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New Wave Selection brings to the fore an emerging generation of designers who are redefining the visual and material language of the present. Through a careful curatorial selection, the section highlights innovative practices, formal experiments and fresh perspectives on contemporary design. This platform thus becomes a space for discovery and dialogue between the public, the industry and the new generation of talents who are shaping the future of design.
New Wave Designers
Cristina Alexandru
Cristina Alexandru is an emerging designer who combines artistic research with contemporary clothing construction. A graduate of the bachelor’s and master’s programs at the Faculty of Decorative Arts and Design of the National University of Arts in Bucharest, Cristina explores fashion as a medium of self-reflection, social commentary and visual storytelling. Her approach investigates the relationship between body, memory and identity, treating clothing as a conceptual space in which emotion, vulnerability and presence become visible. Her professional career includes internships in the workshops of renowned Romanian designers, such as Venera Arapu and Ioana Ciolacu, where she developed both her technique and conceptual thinking applied to clothing design. These experiences have contributed to the formation of a balanced approach between the material execution and the symbolic dimension of the clothing object. Cristina has participated in numerous workshops and competitions dedicated to young creatives, among which the collaboration between V for Vintage, Istituto Europeo di Design and Feeric Fashion Week stands out. In this context, she presented her creations on the Feeric podium, a defining moment in her artistic and professional evolution, which strengthened her confidence in her own visual language. Since her second year of study, she has been co-hosting the radio show Art of Fashion / Fashion of Art on BlackRhino Radio, alongside designer and professor Sergiu Chihaia. This platform has given her the opportunity to explore the connections between fashion, visual arts, philosophy, contemporary culture and critical theory, contributing to the shaping of an interdisciplinary and reflexive perspective on her practice. Her artistic practice is guided by introspection, sensitivity and a deep attention to the contemporary cultural and emotional context. Cristina works interdisciplinary, using fashion illustration, drawing, collage, photography, sculpture, volumetric study and textile modeling to explore themes such as fragility, alienation, consumerism, sustainability and the need for authenticity. For her, each creation functions as a carrier of meaning, transcending its utilitarian function and becoming a medium of communication and reflection.
Mario Birdean
Mario Birdean is a young designer who graduated from the fashion studies program at the Faculty of Arts and Design, West University of Timișoara, and is currently developing his own brand, observing the dynamics between conceptual and wearable fashion.
His creative approach explores the emotional connection between man and material possessions, with memory as a central and constant element in what he does. He considers objects as witnesses of human existence, and through their reuse and recontextualization, he offers them the opportunity to exhibit and continue their story. Visually, the creations are distinguished by a poetic, sensitive and refined aesthetic, with nostalgic accents.
His most recent collection investigates the theme of the common memory of repression. Starting from some materials from the communist period, the past is put into dialogue with the present, generating a tense discussion between ideologies, trends and principles, mediated by the lyrics of Ana Blandiana.
Constantine
CONSTANTINE is a Romanian brand that draws inspiration from the pure energy and boldness of the 80s punk scene — a time when rebellion and self-expression collided in an explosion of creativity. We channel the power of this era, combining its anarchic and courageous spirit with contemporary design.
Our aesthetic is deeply rooted in deconstruction, where the boundaries of traditional fashion are overcome, broken and redefined. Each piece we create carries the essence of the past, but looks confidently to the future, embracing an eclectic mix of fabrics, shapes and innovative design techniques, which define our work.
Each garment is made to order, and the creative process is a deeply collaborative one. Our clients are an integral part of this journey, being actively involved in shaping their clothes, so that each creation is a true reflection of their unique personality.
We believe in the ability to create authentically and in individuality, with impeccable attention to detail that elevates each piece to the level of art. By upcycling high-quality materials, we give new life to these fabrics, creating designs that are as sustainable as they are remarkable. Our commitment to authenticity means that no two pieces are the same, and each one tells its own story.
