Laura Lazăr: “Fashion is where my soul speaks loudest” – the interview with the designer

I know Laura Lazăr for years now. And I have always admired her rock’n roll style and I wished I could wear her pieces – I really think these would have been my favourite party outfits in the college years 🙂 “Fashion, for me, became a way to capture the energy, a language to express the spirit of rebellion and freedom”, says Laura. And her special energy can be felt all over her fashion studio – black, studs, sequins, a lot of avant-garde cuts and pieces that could be own in more than one way (I loved the blazer with the tail). In one cold day of December, I tried a lot of her pieces – felt like I am a rocker teenager again and thank her for that. What’s next? “I want to explore more deeply the intersections of design, tradition and innovation, the balance between the raw and the refined. In the future, I want to push boundaries – not just in designing, but in the way we approach storytelling in fashion.”
Photography: Ramona Copil – @ramona.copil.
The latest collection is named… The Witch and it is about the fearsome power of the rebellious women.
First piece designed was… a mini black lace dress.
The latest piece / outfit designed is… my outfit for New Year’s Eve.
About Laura Lazar we should know (and we didn’t)… I’m actually an introvert.
We can find your designs on… lauralazar.com / Insta https://www.instagram.com/lauralazarworld/?hl=ro / Fb https://www.facebook.com/LauraLazarRockAndRoyalWorld/
Your first love story with fashion world has started when…
My love story with fashion began long before I even realized it. As a child, I was captivated by the energy of rock ‘n’ roll that filled my home, the kind of music that makes your soul feel alive. I vividly remember watching the videotape of the Woodstock ’69 festival repeatedly, captivated by the music and the free-spirited artists. This era, especially the 70s psychedelic movement, left an indelible mark on me, shaping my creative vision and becoming the core of my brand’s identity. Fashion, for me, became a way to capture that energy – a language to express the spirit of rebellion, freedom. It wasn’t just about clothing; it was about storytelling, about channeling that boldness and individuality into something tangible. Fashion became my way of creating worlds. It’s where my soul speaks loudest.
#RockAndRoyal. This is, for short, the image of your designs. Why did you choose this vibe?
#RockAndRoyal captures the soul of my designs – a perfect blend of the rebellious energy of rock‘n’roll, the mysterious, dramatic beauty of Gothic-inspired majesty and the glamorously decadent spirit of Studio 54. Rock ‘n’ roll is all about freedom, defiance, and individuality, while the “royal” element draws from the haunting elegance of Gothic palaces, timeless architecture, and dark, poetic stories. This combination represents a world where raw edge meets refined mystique, where rebellion intertwines with a sense of grandeur and depth. It’s not just about making bold statements – it’s about creating a balance between daring expression and timeless rafinament, where every piece feels like a chapter in a larger, cinematic story.
At its core, #RockAndRoyal also channels the electrifying spirit of places like Studio 54 – a world where rules didn’t exist, where creativity and self-expression thrived in chaos and glamour. It was a universe of fearless individuality, eclectic characters, and unapologetic boldness, and that energy continues to inspire my work. It’s about embracing the madness, the freedom, and the allure of being entirely and uniquely yourself.
For me, #RockAndRoyal is a lifestyle philosophy – it’s a celebration of individuality and self-expression. It’s about stepping into a world that is unapologetically yours. You own who you are! And yes, to find all these about me, I worked with a specialized coach, my friend Florina Onetiu, who helped me reconnect with the essence of my soul in my work. Through her guidance, I was able to dig deeper into my creativity, rediscover my vision, and channel my authentic self into my work. It was a transformative process that brought clarity and a renewed sense of purpose to my designs.

It was a bumpy road? 🙂 Which ones were the happiest and the lowest moments? What is the drive, the impulse, the meaning that you have in mind every day in the studio?
It has certainly been a bumpy road, filled with highs and lows, as every creative journey tends to be. The happiest moments are always those when I see my designs come to life – when an idea, just a fragment of emotion in my mind, transforms into something tangible, something that others can see, feel, and connect with. Those moments, whether it’s a runway show, a fitting, or even just a small detail coming together perfectly, are deeply fulfilling. Watching someone wear something I’ve created and feeling their confidence radiate – that is a joy I can’t put into words. It’s in those moments I feel most connected to what I do, as if I’ve touched something deeper, something lasting
The lows, though, they have their own lessons. There are days when nothing seems to fit – when ideas don’t flow, when the process feels heavy. But I’ve come to embrace those moments too, because they force me to pause, to reflect, and to find something new within myself. I’ve learned that it’s within those challenges that sometimes best work often emerges. Creativity isn’t about perfection – it’s about persistence, about embracing the unknown and transforming it into something beautiful.
