After years under the tyrannical Ceausescu regime — in which basic freedoms and creativity were brutally repressed — Romania is now in its adolescent years of capitalism, and at the crucial age for development of fashion. "Fashion in Romania is fresh and I can compare it with a newborn — we are starting to discover things and grow," says Romanian designer Lana Dumitru. "But I can compare it with an old man as well — everything is going really slow."
However, Lana's success as an innovative designer is anything but sluggish. Even though she's still a student at the Design Institute of Italy, she has already become internationally recognized for her collections that fuse camouflage, technology, and old-world traditions together.
Her graduation collection at the Bucharest Institute of Art tracked the evolution of women, much through the animalistic and technological interpretations of the female body. In many of the pieces, Lana did not settle for the gimmicks of fancy screen-printing: She altered the proportions of the fabric to give a three-dimensional form to the image portrayed.
For example, one reptilian-inspired dress featured two snakeheads as shoulder pads. Other pieces left nothing to the imagination, such as the "naked dress" which portrayed a life size, frescoed body of renaissance proportions. Fast forward to the era of the technologically-savvy female: The designer introduced the "Facebook Dress" — a short, sleeveless dress featuring the Facebook profile page of the designer herself.
Lana then developed a more wearable line called "Romanian Apparel," which saw pieces that sold out almost instantly. By pixilating traditional Romanian patterns into Tetris-like blocks, she made styles once designated for a generation of grandmothers more desirable for a younger crowd.
In her latest collection, W/S, Lana still takes the comically suggestive attitude towards the female form — everyday objects reflect the female reproductive system. Lana could easily convert her W/S collection into streetwear, a would-be fashion feat for Romania as well as wearable technological design. It's the art of camouflage without blending in — and that is exactly what is getting Lana noticed.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
This Week's Best On-Sale Picks Include a Tory Burch Bag and Pretty Silver Ballet Flats
Warm weather is finally here—it's time to dress like it.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
A Sporty It-Sneaker Era Is About to Begin
Nike's next Air models are designed for Olympic athletes, but they'll soon be all over street style.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
These Luxury Beauty Gifts Are Proven to Make Mom Feel Spoiled on Mother’s Day
The best in makeup, haircare, and skincare for your favorite woman.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Could a 'Shirt Sandwich' Pull You Out of a Fashion Rut?
The gourmet styling trick may help you fall back in love with your wardrobe.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Best Spring Dresses Simplify Any Outfit Formula
Style this wardrobe staple for any occasion, from farmer's markets to formal affairs.
By Lauren Tappan Published