Through shared gatherings, a relaxed and friendly connection formed, and during one of those moments, they noticed my handmade work. I showed them my crochet bags, and their reaction was immediate genuine excitement and curiosity about how they were made.
That moment remains incredibly emotional for me seeing the people behind a festival I love recognize the value of my work filled me with pride and inspiration. It was exactly then that the idea for a collaboration was born.
Together, we began developing the concept for a part of their merchandise that I would create entirely by hand as a limited handmade collection. For me, it felt like fulfilling a personal dream merging my creativity with a festival that has been such an important part of my life for over a decade.
The Inspiration and Design Behind the Spletka x Sonus Bags
The aesthetic of Sonus Festival leans toward natural tones and organic vibes, so we decided to create bags that are black, minimal, and elegant, yet still unique and eye-catching.
Since childhood, I have associated festival parties with bold outfits, sparkles, and expressive details. To give the collection a personal touch, I added a pink string to one of the bags, a subtle memory of the vibrant pink pants I wore to my first festival. This small detail brings a piece of festival joy and my own memories into the design, making the bag feel extra special.
I also incorporated other elements that reflect festival energy into the collection: yarn that imitates leather in silver tones, along with rose, gold and silver glitter threads, adding a strong festival character to the designs.
The collection was inspired by the natural contrasts of Pag Island, resulting in two bags, each with its own symbolic meaning:
- The first bag was inspired by the meeting point of land and sea — a horizon view that reflects the connection between earth and water.
- The second bag was inspired by the depth of the sea and the freedom toward the sky — representing the contrast between ocean depth and open space above.
Each bag represents a part of the Sonus atmosphere and the natural surroundings that make the festival so unique. By combining the festival’s aesthetic with my personal style and subtle memories, this collection brings a piece of Sonus energy and spirit to anyone who wears it.
