The young designer Andra Dălcăran, MDVTM 2025: “I want to experiment more, try different ideas without overthinking them, and see what feels right”

The red cape made some sensations. It was only that, but the collection of Andra Dălcăran was pretty spectacular – constructed from various fabrics, from taffeta to denim and flannel. I talked to the young designer about the specific elements on her moodboard, about the feminist message in her collection, about pieces that will stay in her future collections and the fashion world. Meet Andra Dălcăran, MDVTM 2025. 

*** #FashionBlogger #FashionTrend #RomanianDesigner #English

More of Andra Dălcăran creations on Instagram – @kisseninthesky / TikTok: kisseninthesky. 
More of MDVTM 2025 gala collections (graduates and master) – HERE.

How would you define your collection? Why this name, why this story? 

The “Covenant” collection was born from a deep need to reclaim, reinterpret, and bridge the past with the present through the archetypal figure of the witch. The symbol of the witch was chosen not only for its mythological power but for its cultural resonance, as a form of feminine resistance and a marginalized, yet potent voice. In contemporary society, women are still frequently reduced to images, their bodies hyper-sexualized, controlled, and judged, so within this context, fashion became for me a space of resistance and a way to challenge these stereotypes.
“Covenant” is about a new kind of femininity, one not shaped for the male gaze, but one that emerges from within. It is a covenant between woman and her deepest nature. The garments are created with generous volumes and textures inspired by the natural world, and an aesthetic that evokes the Victorian period, yet free from its historical constraints. At its core, “Covenant” is a story about women who no longer ask for permission to exist as they are.

The hardest part in the process of making the collection was…

Developing the patterns for “Covenant” involved a careful and experimental process. Starting with mockups, I draped directly on the mannequin to shape the voluminous silhouettes that define the collection. Traditional pattern-making wasn’t enough so I had to adapt and refine each piece repeatedly to balance structure with a sense of organic movement. Also the denim fringing and discoloration added another layer of complexity. Each garment was hand-fringed, thread by thread, to create a raw, almost unraveled texture. For discoloration, I used controlled bleaching, testing multiple approaches to achieve the irregular, time-worn effect I wanted. These techniques were slow and deliberate, reinforcing the collection’s themes of resistance, transformation, and the reclaiming of identity through craft.

Name 5 elements that were on your daily mood-board during the collection making… 

My mood-board was a mix of sketches, fabric and colour experiments, notes and finishing techniques. My sketches feature exaggerated, sculptural forms with wide hips, puffed sleeves, and oversized hoods. I pinned a wide range of fabric samples such as frayed denim and taffeta, as texture played a central role in shaping the tactile language of the collection. Deep blues, earthy greens and rust orange dominate, while mixing with the palette of the discolored denim. 

Your first love story with the fashion world was…

My first love story with fashion began when I was just five years old. I found one of my mother’s dresses, and without a second thought, I cut into it, completely convinced that my doll needed a new outfit. I didn’t know how to sew properly, and the result was far from perfect, but in that moment, I felt completely connected to the act of creating, so that impulsive cut marked the beginning of everything. The consequences came quickly and sharply, but it was worth it.

The most important lesson that you have learnt in school years at MDVTM was…

… that concept and craft must walk hand in hand and it’s not enough to have a strong idea, you have to know how to translate it with precision and discipline. These years taught me that every detail matters, that a stitch, a fold, or a fabric choice can carry not just aesthetic, but meaning.

The piece that will always be in your future collections will be…

… the oversized jacket. For me, it’s more than just a garment, it’s a kind of armor. It holds presence, structure, and attitude, and I love how it can transform the silhouette, how it carries both weight and freedom and it can transform any outfit into s statement. 

The trend that you hate (now and ever) is…

From my point of view, excessive neon just feels too loud and attention-seeking, it’s overwhelming to look at and hard to style without looking like you’re trying too hard. It doesn’t feel timeless and seems more like a trend that burns bright and dies fast. It’s just not my vibe.

What is next for you?

From my point of view, this is the time to really explore who I am as a designer. Moving to the UK feels like a fresh start, a chance to soak in a new atmosphere, new styles, and a different pace of life. I want to experiment more, try different ideas without overthinking them, and see what feels right creatively. Right now, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being bold, curious, and honest with what I’m making. Let’s see where it goes.

Name 3 fashion things that define you… 

I design with intention, not trends, I don’t follow hype just to fit in. If something doesn’t speak to me creatively, I leave it behind and i feel that my work reflects what is real to me, not what’s popular. I’m in an experimental phase and I’m not afraid to try, fail, or change direction. Right now, I’m exploring, mixing ideas, and letting my creativity lead the way without strict rules. Also fashion history deeply inspires my work. Seeing how styles reflect culture and identity reminds me that fashion is about more than clothes, it’s storytelling. History gives me a foundation to build on while pushing my creativity forward. That’s where I am — evolving, curious, and staying true to myself.

Music: dark electronic, rock, classical
Movie: Alien
City: London
Food: hamburger 
Painting: The broken column by Frida Kahlo
Object design: Koloman Moser
School: MDVTM, Facultatea Arte și Design, Universitatea de Vest Timi;oara
Colour: Indigo
Fabric: Denim
Fashion: Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood

Photography: Hannah Anches – @hannafphotography 
Location: Iulius Town Timișoara – @iuliustowntimisoara.