The CONSTANTINE brand is also built on inclusivity, celebrating the diverse spectrum of individuals who choose to wear our creations. From drag queens to musicians, actors, dancers and beyond, we pride ourselves on empowering people from all corners of the world to express themselves boldly and authentically. Our pieces transcend gender, identity and profession, providing a platform for those who dare to step outside the box and challenge boundaries. Whether it’s on stage, in the studio or in everyday life, our clothes are designed to make a statement, encourage creativity and embrace all forms of individuality.
Instagram: @dragos.constantine
Mihnea Covaci
Mihnea Covaci is a Romanian designer, graduated from the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, with a bachelor’s degree, and from the National University of Arts in Bucharest, where she studied for a master’s degree in fashion design. She has managed to capture the attention of the industry with a strong and dramatic aesthetic. Her creations have been worn by numerous public figures at events, concerts and in fashion editorials.
Mihnea’s silhouettes are feminine, sculptural and elongated, highlighting the strength and elegance of the wearer. The structured cut and dramatic proportions become defining elements of each collection, transforming each piece into an artistic manifesto.
Mihnea Covaci’s style is dramatic and full of strength, reflecting the punk subculture and African tribalism. Her collections explore strong contrasts, juxtaposing rigid structure with the fluidity of materials, creating statement pieces.
Beghim Genghiz
Beghim Genghiz is a young designer, a graduate of the Bachelor’s program and current master’s student of the Fashion – Clothing Design Department of the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca.
His activity takes shape through the desire to build and exhibit a deep and innovative creative universe. The relationship between his cultural and creative identity determines a constant research of what can become a characteristic aesthetic landmark for the inner world of creation. This duality reflects a struggle between conformity and authenticity, between the desire to belong and the need to assert yourself as a distinct individual. With an oriental cultural background, personal identity, in relation to the contemporary social context, becomes a defining element in the creative process.
One of the central pillars of his activity is the versatility of the wardrobe. Fashion is interpreted as a tool that allows the same clothing item to be essential in multiple social contexts. The personal concern for the geometrization of the pattern, through an intelligent cut and timeless design, leads to the adaptability of the pieces to the needs and personal style of the wearer. This approach increases the durability and utility of the clothes and reduces the need for excessive consumption, promoting a conscious lifestyle.
The pieces reflect an inner desire to distinguish oneself through a discreet refinement, which makes its presence felt without ostentation. The continuous reinterpretation of the concept of refinement and the dismantling of preconceptions, becomes one of his constant concerns.
Instagram:
@genghizbeghim
Erin Gregor
Erin Gregor is an emerging designer who shapes the image of the eponymous brand under a conceptual identity, based on the idea that fashion is not only seen, but also deeply felt.
Her creative practice combines timeless emotion with contemporary aesthetics, building pieces that tell stories through essentialized forms, intimate gestures and refined contrasts, in a direct dialogue between the body, material and human gesture. The process emphasizes craftsmanship and the presence of the hand that shapes the shape, texture and construction of each piece.
Searching for meaning in the essence of things, Erin Gregor proposes a sincere and subtle fashion, in which simplicity and intention become a space for interpretation, and clothes become carriers of memory, identity and emotion.
Haus of Creative Rebellion
Gheorghe Marius-Daniel, a graduate of the West University of Timișoara – Faculty of Arts and Design and a master’s student at UNArte, currently creates and signs under the identity HAUS OF CREATIVE REBELLION – an artistic and clothing project that functions as a personal and social manifesto. He debuted on the runway of Romanian Fashion Week 2025 with the “SUPERSTAR” collection, an acclaimed project that guaranteed his return to the 2026 edition.
HAUS OF CREATIVE REBELLION is a brand born from the desire to defy norms, celebrate difference and transform vulnerability into strength. At the intersection of fashion, art and performance, the brand builds its identity from drag influences, avant-garde aesthetics and pop culture, using rebellion as a creative and emotional language.
The brand’s aesthetic is defined by corsets and constrictive structures – elements that speak of control, sacrifice and liberation. Each piece becomes an emotional armor, designed to be worn as a statement of identity, not as a simple piece of clothing.
The corset becomes the emblematic piece: not as a restrictive object, but as an architectural structure that shapes the body and expresses strength. Each creation explores the tension between vulnerability and dominance, between exposure and protection, and outlines an industrial, dark-glam aesthetic, where fragility is transformed into spectacle.
