Feeric Fashion Week, marking its esteemed 16th edition, stood as a beacon of creative brilliance and trendsetting dynamism within the international fashion landscape. The festival, held in the picturesque city of Sibiu, served as a vibrant convergence point for both industry veterans and emerging talents, celebrating the transformative power of fashion.
Opening its doors to fashion enthusiasts from all walks of life, the event offered a unique opportunity to explore the world of high fashion through a series of engaging workshops, culminating in breathtaking runway shows. As the third and final day of this landmark event unfolded, excitement and anticipation reached their peak, leaving an indelible mark on all who participated.
Kinga Palider: «Le Mans«
The «LE MANS» collection by Kinga Palider, presented in another special venue – BOROMIR Factory, draws inspiration from car racing, blending dynamic automotive themes with a powerful message of body diversity and self-acceptance. Featuring eco-leather and 3D elements, it incorporates shapes, lines, and details reminiscent of motoring. The collection celebrates all body types, using symmetry and varied silhouettes to challenge traditional ideals and make a bold statement in contemporary fashion.
Technical University of Moldova
Fulminare collection by Spatari Alina explores the depth of black, celebrating femininity with a mix of delicate organza, practical waterproof fabric, eco-leather, quilted material, and suit fabric. Contrasting textures, minimalist lines, and subtle details emphasize feminine power and mystery. Each piece highlights a woman’s beauty and strength, offering comfort and style. The collection underscores black’s versatility, inviting women to embrace their unique identities.
The ITEMI collection by Straticiuc Alla draws inspiration from Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita, exploring the novel’s theme of the struggle between good and evil. This is expressed through fluid fabrics, intricate drapery, and complex layering. The designs incorporate elements of deconstruction, fragmentation, and reassembly, creating new forms that reflect the disintegration of a toxic, hypocritical society. These themes, rooted in Soviet corruption, resonate with contemporary issues, making the collection both timely and thought-provoking.
Zingan Ana‘s Swan collection for women draws inspiration from avian shapes and motifs, influenced by the film Black Swan. Featuring matte suit fabric, taffeta, and waterproof materials, it showcases smooth textures and subtle sheen. The collection stands out with geometric shapes, sharp shoulders, asymmetry, ruffles, and striking color accents. Swan embodies elegance and freedom, celebrating the beauty of birds and the dramatic essence of Black Swan.
Ana Majdanzic: «Actor’s Mask«
Ana Majdanzic‘s Actor’s Mask collection delves into the themes of (de)construction and the loss of identity caused by personal complexes. Inspired by Carl Jung’s concept of complexes—unconscious elements disrupting our consciousness—the collection reflects how societal roles can lead us to erase our true selves, creating an illusion of a new identity. This internal conflict manifests externally, as the body seems to transform, exaggerating certain aspects into caricatures. The collection uses these themes to explore how personal and psychological struggles shape our outward appearance and sense of self.
Xheksil Muça: «The BRIDES«
The BRIDES by Xheksil Muça was inspired by the traditional attire of Mirdita women and the «xhoka» of young girls, is a captivating collection that blends folkloric and modern motifs. Crafted from industrial felt, tulle, and spiral cords, each piece is conceived as a work of art, aiming to transform cultural motifs into contemporary fashion. A distinctive feature is the use of veils, which brides dance with gracefully, adding a dynamic element to the collection. This fusion of Albanian folklore with a modern, global spirit makes «The BRIDES» relevant and timeless. The collection was presented at the Brukenthal National Museum, adding an elegant backdrop to the showcase of this artistic expression.
Francesko Berati: «Roots«
ROOTS, the title of Francesko’s Berati bachelor diploma project, delves into the origins of Elbasan—historically known as Skampis—through personal memories, traditional attire, and ethnographic research. Drawing inspiration from embroidered folk dresses and traditional songs, the project employs a two-dimensional technique to highlight relief and monumentality. Featuring traditional garments such as «Xhube me Dragua,» «Sako,» and various vests, ROOTS utilizes brown straw sack as the primary material. The collection integrates tufting and silkscreen printing to bring these cultural elements to life, merging historical richness with contemporary fashion.
Teodora Ciorna: «WASABI»
The WASABI collection by Ciorna Teodora was inspired by the effervescence of the streets of Japan, taking streetwear elements and adapting them to my own clothing style. The materials used are fur, lycra, viscose, and plastic. To give an interesting texture to the material, I intervened with textile applications, embroidery and decorative techniques. The message of the collection suggests invincibility and self-confidence when you choose to be different from the rest.
UNARTE: Collective Collection
The ModaUNArte selection opened this year’s gala, in Albert Huet Square, and featured standout pieces from the 2024 graduating class, both bachelor’s and master’s students, who have infused their work with original elements while embracing a creative, distinctive style. Since its inception in the 90s, the field of fashion and costume creation has evolved, showcasing remarkable performances that are now celebrated both locally and internationally. This interdisciplinary approach, blending the latest visual arts trends with fashion, addresses contemporary demands—artistic, commercial, technical, and culturally diverse—reflecting an innovative response to the complexities of modern society.
