New Wave Competition

DANIEL GORBAN

Daniel Gorban is a graduate of the “George Enescu” National University of Arts in Iași, specializing in Fashion-Design both at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. He is currently a laboratory assistant in the Fashion Design department at the Faculty of Visual Arts and Design in Iași. He has participated in numerous fashion presentations and high-profile events in the country, winning the BeCreative Fest trophy in Sibiu in 2020 and second place at the ArtEAST Festival in Iași in 2022.

Throughout his years of study, he has tackled social themes that materialized into collections or works serving as manifestos addressing social issues. Passionate about contemporary fashion, he has explored the phenomenon of the manifesto, successfully integrating these themes into both his undergraduate and dissertation work. This theme was later further explored in another collection, as well as in the one created for Romanian Fashion Week – New Wave 2025.

The designer opts for minimalist ensembles, believing that each piece of clothing he creates is not just a garment but a symbol of a personal vision, a manifesto of freedom of expression. His work speaks to those who see fashion not just as a trend but as a means of communication and a tool for changing the world around them. He believes in fashion that transcends convention, does not necessarily conform to current norms, and has the power to inspire cultural and social change.

With each collection, he brings to the forefront themes that are rarely addressed by other designers, such as the manifesto against violence, the manifesto against social isolation, and the manifesto against textile waste. In a world where fashion is often reduced to mere consumption, Daniel Gorban seeks to restore its essence: a deeply personal, authentic, and meaningful form of expression.

Instagram: @danigorban

HAUS OF CREATIVE REBELLION

Gheorghe Marius-Daniel, known as HAUS OF CREATIVE REBELLION, is an emerging Romanian designer, a graduate of the Faculty of Arts and Design in Timișoara, and a master’s student at the National University of Arts in Bucharest.

HAUS OF CREATIVE REBELLION stands out through a unique approach that blends fashion, performative art, and makeup in an innovative way. Each collection or project serves as an artistic statement designed to challenge conventions and inspire change.

In the BA project “SUPERSTAR,” Marius pays tribute to the influences and personalities that have shaped his creative journey, aiming to revive the avant-garde of the ’90s and bring drag culture into the Romanian mainstream. The project has both artistic and social significance, drawing primary inspiration from drag culture, which has played a pivotal role in his life.

More than just a fashion collection, “SUPERSTAR” is a social statement and a manifesto for the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers in Romania. Marius set out to create something beyond artistic expression—a space for affirmation and celebration of these often marginalized communities. This collection is dedicated to them, to those who have inspired him and taught him the power of authenticity.
With the same values and vision, the “SUPERSTAR” collection will continue to evolve with new pieces, featuring bolder shapes and more dramatic silhouettes. This ongoing evolution marks both a personal and professional milestone for HAUS OF CREATIVE REBELLION, shaping the brand’s first defining chapter.

Instagram: @hausofcreativerebellion

MAD HOUSE

MAD HOUSE presents an expressive vision of costume design, driven by a fascination with horror elements and gothic aesthetics.

It reinterprets punk and rock culture through a profoundly avant-garde lens, merging scenographic costume design with wearable fashion. Infused with dark influences, MAD HOUSE evokes a dramatic, theatrical image.

Three-dimensional cuts, unconventional accessories, and the use of original textures—such as artificial hair—are seen by the designer as gateways into the depths of the self. Each element of the collection contributes to a coherent and captivating narrative of character creation.

Here, the garment becomes a manifestation of a unique perspective on how gothic and horror elements can be reimagined within the context of contemporary fashion.

Instagram: @cristinadaia_

MIHNEA COVACI

Mihnea Covaci is an emerging Romanian designer, a graduate of the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca with a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree from the National University of Arts in Bucharest, specializing in fashion design. He has managed to capture the industry’s attention through a strong and dramatic aesthetic. His creations have been worn by numerous public figures at events, concerts, and in fashion magazine editorials.

Mihnea Covaci’s style is dramatic and full of strength, yet balanced by a distinctive refinement. Inspired by the archives of Alexander McQueen, the designer brings the aesthetics of the ‘90s to the forefront, reinterpreted through a modern lens. His collections explore powerful contrasts, juxtaposing rigid structure with the fluidity of materials, creating statement pieces.

The silhouettes proposed by Mihnea are feminine, sculptural, and elongated, emphasizing the strength and elegance of the wearer. Structured tailoring and dramatic proportions become defining elements of each collection, transforming every piece into an artistic manifesto.

Through his distinctive design, Mihnea does not merely create clothing; he tells stories of power, beauty, and individuality. With a clear vision and a bold approach, his brand establishes itself as a fresh voice in the fashion industry, reflecting a concept filled with drama and luxury.

Instagram: @covacimihnea

PIF STEPHANO

Ionuț Piscureanu studied Fashion – Clothing Design at the Faculty of Arts and Design in Timișoara, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 2018 and a Master’s degree in 2020. Since then, he has been creating and signing under the identity of Pif Stephano.

