Young designer Mario Birdean, MDVTM: “I is important to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way”

He was one of the few designers that I returned for a second interview and shooting. And that’s because Mario Birdean’ second collection (master degree) was even better than his first one (at graduation). Therefore, after I have noticed the beautiful pieces with messages on it (and I recognized his style from a couple of designers presented at Romanian Creative Week) I knew I have to try on the clothes and to talked to him a bit longer. Meet Young designer Mario Birdean, MDVTM.

*** #FashionBlogger #FashionTrend #RomanianDesigner #English

More of Mario Birdean creations on Instagram – @mariobirdean.
More of MDVTM 2025 gala collections (graduates and master) – HERE. 

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

I would define my collection as a poetic social critique on the neglect of a nation’s past. The name “Echoes of Silence” is an antithesis that reflects the repercussions of communist censorship in Romania, the reality we now face because of voices that couldn’t be heard back then. One of the key intrigues of this story is how society today tends to romanticize a problematic past, looking for solutions in it. The collection carries a strong sense of nostalgia, though not necessarily in a positive way. I’m trying to raise awareness by building a narrative inspired by a present where we revisit the past perhaps too often.

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

I think the hardest part was working with a limited quantity of fabrics. I had to carefully select the vintage materials, find new ones that matched them while also being sustainable, and then figure out how to use the small leftover pieces creatively. Although challenging, it was also fun, it pushed me to be inventive and find unexpected solutions. It even reminded me of the resourcefulness required during the communist era’s rationalization period, which deepened my connection to the collection’s mood.

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

… 1950s fashion /Ana Blandiana’s poetry / Vintage fabrics / Family photographs / Communist symbols. 

Your first love story with the fashion world was…

Probably making dresses for Barbie dolls with my teenage neighbors, inspired by what celebrities wore in magazines. I was just a kid, but I loved it, haha. 

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

To take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Sometimes you might feel your ideas aren’t good enough and get discouraged, but it’s important to always put yourself out there. It’s not always about winning or being the best it’s about the experience, and you never know what might come from it.

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

… probably some form of jacket.

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

Trends come and go. Their ephemeral nature doesn’t really leave room for hate, at least not for me.

What is next for you?

Hopefully, a summer and autumn full of fashion festivals, maybe some rest, and then an Erasmus+ internship in fashion.

Name 3 fashion things that define you…
Deconstruction / Tulle / The color black. 

Music: Chappell Roan
Movie: Grey Gardens
City: Paris
Food: Eggplant salad
Painting: Fata pădurarului
Object design: Minimalist
School: UVT
Colour: Black
Fabric: Tulle
Fashion: 50s

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