Feeric Fashion Week Day 3: A Grand Finale of Global Creativity and Cultural Renaissance
The 17th edition of Feeric Fashion Week drew to a breathtaking close with a spectacular finale that transformed the picturesque city of Sibiu into an arena of fashion innovation and artistry. The final day of this esteemed event proved to be a triumphant celebration of global talent, uniting emerging designers and renowned academic institutions in a visual marathon that navigated unexpected spaces and juxtaposed rich aesthetic universes.
The day commenced with a groundbreaking initiative titled HAIDE taking place at the Cinegold theatre. Under the diligent coordination of Karla Ciambur and guided by the Feeric Hub, “Haide” serves as a cultural beacon, creating a dialogue between traditional Romanian heritage and contemporary artistic expression. Through this initiative, the authenticity of folk traditions was redefined, ensuring they resonate with today’s generations while maintaining their intrinsic value. The project brought together artists, artisans, researchers, and contemporary creators in a symbolic “horă,” or dance, representing the unity of arts and cultural identity—a perfect prologue to the day’s artistic revelations. This gathering of creative minds set a tone of reflection and innovation, inviting guests to appreciate the roots of a culture while envisioning its dynamic evolution.
As the sun rose higher, the lavish brick walls of Morii Boromir’s basement became a runway for a mesmerizing collection, “Paper Dolls” by Natalie Soto. This line served as a meditative journey into themes of healing, renewal, and the transformative power of fashion. Soto’s vision manifested through romantic silhouettes laced with edgy accents, featuring reimagined staples such as crisp shirts, cargo pants, bubble skirts, and whimsical babydoll dresses. The color palette was striking—bold blacks, soft pinks, and sunny yellows set the stage for a narrative of contrast and duality.
Utilizing a mix of repurposed fabrics including jersey, lace, organza, and hand-woven textiles, each garment was elevated by intricate hand-stitched details, delicate pearls, playful bows, and woven bags that encapsulated a story of beauty emerging from fragments. The designers invited us into their world—one where memories are carefully stitched into new realities, and remnants of the past are given a vibrant, audacious rebirth.
Following Soto’s poignant showcase, the ambiance shifted as we moved to the Municipal Stadium, where the terrace—now transformed into an elevated runway—became a showcase for the daring perspectives of the West University of Timișoara’s students. Addressing contemporary themes of collective memory, identity, trauma, and rebirth, their collection encapsulated the complexities of modern existence. Their innovative use of volumetrics, textures, and unexpected materials spoke to a generation caught in the throes of digital isolation, yearning for connection. These designs challenged the viewer to reflect not merely on the clothing itself but on the emotional narratives entwined within each piece, reminding us of the fragility and strength that coexist in human experience.
The presentations continued with an extraordinary visual journey from the National University of Arts “George Enescu” in Iași, featuring designers Alexandra Țigăeru, Delia Briceag, and Teodora Gaciu . Their work harmoniously blended tradition with modernity, combining reinterpreted historical styles, spiritual symbolism, and eco-conscious deconstruction. The collection drew from Romania’s rich heritage while embracing futurism, weaving a narrative of timelessness. Each piece resonated with cultural stories, creating a bridge between past and future, and urging the audience to recognize the importance of sustainable practices within art.
Yet, the most anticipated moment was the Gala Feeric in the enchanting Huet Square, where the rhythm of the week crescendoed into an awe-inspiring showcase. This flagship event showcased an impressive diversity of styles and philosophies, each designer contributing their unique perspective to the fabric of fashion.
Kauno Kolegija HEI: presented “Mild Power,” a collection that beautifully articulated the interplay of delicacy and strength within femininity. Utilizing an array of knits, sumptuous velvet, and raw denim, this collection unveiled the dichotomies women navigate, emphasizing that true power comes from embracing the feminine experience in all its complexities.
From the artistic mind of Daiana-Mihaela Stăncioiu came “UNAPOLOGETIC,” a groundbreaking project that intertwined the dimensions of photography and fashion in a revolutionary way. Her designs, embellished with botanical motifs and intricate embroidery, blurred the lines between art and garment, encouraging the viewer to reassess the boundaries of self-expression and artistic identity. The meticulous attention to detail and innovative interpretations presented a breathtaking exploration of form and function, where each piece told a story that lingered well beyond the runway.
The magnificent collaboration of IDA – International Design Academy & IFM Academy introduced “Timeless Monochrome Sophistication,” a collection that encapsulated elegance through an evocative black-and-white palette. This collection emphasized the notion of equilibrium, showcasing how simplicity in design can convey powerful messages of sophistication and timelessness. Every piece exuded an air of classic charm, prompting wearers to appreciate the subtle nuances that define true elegance.
The International Balkan University presented “Reflections,” a visually stunning amalgamation of sustainability and streetwear aesthetics. Through fluid draping and recycled materials, the pieces spoke to the pressing issues of contemporary fashion while remaining firmly rooted in stylish creativity. This collection not only highlighted the beauty of responsible practices in fashion but also empowered young designers to celebrate individuality through innovative means.
The showcase from the Kaunas University of Applied Sciences featured two poignant narratives: “Does She Speak Samogitian?” by Akvilė Bernotaitė, which breathed life into the vibrant traditions of the Samogitian region, and Kaylee Johnson’s “Grief,” a hauntingly beautiful homage inspired by brutalist architecture. This collection captured the raw emotions associated with architectural forms and the weight of personal loss, translating them into powerful wearable art.
Further embodying the spirit of inclusivity, Viamoda’s presentation showcased eight talented designers delving into concepts of gender identity, traversing the spectrum from androgyny to historic femininity. Through the use of delicate lace, intricate embroidery, and functional sustainable pieces, these creators challenged traditional gender norms, inviting the audience to engage with fashion as a medium for self-exploration and expression.
Lastly, the collaborative showcase from the University of Art and Design Cluj-Napoca featured a visually enriched laboratory of BA and MA students, presenting haute couture embroidery married with innovative volumetrics and a commitment to sustainability. Their creativity encapsulated the future of fashion: a dynamic interplay between artistry and responsibility, culminating in pieces that not only pay tribute to skill but also envision a more conscious industry.
Hosted by noted television personality Cosmina Păsărin, the Gala Feeric Fashion Week served as a ceremonial culmination, a celebration of the remarkable camaraderie and synergistic energy that emerged over the course of the week. This event reconfirmed Sibiu’s status as an incandescent hub of emerging fashion, showcasing how bold ideas and unconventional spaces transformed the city into an international reference for innovative design.
As the final curtain fell on Feeric Fashion Week 2025, it left behind an inspiring legacy—a testament to the power of creativity and cultural dialogue in fashion. This year’s edition illustrated the extensive possibilities within the industry, emphasizing not just what is worn, but how these garments can express narratives of heritage, identity, and sustainability. Filled with art of self-expression, the event has set the tone for the future of fashion—a future that invites all to engage with creativity, innovation, and cultural responsibility. The message is clear: the journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come. Feeric Fashion Week is where the heart of creativity beats strongest!
Feeric Fashion Week 2025 is co-financed by the City Hall of Sibiu and the Sibiu County Council, with significant support from primary partners NEPI Rockcastle and Promenada Sibiu. International collaborators included the French Institute, the French Embassy, Euronews, IED Milan, Ford, CineGold and Boromir.
KREEP. 