Inconvenient Realities
In a world that responds to the pressure to achieve perfection through well-trodden paths and effortless travel, Romanian designers are ready to give people responsible alternatives and the confidence to visit each other however they want, replacing disposable clothes with a wardrobe that keeps its usefulness and actuality for as long as possible.
Text by Ruxandra Dragomir
Like any determined person who knows what she wants from life, Octavia Chiru has shown a passion for creative industries since she was little. “From an early age, the walls of the house were my canvas for expression. I would take waxed pencils and pens, then give free rein to my imagination, leaving behind abstract works of art. Coloring books were a delight for me. I was enthusiastic about choosing the right shades for each image. But what I really enjoyed was preparing the outfit for kindergarten. I carefully thought out my outfit for the next day, accessorized it and placed it carefully in plain sight so I could admire it. Since then, everything has merged towards a safe road, with no return ticket, to a world of fashion.” The support of her mother and the model of education she received made Octavia a complete person. Freedom of expression and choice gave him the opportunity to discover himself. She followed courses in painting, ceramic modeling and many others, which eventually led her to fashion design.
Nature is his main source of inspiration and he says about his creations that they carry on the story of those who enchant it with their eyes. “A work of art and at the same time an artist of the whole world, nature is the one I love and want to be as close to as possible. When I create, I weave stories woven with care at the loom, stories knitted with care at the endre and stories crocheted meticulously at the crochet. I like to share emotions through my creations!” In the creative process, he takes into account that his clothes should not be simple fabrics, but to convey emotions, to tell stories. “For me, every stitch is important and I am happy when I notice the work . That way I can get closer and understand what I’m wearing. Not just an object that I quickly throw on myself and then forget in the closet. What I want to feel is what I want to convey! Emotions and stories.” The visual identity of the Octavia Chiru brand is a complete fusion of shades, materials and shapes, it is a game of colors, textures, courage, sensitivity and boldness. “I like to outline the garment by choosing a monochromatic palette. Then I add depth through the play of materials, most often I combine wool with cotton and linen, all of which are complemented by shapes. Through tesserae and knitting, I manage to create shapes that give life to the entire outfit.”
She believes that clothes have come to be disposable, that we wear them only once so as not to lose our position in society. He blames both excessively fickle trends and brands that produce mass-market products, presenting unreal prices, compared to the work done behind the curtain. The current context is a period of discovery for Octavia, in which she learns to live the “moment” of a healthy present from all perspectives, thus ensuring a future that brings the consumer public closer to Romanian producers. He believes that the fashion industry needs a detoxification cure, the direction in which it is heading is good, but the perpetuation of responsibility is needed. He hopes that his brand will be supported by creativity, innovation, public appreciation and longevity.