Every day in the studio is a balance between creativity and intention. Some days are about quiet focus, making decisions that shape the future of the brand, while others are filled with the energy of meeting clients and then there are the creative days where my sketches are turn into pieces of clothing. It’s a constant rhythm of creation and connection, where every moment – whether strategic or personal – feeds into the bigger vision. What drives me is the knowledge that through fashion, I have a voice—a way to express what I feel and what I want to say to the world. It’s not just about making clothes; it’s about storytelling, about creating pieces that resonate with people and make them feel something. That’s what makes it all worth it. I feel so grateful to wake up every day and do what I love.
You had some out of the box projects – Romanian Treasure & ZayLLa. Why do you feel like you have to do these projects and how do you intend to continue with them?
ZayLLa was a dream that lived quietly in my mind long before it came to life. She was the embodiment of a feminine beauty so rare and elusive that I could only imagine her, sketching her essence in my thoughts. And perhaps it was because I couldn’t find her in the real world that she became such a vivid part of my imagination – an ideal waiting to take form.
When the pandemic came, with its lockdowns and silences, it felt like the perfect time for her to be born. The world had changed, and with it, the ways we could create and share. We couldn’t gather, couldn’t shoot campaigns, couldn’t interact as we once did. That’s when I realized it was her moment. Together with Maria, my childhood friend and lifelong creative partner, we gave life to ZayLLa – a virtual muse, a vision I had carried with me for so long.
ZayLLa wasn’t just a solution to a logistical problem; she was a lifeline for my creativity during a time when the world felt heavy and still. Through her, I could showcase my designs, her virtual form breathing life into them when reality couldn’t. She became a symbol of resilience, of how art adapts and endures even in the most uncertain times.
After the pandemic, I returned to the world I knew—the joy of real models, and the energy of physical shoots. But ZayLLa remains close to my heart. She’s a part of my journey, a reminder that even in the most challenging moments, creativity finds a way. And while she rests for now, I know her story isn’t over. One day, when the time is right, she’ll return, carrying with her the same sense of innovation and beauty she was born from.
Romanian Treasure is my love letter to Romania, and I feel privileged to share it with the world. The idea came during a family trip to Bran Castle. Surrounded by tourists from all over the world, me and Vicentiu start thinking that we, as Romanians, often forget to truly celebrate the treasures we have. Our history, our art, our people are rich with stories waiting to be told, yet we let them fade into the shadows far too often. I realized that I had a lot of t-shirts with my favorite bands but not a single one that celebrates the personalities from Romania I truly admire and speaking with Vicentiu about that, I become aware that I wanted to change that. I wanted to give a voice, a platform, and a visual identity to the legends and visionaries who have shaped who we are. That’s how Romanian Treasure came to life—a capsule collection that pays homage to extraordinary figures.
Everything was carefully researched and thoughtfully documented to ensure that each graphic reached its final form—a true reflection of the value and essence we sought to express. It was about more than design; it was about capturing the soul of these personalities and honoring their legacy in a way that feels both timeless and meaningful. Each one is more than just another T-shirt – it’s a story, a celebration of their legacy. It’s my way of saying, “Look at where we come from, look at what we carry within us.” When someone wears a Romanian Treasure design, they’re not just wearing a T-shirt – they’re carrying a piece of our history, a reminder of who we are and the beauty we can share with the world.
Even the name, “Romanian Treasure,” was intentional. I wanted it to resonate universally, for those words to spark curiosity wherever they are seen. Imagine someone walking down the streets of New York or Paris with “Romanian Treasure” written across their back – it’s a statement, an invitation to ask, “What is Romania’s treasure?” It’s a way of sharing our culture far beyond our borders.
Among the most beautiful moments in this journey was meeting Margareta Pâslaru, the only one from the values chosen who is still with us. She is, without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary women I have ever met – graceful, kind, and endlessly inspiring. Her support when I first launched this project meant the world to me. She believed in me, in my vision, and in this tribute to Romania. I owe her so much, and I carry her encouragement with me every step of the way.
