Sunday 21 September, 4 - 6.30 pm: Demonstration & Discussion, Jasmine Is a Lie by MA RA MI

Romanian Cultural Institute, 1 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PH

The Romanian Cultural Institute is organising, at its headquarters, an event dedicated to Romanian innovation in the design industry, which focuses on designer Andra Clițan and her new collection entitled Jasmine Is a Lie. Conceived as a sensory celebration of textile art, the event will consist of a mini exhibition with some of the creations that make up this collection, as well as a creative demonstration with designer Andra Clițan and Gloria Mazzer.

The demonstration will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the process of creating the collection – where ancestral textile techniques, regenerative fibres and cultural storytelling intertwine. Sculptural outfits will be displayed alongside nettle threads, process sketches and live demonstrations of embroidery or decorative knots. During the demonstration, Andra Clițan and Gloria Mazzer will invite the audience to a presentation and conversation on themes related to memory, craft as ritual and intercultural connections. 

Anchored in regeneration and made with natural yarns from Wovenbeyond, Jasmine Is a Lie is made up of 10 outfits that represent a powerful expression of what fashion can become when it honours both the earth and heritage. Our natural, regenerative fibres, sourced from biodiverse ecosystems and carefully twisted, are the basis of each handcrafted piece. From the raw wool to the last stitch, every thread in Jasmine Is a Lie tells a story of connection: to the earth, to the craftsman, to meaning.

Andra Clițan is one of the most appreciated Romanian designers of the moment, internationally recognised for her original creations, meeting points between contemporary fashion, crafts and slow-fashion. Born in Baia Mare, she was deeply influenced by the traditions and crafts of her native area, her connection with her roots being reflected in her creations. In 2014, she founded MA RA MI, a brand that promotes sustainability and supports self-sufficient and independent communities, contributing to the preservation of ancestral techniques. With a degree in fashion design from the University of Arts and Design in Cluj-Napoca, and a PhD on the topic of traditional festive costumes from the Maramures region, Andra Clițan lives in Dubai, where she is a lecturer in Fashion and Textile Design at the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI). Through her work, she continues to inspire and promote Romanian traditions, integrating them into the global context of contemporary fashion.

Gloria Mazzer is the founder and director of Wovenbeyond, a British initiative producing sustainable, natural yarns. Through her company, she promotes a holistic approach to fashion that connects it to agriculture and encourages regenerative design. Wovenbeyond works with British farmers practicing regenerative agriculture, transforming premium wool into high-quality yarns and textiles. A passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture, circularity, and biomimicry, Gloria Mazzer is a pioneering entrepreneur bridging the worlds of fashion and farming.

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