Octavia Chiru: “Do not let the trends eat your creativity!” – interview with the designer 

First, I saw her pieces in an art gallery and I was amazed by the organic shapes, the colours and the details. I could have left with all of them at one. After two days, I encountered a beautiful picture in a magazine with a dress I wish I had it for the summer. And, looking at the picture I realized it was the same artist. When some months later I met Octavia Chiru at RDW 2023 I know it was a sign. Therefore, we met at AlbAlb Shop and played a little with ceramic jewellery and the pieces from her latest collection. Read below the interview with the designer Octavia Chiru.

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• All the collections and ceramic pieces are available online on www.octaviachiru.com. 
• The newest storiess on Instagram @octaviachiru and for the offline experience with the products I collaborate with some interesting concept stores from Romania… Bucharest: AlbAlb Shop – @albalb_shop / Altrntv Shop – @altrntvshop / Galateca – @galateca and Constanța: Rafia Studio – @rafia.studio and Timișoara: Monoton Shop – @monoton.shop.

Your first fashion crush story was related to… 

Woaa… Barbie’s World and Disney princesses, these counts? They were my first, first introduction to the fashion world. It was hypnotized with all the pink in the world and the magic stories within. 

Fashion, was a main position from the beginning, that’s how they let us, the viewers/readers, interpret their characters. From the colors of their garments, to the shapes and details. It’s something about discipline and how you present yourself, this is what they taught me, not in a superficial way, but it’s very important to love and respect ourselves. Then, we will be able to spread good around us and this will reflect in our lifestyle. 

When and why did you decide to design ceramic jewellery? 

For me, ceramic is a magical material. I love the permissiveness that it offers in creation and the fun along the process. I’ve had the first interaction with ceramic, many years ago, when I was in kindergarten for a creative workshop. I’ve had the chance to play with the material for several times, but it wasn’t something serious, until in 2020. The pandemic year was the perfect opportunity to rediscover myself, because I’ve had the precious time just for me. That’s how I’ve escaped from the everyday prison of needs and to do’s. So, to fill my days, I’ve did what I love the most and that’s to create. I’ve experimented with many unconventional materials and I’ve wanted to resume my journey with ceramic, my lost and found love. 

I’ve made many pieces, from ceramic bags to buttons and of course, jewellery, The main goal was to complete my vision of OCTAVIA CHIRU head-to-toe look, to own every piece from the collections and to be happy with the “new character” I’ve created. Fact: Until 2020, I’ve never wore jewellery. Now, I wear 24/7.

Why all your outfits tell a story? I loved those one from the series When Time Doesn’t Exist. 🙂 

I can tell about myself, that I am a happy ending seeker and I love to see the beauty in everything. I adore fairytales and the feeling of freeness when we dream. 

Octavia Chiru fashion universe is a full volume with lots of chapters/collections, different characters/outfits and emotions/attention to every detail. They bring life from my perspectives, beliefs, experiences and all of the rollercoaster of feelings that make us alive. Just let us dream! 

I saw chapter 1 to 3 from your work – from tapestry to nature & organic and to a mix between ceramics and outfits in a surrealist world. What to expect from the next chapter? 

It’s a “in the moment” feeling when I create. I don’t make plans along the way. I let myself dream and be very present in the creative process. That’s a moment I cherish the most, the peace, the goosebumps and the click with a new idea. I am curious too, to see what my emotions will bring to light for the next chapter! 

Your collections will always include (a piece, a theme, a colour)… 

A specific color, for sure! I must say that I love all the colors and their shades. I’ve learnt to feel the energy that each of them spreads around. 

It is a fun story about my choose for a particular color, because it’s very natural and random. 

Each time I create a collection I have a special feeling. Then, my eyes and heart follow a single color that suits perfect with that emotion. It brings up a special point of view, a lighted way, the tone, the vibrance, the deep are all smooth and perfect together. That’s how it becomes my favourite color for a season or more and it remains forever in my mind. 

The biggest challenge for a designer nowadays is… 

To be authentic and not let the trends eat your creativity! In the world of consumerism is very hard to keep up with the continuing change and needs. That’s why it’s easy to get lost on your way and it becomes challenging. 

The designer you would like to ask for a coffee and a piece of advice would be… 

Hmm… I have a lot of masters in mind, it’s very hard to choose one… 

Legend for the boldness and break the social boundaries in her era – Elsa Schiaparelli Contemporary mastermind– Miuccia Prada. 

The remedy for an inspiration gap would be… 

Give yourself patience and self-understanding. The creative process can’t be rush, it’s something like the planets alignment, everything must be at the right spot to have a click. When you over thinking, you need to let go the brainstorming and do something that gives you peace and fun. 

What is next for Octavia Chiru brand? 

Everytime I want to keep and bring mystery, but what can I tell you is that I am focusing on extend the brand to a next step on this beautiful journey.

Photography: Ștefana Lungu – @stcfana. 

The photographies were taken at AlbAlb Shop. Thank you for the support!