So, Romanian Treasure is my way of reminding people of the richness we hold within our culture, of reigniting that pride and connection to our heritage. And this year, the project will continue. The turbulence we’ve experienced recently in Romania – socially, politically – has sparked a new wave of inspiration. Perhaps it’s in these moments of unrest that we feel an even stronger pull to our roots, to the things that truly matter, to the people and values that define us.
The seed of the idea was planted last year, after visiting an Art Safari exhibition. I saw incredible Romanian women whose stories deserved to be louder, their presence more celebrated. That moment stayed with me, growing into a vision to honor them through my work. Romanian Treasure will return with new stories, new icons, and a renewed purpose to bring these values back into the hearts of the Romanian people. It’s a project that reminds us of who we are, of the treasures we hold, and of the legacy we continue to build.

And, speaking about that… AI – help or threat for designers and fashion?
I think, like any new and unknown thing, it has the power to both intrigue and intimidate. It’s something that excites you with its possibilities, yet it also stirs a sense of uncertainty, even fear. And I believe that’s natural – every great innovation carries this duality.
At the moment, it feels like we’re still in the early stages of understanding its full potential and its impact, particularly in creative fields like fashion. It’s evolving so rapidly that it’s hard to fully grasp where it might take us. I imagine it could open doors to entirely new ways of working, perhaps shifting how we communicate, produce or even design. But at the same time, it’s impossible to ignore the questions it raises about authenticity, artistry, and the role of the human hand and heart in creation.
I haven’t spoken much about AI before, but I find myself curious. I see it as something that’s unfolding before our eyes, shaping and reshaping itself as we learn to navigate it. I think it might become a tool, a collaborator, or even a catalyst for new creative directions. But for now, I’m still in a place of exploration – observing, wondering, and trying to understand what this could mean for designers like me, who have always valued the deeply personal and emotional connection to their work.
What I do know is that creativity, at its core, is about humanity – about expressing something that feels deeply personal and true. And as long as we stay connected to that, no matter how much technology evolves, we’ll always find a way to make it work for us, not against us. AI may be a challenge, but it might also be an opportunity – a new path we’ve yet to fully imagine. For now, I choose to stay open and let the journey unfold.
Your pieces will tell about the women who will wear it…
… that they are real Rockstars in their own right. They have the audacity to be the way they wants to be, without feeling bound. A free spirit who feels like living a rockstar life. They are women who believe in themselves, who embrace their individuality and live unapologetically. Each design becomes a part of their journey, a statement of confidence, rebellion, and strength. It’s about celebrating their uniqueness and giving them a way to express their power and presence through what they wear. I love to think that my designs are meant to empower, to give women the confidence to step into their own light and embrace what makes them unique.
The most extravagant thing you wish to design is…
… is not just a piece of clothing, but an experience – a story that comes alive through every detail. I dream of creating something that blurs the lines between fashion, art, and performance. Whether it’s designing for a conceptual art installation, or even a piece that feels like it holds a life of its own, the extravagance lies in the creativity, in the fearlessness to push boundaries, and in creating something that resonates deeply. For me, true extravagance is not just about how something looks or the high price – it’s about how it makes you feel.
Maybe Rock And Royal inspired universe, a blend of mystery and rebellion, filled with dramatic textures, bold silhouettes, and an atmosphere that feels almost cinematic.
The remedy for an inspiration gap would be…
… to immerse myself in everything around me that stirs my soul – music, art, a thoughtful conversation, or a moment of stillness. Anything that resonates and breathes life into creativity.
We need fashion in our life because…
Like Love… Fashion is everything! It’s a form of self-expression, a way to tell our story without words, to celebrate who we are and who we dare to become.
What is next – for you and your brand?
I see my brand continuing to grow as a voice for individuality and authenticity, always staying true to the my beliefs. I want to explore more deeply the intersections of design, tradition and innovation, the balance between the raw and the refined. In the future, I want to push boundaries – not just in designing, but in the way we approach storytelling in fashion. Being constant means showing up every day, no matter the challenges, and believing in what you do. Perseverance turns obstacles into opportunities and small steps into lasting progress . So for me, it’s about finding the balance between structure and creativity, between planning for the future and being present into my soul. But above all, the heart of my brand will remain the same: a celebration of the spirit of those who dare to stand out. It’s my voice – my way to share to the world what I think, feel or dream.

Photography: Ramona Copil – @ramona.copil.
TAGS: #RockAndRoyal, fashion, gothic, Laura Lazar, rebel, rock'n roll, Romanian designer