In a world that demands conformity, HAUS OF CREATIVE REBELLION responds with excess, emotion and truth.
Lorena Ion
Lorena Ion is a master’s student in the Fashion Department of the National University of Arts in Bucharest. Her creative path is built around the exploration of a contemporary direction. By creating clothing pieces that compliment the human silhouette, she highlights the importance of the balance between structural lines and the fluidity of the form.
Her first collection, ANOD, marks her debut in the field of fashion design. This defines the aesthetic direction of her artistic approach, exploring elements of minimalist language that outline the architecture of sailboats. Her creations emphasize the concern for clear volumes, reinterpreted technical details and the use of natural fiber materials.
Through the attention paid to the elements of cut and clothing construction, she aims to create pieces that combine visual expression with functionality. Thus, each creation becomes wearable, but also intended to convey a state, a feeling, a symbolic concept.
Cristian-Gabriel Mierlă
Cristian is a fashion designer trained at the National University of Arts in Bucharest, specializing in Fashion. His practice focuses on reinterpreting classic masculine pieces through formal, material and conceptual interventions. He frequently works with boxy silhouettes, modified proportions and details that change the relationship between body and suit. His main interest is the relationship between identity, social norm and visual expression.
The bachelor’s collection, titled mono, investigates masculinity as a unitary experience, in tension between fragility and rigidity. The project starts from the classic male suit, seen as a symbol of authority, control and social conformity. The designer intervenes on this pattern by shortening the trousers, widening the volumes and simplifying the lines, in order to expose the vulnerability hidden behind the traditional shapes.
The collection includes 12 outfits made from natural materials, in warm beige tones. The restrained chromatics support the idea of uniformity and identity continuity. An important component is the rust printing technique, used to print traces of oxide on textiles. This process introduces the idea of controlled degradation and transformation over time, suggesting the social pressure exerted on the male body.
Through mono, Cristian proposes a critical reading of the costume as a cultural instrument. The project does not separate toxic masculinity from sensitive masculinity, but treats them as simultaneous manifestations of the same identity structure. The collection thus becomes a visual study of tension, adaptation and the possibility of redefining contemporary masculine norms.
MKN
MKNU exists beyond boundaries, challenging conventional boundaries between clothing categories and traditional silhouettes.
Each piece is designed to move with the body, adapting to it while encouraging freedom of expression and individuality. Through a design approach that combines architectural structure with fluidity of movement, the brand creates unconstrained forms, pieces that evolve with the wearer, rather than limiting them.
Structural freedom is at the heart of the MKNU universe, where precision, experimentation and innovation come together to redefine the relationship between clothing, identity and contemporary culture.
Andrada Negru
Andrada Negru is an emerging Romanian designer, a graduate of the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs of the Fashion and Clothing Design department of the West University of Timișoara. Andrada has developed an artistic vision focused on the interest in responsible fashion and uniqueness. By exploring textile materials and techniques, her creations reflect a conceptual approach, where aesthetics and environmental responsibility meet.
The NOIR brand, created by Andrada, is the expression of her fundamental values in fashion design. Inspired by her own name, NOIR respects the concept of responsible fashion, eliminating the need to consume new resources by using reused materials and assuming zero waste principles by capitalizing on traditional techniques, such as crochet. Each piece is individually made, transforming into a unique and contemporary style representation, meant to celebrate the authenticity of those who wear it.
Instagram: @noir_design_official
Victoria Rusu
Rusu Victoria is a young designer from the Republic of Moldova, a master’s student at the West University of Timisoara. The creator of the KIWAKULT brand, launched her first collection, “ARTIFACT”, within the undergraduate program of the Faculty of Arts and Design in Timisoara.
Dedicated to those who develop an attachment to their objects, the collection explores the “bags for bags” syndrome – the tendency to accumulate things. The outfits and accessories are made from used materials, old or defective jewelry and deadstock materials, transformed into wearable stories with symbolic charge. Thus, “ARTIFACT” is a completely sustainable project, which capitalizes on leftovers and gives used objects a new life.
