”My concept stems from the story of my grandmother’s journey to this country. She worked hard as a seamstress, and in the little spare time she had, made beautiful handmade scarfs from the scraps she would find around the workplace. It was the selling of these pieces that afforded my mother the one way ticket to England where she would create our family. This story opened my curiosity to explore traditional Romanian garments, obsessing over the intricate embroidery techniques and unique tapestries. From this intense and thorough research – design, silhouette, fabrication and even stitch type have been informed to create a celebration of Romanian culture.
As I continued to expand and elevate my work I wanted to challenge the
Stereotypical views on Romanian culture by using latex as a Metaphor which is the medium that I use to bring into a contemporary state of view. Latex can be extended to bring improvements or change the standard behaviour of the system or stop time. Making people stop and Reminisce over the hardships immigrants endured.
I still, of course, want to pay homage to to the tradition of Romanian life. Lace and appliqué will play a large part in the collection in order to capture the delicate and intimate aspects that make up traditional Romanian garments
My final collection will challenge the makeup of these traditional pieces. This is a journey that will connect me and the audience to Romania and simply provide a thorough understanding of the land and it’s history.” – Lorena Pipenco
Fashion Designer & Creative Director: Lorena Pipenco
Photographer: Holly Mccandless-desmond
Makeup Artist: Viviane Melo
Hair Stylist: Kiara Corzelli
Models: Maria Seiya Mea, Anu Shankar, May Haremo, Stephanie Kaus, Anesu Noelle Mande
Assistants: Joss Mogli & Harry Blackley
Stylist: Tallulah Fry
