EDUCATED CREATIVE ROMANIA – SIBIU 2.0 was launched and publicly presented in May 2022, as an experiment to obtain market responses regarding the need for such a program. It is part of the international FEERIC HUB project, which covers over 40 educational institutions from 30 countries, and the EDUCATED CREATIVE ROMANIA – SIBIU 2.0 project implements activities in the country according to the project objectives.
The program will include educational events dedicated to developing the skills necessary to face post-school challenges, with a particular emphasis on sustainable development and the integration of circular economy principles in creative industries.
July 15: Education in Fashion Entrepreneurship – Inspiration, Style and Sustainability
On July 15, at CINE GOLD – Promenada Sibiu, the first day of the Educated Creative Romania – Sibiu 2.0 program will officially begin, an innovative project that will bring together education, creative industries and social responsibility, within a national and international initiative coordinated by FEERIC HUB. In the form of masterclasses, workshops and inspirational panels, participants – young designers, pupils, students and professionals in the creative field – will have an intense day dedicated to fashion entrepreneurship.
Alina Ceușan: From online to offline
The day will start with a masterclass held by Alina Ceușan, content creator and founder of the Retro Future brand. In an authentic speech, Alina will talk about the natural transition from online presence to concrete entrepreneurial action, about personal branding and the courage to build your own aesthetic in a crowded digital environment. With a loyal community behind her and a nonconformist style, Alina will demonstrate that fashion means both assumption and freedom.
Giovanni Ottonello (IED): Fashion Forward – Exploring New Frontiers
At 3:00 PM, Giovanni Ottonello, Artistic Director of the prestigious Istituto Europeo di Design (IED), will hold an interactive workshop, alongside Marta Malcontenti (Group Area Manager). Together, they will challenge participants to rethink fashion as a space where tradition intersects with sustainability and innovation. The workshop is announced as an invitation to concrete dreaming: what’s next for fashion and how do we prepare for a creative, but also ethical future?
Sara Sozzani Maino: The Courageous Generation
One of the most anticipated appearances of the day will be Sara Sozzani Maino, Creative Director of Fondazione Sozzani and founder of Vogue Talents. She will discuss the potential of new generations to change the face of global fashion. With an impressive portfolio and key roles in platforms such as the LVMH Prize or the Camera della Moda Italiana, Sara will talk about mentoring, support for emerging brands and the urgent need for accountability in the creative industry. “The brave next gen” will not just be a slogan, but a clear direction for development.
Diana Drăgotescu: Fashion on the small screen – between information and message
From 18:00, TV producer Diana Drăgotescu (Euronews Romania) will bring a media perspective on fashion, based on her experience with the show HYPE. The central message? Fashion must be understood, not just consumed. With clear examples and a critical approach, Diana will highlight the role of television in forming an informed, connected and open audience towards new fashion trends.
Rita Sarkis: Style – a form of personal coaching
Next, at 6:30 PM, Rita Sarkis’ masterclass will bring the psychological angle into the discussion: style as a reflection of identity and a tool for personal development. Designer, coach and teacher, Rita will talk about the balance between outer and inner beauty, about authenticity and how personal image can become the engine of success in life and career.
The F Words: Femininity, Strength, Fashion
One of the most dynamic moments of the day will be the “The F Words” panel, moderated by Gianina Corondan, alongside designer Ioana Ciolacu and entrepreneur Alina Lazariu (Dualitae). The discussion will highlight the connections between femininity, power and stylistic expression, in a professional and personal context. Each guest will bring a unique vision on how fashion can become a space of assumption and transformation.
Opportunities for emerging designers
The evening will end with a valuable panel on real opportunities for young creatives. Silvia Floares (Mezanin Market) and Oana Lazăr (NEPI Rockcastle) will discuss how emerging designers can be supported through partnerships, exhibition platforms and the creation of a sustainable creative economy.
Speeding Up slow fashion
Educated Creative Romania – Sibiu 2.0 continues on July 16 with the segment Speeding up slow fashion, which will bring to the fore important voices in the field of sustainable fashion, who will hold presentations, panel discussions, workshops and masterclasses dedicated to both industry professionals and the general public.
The event will start at 9 am and will be opened by Mitichi Preda, president of Feeric Fashion Week and Alexandra Servel, director of the French Institute in Cluj. Then, participants will be able to watch the following speakers:
- Elena-Alexandra Miron – Introduction & Moderator of the panel discussion
A graduate of international law, diplomacy and global change, Elena works in the field of sustainability and youth representation. She is the founder and president of the Youth Platform for Sustainability, promoting education for sustainability and civic engagement of young people in Romania.
- Mariana Stan – Introduction & Awareness Workshop Facilitator
The National Coordinator of Fashion Revolution Romania, Mariana has over 15 years of experience in PR and consultancy and is an important voice in promoting transparency and responsibility in the fashion industry.
- Darja Richter-Widhoff – Panelist & Masterclass
A fashion designer, teacher and researcher based in Paris, with a remarkable track record that includes collaborations with Donatella Versace, Maison Leonard and Paul Smith. She is a professor at EnsAD and co-director of the ENAMOMA-PSL master’s degree, focused on innovation and sustainable fashion.
- Arielle Lévy Verry – Panelist & Workshop Facilitator
A social entrepreneur and founder of the collective Une Autre Mode Est Possible (UAMEP), Arielle promotes eco-design, circular economy and textile solidarity, being actively involved in developing a sustainable alternative in fashion.
- Claudia Nemeș – Panelist
Self-taught fashion designer, founder of Arc Studio in Cluj-Napoca, a brand focused on sustainable and timeless clothing. In 2024, Arc Studio won second place in the Speeding Up Slow Fashion call for projects.
- Elvys Sandu – Panelist
Romanian designer, co-founder of the social enterprise REDU in Iași, which transforms textile waste into new products. She holds a master’s degree in Slow Fashion and co-founded REDU, a certified social enterprise based in Iași, which transforms pre- and post-consumer textile waste into upcycled clothes and accessories, collaborating with local factories and communities to reduce waste in the industry.
This event will be a platform for learning, dialogue and inspiration for all those interested in transforming fashion into a more responsible, equitable and sustainable sector. Participation is open to the public, and the activities will be structured to encourage active engagement and collaboration between generations and professionals.