The KIWAKULT brand continues to create 100% sustainable pieces, through upcycling, offering unique clothing items, unrepeatable in texture and color.
Instagram: @kiwakult
Romanian Designers
Bianca Popp
With a recognizable aesthetic and an experimental approach, Bianca Popp has established itself in Romanian fashion through a design built around shapes, volumes and freedom of expression. The brand was founded in 2008 by designer Bianca Popp, a graduate of the Istituto Marangoni in Milan. Her creations move away from conventional trends and explore the relationship between the body, material and structure. Inspired by architecture and Japanese tailoring, the designer creates geometric, unconventional and minimalist silhouettes. The clothes are conceived as design objects, in which cuts, folds and volumes take on an essential role. The production in limited editions and the attention paid to the artisanal process reflect the brand’s concern for authenticity and sustainability. Through this vision, the brand goes beyond the idea of simple clothing and transforms fashion into a contemporary art form. Bianca Popp thus represents a modern perspective on Romanian design, defined by courage, experiment and refinement.
Scapadona
The brand was created as a result of the passion and need for freedom and ease in today’s lifestyle and wants to offer these things through a design that stands the test of time. SCAPADONA creates clothing items that bring comfort, with a subtle, elegant approach.
The brand’s aesthetic proposes classic and clean lines, decorated with elements such as flowers, draperies, textured fabrics or prints. Whether they sometimes become strange, romantic or masculine, the brand’s clothes always fit into concepts inspired by the relationship between factors such as nature and emotions. The designer’s origins in a city on the Black Sea coast inspired a true love for the sea and its poetry, which can be persistently observed in most of the brand’s stories.
By creating vulnerable, SCAPADONA builds a certain feeling that comes with wearing clothes. The brand believes in individuality and creates with the aim of helping its customers feel confident, free and strong.
The founder and designer, Andreea Ivan, a graduate of the National University of Arts in Bucharest, put her vision into practice by addressing all of these and instilled certain values in building the brand, such as respect for heritage and history, responsibility, sustainability and well-being. She believes in the dual quality of design – decorative and functional, so the pieces she creates are designed to satisfy both sides.
The aesthetic style approached is light, natural and eclectic. Regarding the succession of collections in particular, the stylistic atmosphere of the products remains faithful to the concept of each collection. Hence an unpredictable chromatics, the use of mixes of prints and textures or spontaneous combinations of materials. The defining aesthetic style for the designer is based on the idea of challenge, unpredictability, stylistic subtlety.
The collection that launches the brand coincided with the designer’s bachelor’s project. Undersea River had a concept built around the idea of duality and contradiction, metaphorically derived from this suggestive natural element: a river inside the sea – a sweet, fast-flowing river in a salt and static water. The idea was born from the designer’s personal interests that are linked to the sea and water both aesthetically and conceptually. Stylistically, the direction of the collection was a mature and precious one, fine, subtly approaching the chromatic side, the textile factor and the games of manipulating them.
From here, the brand launched itself in a transitional process, towards the idea of Ready-to-wear and towards collections that encompass both artistic pieces and the practical and functional side. All products are designed in accordance with the needs that the brand aims to satisfy, namely those of comfort and refinement, for a contemporary, but still nostalgic, sensitive lifestyle.
irina schrotter
Modern sophistication, refined elegance, avant-garde details, diverse silhouettes, versatile products, impeccable execution, all made out of respect for a large and demanding clientele – these are some of the characteristics of the irina schrotter collections.
With over 30 years of experience in the field of fashion and creative industries, Irina Schrotter, the founder of the eponymous brand, has built a brand anchored in the Romanian fashion industry, with its own stores and factories (over 800 employees) but also with a constant, consistent presence in over 17 countries.
The irina schrotter brand is an official supplier of the Royal House of Romania.
irina schrotter creations have been presented at the most important specialized fairs in Paris, New York, Milan, Berlin. The press folder with numerous articles in prestigious publications such as: Vogue Germany, Style, Das Modebuch, Berliner Zeitung, ELLE Germany, ELLE Romania, Harper’s BAZAAR Romania, reveals the impact of the catwalk collections presented at Romanian Fashion Week Iași (in all 12 editions), Mercedes-Benz Berlin Fashion Week (2011-2013), MQ Vienna Fashion Week (2013-2019), the Romanian Pavilion in Shanghai 2010, the company’s own showroom in Milan, etc.
