"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.
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...
Once visiting Shanghai History Museum, one can't miss the Chinese ceramic: from hand-built pottery vessels fired in bonfires or kilns, to the sophisticated Chinese porcelain wares made for the imperial court.I was not only impressed by the delicate lines and apparent fragility of the ancient bowls and tea pots, but inspired: amazing cautiousness for details and resilience through times. Shanghai History Museum is a great experience, a must see while visiting this part of the world!
The International Textile Fair Dubai 2015 is an excellent place to meet professionals in fashion - this year's edition was a great selection of people, trends and topics. I had the chance to attend this event as a speaker, presenting my work as a true showcase of multicultural diversity: a glimpse of Transylvanian crafts in the Middle East. It is more and more obvious for everybody that MA RA MI is rather an international brand than simply a Romanian oriented one.
