The innovative blend of traditional and modern elements, backed by an impressive history of production and a profound philosophy, wowed the large audience on the evening of June 14 at the 6th edition of the STUDENTS’ FASHION DAY 2024 festival. This dazzling and inspiring event, organized by the UTM Faculty of Design, has become a cherished tradition in the academic and cultural landscape of the country.
This edition was particularly special as UTM celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, marking a period during which the Technical University of Moldova has become a bastion of innovation and academic excellence, significantly contributing to the training of top specialists in various technical and artistic fields. Thus, the STUDENTS’ FASHION DAY 2024 festival was a reflection of this legacy, showcasing both the rich history and the promising future of the institution.
In his speech, UTM Rector Prof. Dr. habil. Viorel Bostan emphasized the importance of this event, highlighting the continuous development of the fashion design program and the valuable international collaborations that enhance the educational experience for students.
“As always, I am delighted to be here at Tekwill. Every year, traditionally in June, the Faculty of Design and the Fashion Design program exhibit the achievements of the past four years, presenting the final collections of their graduates. Each time we are very nervous, but also thrilled, because we know that this program is characterized by extraordinary creativity. It is a program we are incredibly proud of, and it has evolved tremendously in recent years. On this occasion, I congratulate the faculty, the teaching staff, and the students for these beautiful accomplishments. I am also pleased that for several years now, our friends and colleagues from partner universities or faculties in Romania have been with us. We greatly value this extraordinary cooperation. We hope that this festival will leave a lasting impact on the fashion industry in the Republic of Moldova,” said UTM Rector Prof. Dr. habil. Viorel Bostan.
The fashion collections were not only expressions of creativity but also powerful statements about contemporary society. Each collection was a deeply philosophical project, addressing various themes: from metamorphosis and identity to the human-nature connection and the impact of corporate culture on mental health. The students demonstrated a remarkable ability to combine innovation with tradition, offering the audience a new perspective on fashion as a form of art and communication.
The event had a notable international aspect, featuring collections from five of Romania’s leading fashion schools: West University of Timișoara (UVT), Art and Design University of Cluj-Napoca (UAD), Bucharest National University of Arts (UNArte), George Enescu National University of Arts in Iași (UNAGE), and Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad (UAV). This collaboration introduced a variety of styles and perspectives, enriching the overall experience and providing a platform for cultural and professional exchange among all participants.
Each of the 20 collections represented a story in itself, a visual dialogue between the designer and the audience, provoking strong reflections and emotions. The list of authors and coordinators who worked together to organize an exceptional evening is as follows:
● “(IN)CORPORATE” Collection, author: Cristina Alexandru, coordinator: Sergiu Crihaia, Bucharest National University of Arts, Romania;
● “Aurora Boreală” Collection (English: “Aurora Borealis”), author: Onu Mărioara, graduate of 2011, coordinator: Sireac Ludmila, UTM;
● “Next Word” Collection, author: Gumennaia Maria, graduate of 2011, coordinator: Sireac Ludmila, UTM;
● “Metamorfoză” Collection (English: “Metamorphosis”), author: Fărîmă Ana, coordinator: Bota Diana-Rodica, Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, Romania;
● “Bring the Vibe” Collection, author: Kovacs Andrea, coordinator: Cristina Lazăr, West University of Timișoara, Romania;
● “Flight” Collection, author: Ciobanu Roxana, coordinator: Hîrțescu Cristina, George Enescu National University of Arts in Iași, Romania;
● “Mit, basm, legende” Joint Collection (English: “Myth, Fairy Tale, Legends”), authors: Romaniuc Denis, Fărîmă Ana, Efros Marialina, Lupu Ana, coordinator: Ionescu Lacrimioara, Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, Romania;
● “Amaira” Collection, author: Comisaru Maria, coordinator: Alina Maria Griga, Bucharest National University of Arts;
● “Swan” Collection, author: Zingan Ana, coordinator: Palamarciuc Anna, UTM;
● “Vineri 13″ Collection (English: “Friday 13”), author: Baboș Gabriela, coordinator: Sandra Chira, West University of Timișoara;
● “Not a War” Collection, author: Braga Elena, graduate of 2016, coordinator: Lupu Ala, UTM;
● “Itemi” Collection (English: “Items”), author: Straticiuc Alla, coordinator: Tocarciuc Alina, UTM;
● “Gotica” Collection, author: Bulgariu Carolina, graduate of 2011, coordinator: Buga Violeta, UTM;
● “Caravasili” Collection, author: Caravasili Corina, coordinator: Lucian Broscătean, Art and Design University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
● “Sixculture” Group Collection, authors: Mîță Alina, Zavtur Anastasia, Patrașcu Vlada, Turcu Victoria, Țurcanu Miriela, coordinator: Tocarciuc Alina, UTM;
● “Dento Kara” Collection, author: Tuchendrea Teodora-Laura, coordinator: Cornelia Brustureanu, George Enescu National University of Arts in Iași, Romania;
● “Kintsugi” Collection, author: Hadîrca Ruxandra, coordinator: Tocarciuc Alina, UTM;
● “Ecouri digitale” Collection (English: “Digital Echoes”), author: Gliga Simona, coordinator: Savițcaia-Baraghin Iarâna, UTM;
● “Speechless” Collection, author: Miruna Petrescu, coordinator: Corina Mutu, West University of Timișoara;
● “Fulminare” Collection, author: Spatari Alina, coordinator: Palamarciuc Anna, UTM.
The public chose the favorite of the evening via QR code. The winner was “Friday 13”, author: Baboș Gabriela, coordinator: Sandra Chira, West University of Timișoara. The goal of this sustainable fashion design project is to contribute to social awareness regarding the impact of the fashion industry on the environment and people.
STUDENTS’ FASHION DAY 2024 is a celebration of the talent and creativity of all UTM and Romanian students, as well as a tribute to the history and impact of the Technical University of Moldova on the national and international stage, with the ambition of becoming a reference festival in the fashion industry in the Republic of Moldova and beyond. It was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and academic excellence, reaffirming UTM’s crucial role in nurturing and promoting young talents.
Congratulations to all the students and coordinators for their dedication and tremendous work. Thank you to everyone involved in organizing this resounding, extraordinary, and elevated event.
Happy anniversary, UTM, and here’s to many more successful editions of STUDENTS’ FASHION DAY!