The creative universe is created with the involvement of an extraordinary team, most of whom have been with Irina Schrotter for 30 years. Aurora Gongescu is Head of Design, with Ella and Raul Lazar in her team. The brand’s specialized workshop has been formed over time and has reached a high level of execution of complex products. Continuity, perseverance and constant specialization are important parts of the success story.
The most prolific and long-standing stylistic and communication collaboration is with Ovidiu Buta. Throughout the brand’s history, Irina Schrotter has collaborated with talented fashion designers including: Răzvan Ciobanu, Andreea Tincu, Lucian Broscățean, with accessory designers, stylists, make-up artist Alexandru Abagiu and the teams coordinated by him, hair stylists, communication experts, visual artists, architects, theater and film directors.
Coordonatori Makeup & Hairstyle
Alexandru Abagiu
A Visionary in the Art of Makeup
With an enviable career spanning over 27 years, Alexandru Abagiu has established himself as a reference figure in the world of makeup artistry. As an internationally renowned makeup artist, his work transcends borders, captivating audiences globally.
Starting his journey almost 3 decades ago, Alexandru’s passion for beauty and creativity has led him to the top of the industry. His position as Lancôme’s national makeup artist solidified his reputation as a leading figure, providing him with the platform to hone his craft and develop unparalleled expertise in applying and recommending textures.
Renowned for his meticulous eye for detail and his obsession with perfection, Alexandru is a master of color, blending shades to create stunning and harmonious looks. Drawing inspiration from his background in painting, he approaches makeup as an art form, transforming faces into living canvases with every stroke of his brush.
As a trend-setter, Alexandru stays ahead of the curve, innovating and pushing new boundaries in the ever-changing world of beauty. His editorial work is a constant in the pages of fashion and beauty magazines, earning him praise for his ability to capture the essence of a look and tell a captivating story through makeup.
A true team leader, Alexandru inspires those around him to strive for excellence, cultivating a collaborative environment where creativity flourishes. His dedication to his passion and unwavering commitment to innovation ensure that Alexandru Abagiu will continue to leave a lasting mark on the beauty industry for many years to come.
Sorin Stratulat
Legacy and Innovation
With an illustrious career spanning two decades, Sorin Stratulat has redefined the art of hairdressing. Recognized as a leading figure in the fashion and beauty industry, his mastery extends beyond the salon chair.
Sorin’s journey began with a passion for creativity and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Over the years, he has become a trusted collaborator among the best designers and photographers, gracing prestigious catwalks and editorial pages with his transformative touch.
As a team leader, Sorin inspires those around him to push their limits and embrace innovation. His commitment to mentorship has shaped the next generation of hairstylists, ensuring that his legacy will endure for many years to come.
A master of the image, Sorin understands the power of hair to convey emotion and story. Whether creating elegant and sophisticated hairstyles or pushing the boundaries of avant-garde style, his work continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Sorin Stratulat: a visionary artist, a master of style, and a true icon in the world of hairdressing.
Curators
Lucian Broscățean
New Wave Curator
Lucian Broscățean’s projects are at the intersection of fashion design, academia, curatorial practice and art direction — fields that have shaped his professional identity for over two decades. His path is guided by a commitment to conceptual clarity and the belief that fashion functions simultaneously as a cultural context and as a tool for visual research.
A graduate of the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, Lucian teaches at the Department of Fashion-Fashion Design, of which he has been director since October 2022. In this position, he works to train new generations of designers, strengthen international collaborations and develop the long-term identity of UADFASHION.
A defining moment in the beginning of his career was winning the Doina Levintza Award at the “Levintza Prezintă” competition (October 2001), a distinction that marked his public debut and confirmed his professional direction. Between 2008 and 2023, his collections — as well as the lines developed as artistic director of the brand irina schrotter (2011–2017) — were presented at national and international events such as Romanian Fashion Week, Romanian Creative Week, Romanian Design Week, TIFF, Mercedes-Benz Berlin Fashion Week, International Fashion Showcase – London Fashion Week and MQ Vienna Fashion Week.
