"A Romanian designer with multiple interesting collections. Three young creatives from the accessories sector. An authentic capsule collection, filled with traditional motifs made by craftsman. These are the details of the IDentity collection, Andra Clitan's new project, the founder and designer of MA RA MI".
This is how the interview played out.
We not only explore stories and places, but also fabrics, old and new sustainable textiles. In this collection we used wool felt, silk, velvet, merinos spun wool and mohair, making one of a kind pieces made together with craftsman from Maramures county. This exploration was possible through a grant offered by the Romanian Ministry of Culture.
For the IDentity collection we worked closely with several craftsmen from Maramures, Transylvania. From fabrics, to working techniques and accessories, we tried to embed these elements and reframe them in a modern design. The collection is about people, their national costumes and beautiful traditions, about amazing places and stronger communities.
We are proud and excited to start a new project. MA RA MI was awarded with a project financed by the Romanian Ministry of Culture. Traditional crafts meet modern design. A micro collection that tells the story of our roots, the legacy of the ancestors, the essence of our identity.
Summer brings great news: MA RA MI is one of the 7 finalists selected for this year's edition of Creative Business Cup.
In 2016, a number of 75 companies applied only in Romania for this international competition, organized at national level by GEA Strategy & Consulting company.
"Creative Business Cup is much more than a competition – it is a global all-year initiative supporting entrepreneurs from the creative industries in growing their business ideas or – just as important – as contributors of creative and innovative solutions in other industries and society. Creative Business Cup empowers entrepreneurs in the creative industries, connects them to investors and global markets and strengthens their innovative capabilities to the benefit of industry and society."
"Ia", or the Romanian traditional blouse, is internationaly celebrated on June 24th. For this special event, a hand of authentic European fashion designers exhibited haute-couture pieces of Romanian traditional inspiration.
This year's concept lays under the symbols of innovation and aspiration, having Philippe Guilet, Andra Clitan (MA RA MI), Aram Nikolyan, Ana Zoe Pop, Maria Cioată, Irina Irimia, Răzvan Mureşan, Şerban Jipa, Petru Constatinescu and Oana Mureşan (QuestDome)as the fashion designers and artists involved in this international project.
A year ago, beginning of February 2015, Abu Dhabi: the most important festival celebrating Emirati culture is gathering early what is most representative for this country in terms of art, crafts, food, traditions, architecture and many others.
Absorbing and getting inspired from all the events scheduled during Qasr al Hosn Festival, simply to highlight to the world how important ones culture is, through all its aspects.
Once upon a time, when MA RA MI was just a dream, the Romanian traditional elements crafted by local artisans where used for a one of a kind "couture" collection - signed by Philippe Guilet in 2011/2012 for 100%.RO project. Back then Andra Clitan, the founder of MA RA MI, was the Studio Director for this great project, and one of her most important duties was to give consultancy on Romanian traditional art and crafts.
100%.RO was a unique project that inspired many people, not just the team and the public, but also the craftsmen from different areas in Romania, showing them that their work is highly appreciated and can be the fundament of an exquisite haute couture collection.
I feel a bit nostalgic these days, therefore I will treat you with a special story from my previous life. The life before coming to live in Far and Middle East.
It was the spring of 2011, and together with other four European designers we visited Armenia, meeting the four selected Armenian designers to be our pairs in a EUNIC/unique project: “Fashion Road: Dialogue across Borders”.
And the adventure started. From the Paradjanov Museum to the Museum of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran), from the Armenian Genocide Museum to the ancient churches such as Etchmiadzin Cathedral, everywhere you look you find something extraordinary – under a very ordinary appearance.
From tasting Ararat brandy to enjoying the delicious different fruits in chocolate, but nevertheless savoring the impressive healthy Armenian cuisine, all this trip was a delight for the senses.
What about our exploratory trip for fashion purposes? Here I let my pics to tell the story. Vivid in my memory like it happened yesterday...
It’s time to touch and feel the textures!
Starting this October, you can even try on the MA RA MI designs, if you visit the newly opened Molecule F concept store, in Promenada Mall, Bucharest.
My latest collection but also a few pieces from my previous ones are ready to be discovered by you.
And if you aren’t in Bucharest, don’t forget you can always buy something special from MA RA MI online shop.
Some pics from the opening last evening – great people, tasteful clothes, electric atmosphere. And no sleep before my flight back to Abu Dhabi!