Designers: Badea Valentina Mihaela, Balaban Sabina, Bizbac Ramona, Buzatu Andrei, Ciobanu Ruxandra, Covaci Mihnea, Daia Cristina, Dincă Alexandra, Jianu Alina, Miroi Ana-Maria, Miu Anastasia, Petru Vlad, Popescu Maria, Onofrei Richard, Vlejoangă Iulia
BA Coordinators: Lecturer PhD Alina-Maria Griga
Lecturer PhD Venera Arapu
Lecturer PhD Sergiu Chihaia
Lecturer PhD Oana Roșca
Lecturer PhD Alina Gurguță
MA Coordinators: Professor PhD Doina Lucanu
Lecturer PhD Răzvan Vasilescu
Daiana Stăncioiu: «BUTTERFLY EFFECT»
In the Butterfly Effect collection, Daiana Stăncioiu explores diverse textile manipulation techniques, blending traditional and avant-garde methods such as embroidery, digital printing, and screen printing. Inspired by nature’s phytomorphic and arthropod forms, the collection delves into psychological themes and stylistic transformations, showcasing the versatility of contemporary fashion. Crafted from deadstock, upcycled materials, and natural fibers, each piece reflects a commitment to sustainability and innovation, supported by irina schrotter. This collection masterfully merges creative textile techniques with nature-inspired designs, offering a profound and beautiful exploration of fashion’s potential.
Faculty of Applied Arts Belgrade, Serbia
Aleksandra Perovic‘s graduate collection, Ver/Veri, seamlessly blends strong and vulnerable elements. Through the innovative use of mixed materials and crochet techniques, Perovic explores the tension between these contrasting forces.
Marko Ječmenica‘s collection, Where I’m Going and Where I’m Coming From, reflects on personal and societal issues significant to him. This collection, centered on the theme of growing up, evokes his childhood memories, offering a poignant narrative of his journey and experiences.
Isidora Petrovic‘s collection, Reality of Dreams, emerges from a personal desire to delve into the creative and emotional connections within her work. The collection aims to provoke a process that results in creations illustrating introspective emotions, striving to dismantle the barriers to creativity.
Maria Triantafilidoiu: «Rennaisance»
The Renaissance by Maria Triantafilidoiu (TRIAMIA) collection blends the classic style of the 1960s with modern advancements in fabric and fiber technology. It features smart fabrics that adapt to the environment, high-performance fibers like graphene and carbon nanotubes, and sustainable materials from recycled plastics and organic sources. Emphasizing strong shoulders and a cinched waist, each piece offers a subtle sensual touch. Renaissance uniquely combines vintage elegance with contemporary innovation.
Istituto Europeo di Design: Multitude
In an era of unprecedented fluidity, the diverse identities of our times are vividly reflected in fashion. IED presents Multitude, showcasing the perspectives of emerging talents from Italy and Spain navigating this complex and fragile moment. The collection features a spectrum of inspirations, from workwear and military uniforms to fairytales, Louise Bourgeois, and Ilya Repin’s paintings. Despite the varied themes, each piece shares a common thread: a quest for freedom, self-expression, and the power of fashion to amplify individual voices.
Designers: Sandro Russo (IED Torino); Daniel Latini (IED Roma); Paola Ramirez (IED Madrid); Annalisa Corvace (IED Firenze); Maria Antonietta Zoroddu (IED Cagliari); Irene Morosini (IED Milano); Caterina Magni (Accademia Aldo Galli Como); Leire Movilla (IED Kunsthal Bilbao); Ingrid Navarro (IED Barcelona)
Usmanova Munira
Uzbek designer Usmanova Munira, a member of the trade union, presents a collection that explores the roots of maternal growth and cultural heritage. Her handmade creations are steeped in tradition, using noble and natural fabrics that beautifully adapt to the feminine silhouette. Munira’s designs transport us to the heart of her culture, blending traditional concepts with a sophisticated, fluid, and natural aesthetic.
INTERNATIONAL DESIGN ACADEMY: POP UP SHOW
This year’s IDA collection features stunning designs on muslin fabric, hand-painted by students with vibrant fabric colors. The unique prints, created with care and creativity, are currently in high demand. The soft and versatile muslin serves as an ideal canvas, with each piece showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the students, making these pieces truly distinctive in the fashion world.
Anelle Maison: «Denim Journey and PureClass Collection»
Closing the 16th edition of Feeric Fashion Week, The Denim Journey and PureClass collection signed by Elena Deaconu embodies effortless style with high-quality denim and cotton pieces, including classic jeans, relaxed-fit jackets, stylish dresses, and casual shirts. Denim Journey is perfect for everyday wear, as the collection offers versatile staples that seamlessly transition from day to night.
PureClass brings sophistication to special occasions with eco-friendly Tencel fabric. Featuring elegant dresses, chic blouses, and tailored trousers, these pieces offer a silky, soft feel and refined look, ideal for cocktail parties and elegant gatherings.
Feeric Fashion Week is a collaborative event generously co-financed by the Sibiu City Hall, with the support of prominent partners such as NEPI Rockcastle, Promenada Sibiu, CineGold, and Ford.
Written by: Adela Cioruță
Photo credit: Cornel Petruș
Cover photo credit: Adrian Murgea