His work has been recognized by awards such as: the Beau Monde Crystal Globes (“Best Debut”, “Best Designer”), the YKK and Wendy & Jim Awards at the Arts of Fashion (MOMA San Francisco) and the ELLE Style Awards Romania for “Best Designer” (2023), awarded after five nominations.
In parallel, Lucian creates costumes for theater and opera, treating the costume as a visual hybrid between Persona, identity, tension and transformation. His constant collaborators include director Andrei Măjeri and illustrator Ágnes Keszeg.
He was a member of the Arts of Fashion jury at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech (2019) and, in 2023, co-curator of the fashion section of Romanian Design Week, together with Julian Roberts and Mari Bendeliani. Since 2021, he has been part of the organizing team of Romanian Fashion Week – Romanian Creative Week, where he co-curates — together with Ioana Ciolacu — the RFW Academia and RFW New Wave sections and coordinates RFW Research.
In early 2024, Lucian retired from the production of commercial collections and the traditional fashion show circuit. His activity now focuses on visual research, costume history, fashion theory, academic teaching, curatorial projects and Fashion-Art collaborations. This shift reflects a deep concern with how fashion can be analyzed, taught and conceptualized. He approaches “Thinking Processes” as critical tools to question the object of clothing, while cultivating a pedagogy based on: empathy, dialogue and mentorship.
Today, his work investigates the subtle balance between cultural memory and symbolic journeys of the mind. For him, thoughts, forms, concepts and narratives coexist in fashion in a way that transforms clothing into an object of reflection — an intellectual and emotional construction. He remains dedicated to articulating a profound vision of fashion, with anchors in the past and openings to the future, contributing to a more conscious, coherent and meaningful design practice.
For over two decades, three central concepts have defined his work: consistency, relevance and emotion.
Ioana Ciolacu
New Wave Curator
Ioana Ciolacu is a visionary fashion designer, known for her architectural approach to silhouettes, bold use of color and pattern, and commitment to sustainability. The founder of her eponymous brand, Ioana manages to combine innovative design with craftsmanship, creating collections that redefine modern femininity.
Her work has been recognized internationally, appearing on catwalks and exhibitions in London, Berlin, Tokyo, and in prestigious publications such as Vogue, Vogue Brazil, Vogue Russia, Vogue Ukraine, Elle Germany, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire Germany, Glamour Germany, WWD, Dazed & Confused, Vogue Runway, and many more.
She has been associated with and awarded by Stella McCartney, a testament to her commitment to ethical fashion. With a strong commercial presence, the Ioana Ciolacu brand is sold globally, reaching a diverse and informed audience that values creativity, individuality and sustainability.
Beyond her own brand, Ioana plays a key role in Romanian Creative Week (RCW) / Romanian Fashion Week (RFW), working alongside Lucian Broscățean to support and train new generations of designers through the Academy and New Wave. Together, they create an environment conducive to the development of young talents, connecting education with the fashion industry and contributing to shaping the future of Romanian design.
Instagram: @ioanaciolacu
Ovidiu Buta
Romanian Designers Curator
Ovidiu Buta is the most famous stylist in Romania, with an international career spanning over 20 years. He studied audio-visual communication at the Bucharest Academy of Theatre and Film, is the author and co-author of two specialized books published by Polirom Publishing House, (“Victima modei”, 2006 and “Bărbatul și moda”, 2009, the latter being written together with Adina Nanu), and his editorials have appeared in the following fashion magazines around the world, among others: Numero, L’Officiel Russia, Vogue, GQ Italy, GQ Brasil, GQ Mexico, GQ France, GQ Romania, Elle, Elle Deco, Cosmopolitan, Beau Monde, Harper’s BAZAAR.
He has worked with numerous celebrities and models including: Kanye West, Alessandra Ambrosio, Isabeli Fontana, Tony Ward, Sebastian Stan, Lydia Hearst, Jane Seymour and David Gandy.