The aesthetic of the Pif Stephano brand presents creations inspired by and grounded in reality and contemporary issues, with society and contemporary culture serving as the primary sources of inspiration.

The activity of the Pif Stephano brand has been shaped through the presence of fashion works in national and international public spaces, showcased at events such as exhibitions at Diploma and Romanian Design Week, fashion shows, and specialized contests. He was a finalist in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Talent Award 2024 and has also presented his collections at events like Romanian Fashion Week 2022 and Feeric Fashion Week 2019.

Fashion magazines have promoted, supported, and validated his work through editorials and articles – Pif Stephano has been featured in magazines such as Elle, Glamour, Bazaar, Unica, A List Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Beau Monde, and Fashion Premium Magazine.

His collaborations with artists and public figures have been numerous, with his creations being worn by personalities such as: Delia, Loredana, Theo Rosé, Irina Rimes, Antonia, Alina Eremia, Alexandra Ungureanu, Alexandra Stan, Alina Ceușan, and Adelina Pestrițu.

Instagram: @pif.stephano

RICHARD

The RICHARD brand combines elegance and feminine strength in a collection that exudes confidence, authority, and success through prêt-à-porter outfits reinterpreted with a modern aesthetic. In a context shaped by technological advancement and ecological challenges, the collection explores the contrast between human vulnerability and adaptability, with each piece reflecting this duality through bold combinations of textures, forms, and contrasting materials. Inspired by the concept of power dressing, the RICHARD collection presents a style that emanates authority, professionalism, and refinement, creating a striking visual impact and projecting an image of competence and control.

The philosophy of the RICHARD brand is rooted in experimentation and innovation, with each stage of the creative process serving as an opportunity to push the conventional boundaries of fashion design. Through a highly precise technical approach, the brand incorporates advanced material processing techniques, including special treatments for leather and faux fur, complex pattern developments, and expertly crafted finishes. These interventions are not merely aesthetic details but defining elements of the modern, futuristic silhouette, where sports influences intertwine with sophisticated architectural structures.

More than just a collection, RICHARD presents a vision of fashion as a form of visual communication. In a society where image is essential, each piece becomes a statement—an extension of the wearer’s personality. Contrasting textures, carefully constructed volumes, and technical details create a balance between functionality and artistic expression, resulting in a rigorous, recognizable aesthetic deeply anchored in contemporary reality.

RICHARD is not just a fashion endeavor but a declaration about the future of fashion—a future where technology, performance, and individuality converge to redefine the concept of contemporary clothing.

Instagram: @richardonofrei

SANNÀT: The Art of Wearing a Narrative

SANNÀT is a conceptual fashion brand founded by designer Natalia Sandu, known professionally as Natha Sannat.

Established on November 19, 2023, the brand embodies Natha’s artistic vision—an exploration of form, structure, and self-expression through avant-garde aesthetics.

For Natha, design is more than fashion; it is a means of introspection and storytelling. Each collection is a reflection of her inner world, where emotions, thoughts, and experiences are transformed into garments. Every silhouette, detail, and color is chosen with intent, shaping a cohesive narrative that challenges conventions and invites personal interpretation.

SANNÀT is not just about clothing—it is about identity, depth, and the art of self-expression. Each piece resonates with those who seek authenticity, offering a connection between the wearer and the designer’s vision. The brand speaks to individuals who value intentional style and embrace fashion as a medium for storytelling.

“Wear more than just clothing. Wear intention,
wear a narrative,
wear SANNÀT.”

Instagram: @iamnatha.sannat

SZY

The SZY brand, founded by designer Noemi Szalkai, redefines fashion through an innovative vision that blends conceptual aesthetics with wearable functionality. With a strong background in fashion design and a passion for experimentation, each garment is created to push beyond conventional boundaries, transforming clothing into a means of exploration and personal expression. Through each collection, SZY invites the wearer on a journey of self-rediscovery, where fashion becomes an authentic and profound experience.

The journey of SZY is built on a solid foundation of higher education and industry internships in both Romania and Belgium, with the aim of exploring the relationship between the wearer and clothing through atypical cuts, unique color combinations, and material hybridization. The first collection, set to launch at RCW25, tells a story of humanity and the fragmentation of existence in the digital age—an interplay between control and vulnerability—while featuring modern silhouettes that reflect the dynamism of the contemporary world. SZY creates designs that not only impress visually but also establish a deep connection with the wearer, offering a sense of authenticity and confidence.

SZY aims to redefine the perception of fashion through high-quality pieces, strongly rooted in contemporaneity, capable of adapting to the needs and lifestyles of modern individuals. Collaboration with local suppliers and manufacturers who share the brand’s vision of sustainability and responsibility, as well as the constant drive to push beyond its own limits, are essential factors ensuring that every detail reflects a commitment to excellence.

Thus, SZY becomes more than just a fashion brand—it is the expression of a modern lifestyle where technology, design, and self-discovery intersect to create a unique and memorable experience. By choosing SZY, wearers embrace authenticity and innovation in every aspect of their lives.

Instagram: @szalkainoemi