Cosmin Diaconu
Fashion Design - BA (Hons)
I have always been passionate about the world of clothes and fabrics. I can still recall the excitement of transforming my mother's scraps of fabric into garments for the doll I had. This early exploration awakened a profound passion within me — a realisation that my ideas and concepts could materialise into wearable garments that allow people to convey their true selves, make bold statements, and embrace their identities.
Fashion, to me, is a dynamic tool; a force that can shape and change the world. The works of designers like Vivienne Westwood always inspired me, reminding me of fashion's transformative power and its ability to challenge societal norms.
My creative journey begins with personal experiences and branches out to address social issues of the society I live in.
During my design process, I lend emotions with fabric manipulation, innovative silhouettes, and prints. They capture the core of my artistic vision and encourage the wearer to connect with a story that mirrors our common human experiences.
Fuelled by a thirst for knowledge, I am continuously learning and exploring. This enables me to create designs with a unique blend of tradition and innovation. By adding elements of my identity, I strive to create garments that provoke thought, challenge conventions, and push the boundaries of creativity.
Fashion has become my medium for dialogue, inspiring social change and individual expression, and I firmly believe that, when used thoughtfully, it can go beyond just clothes and become a way for people to come together and inspire each other in our ever-changing world.
La Dolce Vita is a collection that explores the challenges and self-expression of a young person who feels displaced. The use of military uniforms in the collection represents living under strict rules and restrictions, like during the time of Communism when freedom of expression was limited.
To add cultural touches, I included traditional Romanian patterns in the designs. These patterns are carefully created using laser-cutting techniques, which make the clothes more detailed and interesting. This is inspired by the colours, shapes, and materials used in the Constructivist movement.
I always prioritise sustainability in my work. For this collection, I used leather that was donated to the university and would have otherwise been wasted. Additionally, I made sure to use eco-friendly fabrics.
To create unique shapes for the clothes, I took inspiration from the geometric forms seen in Constructivist architecture. These shapes have strong lines and angles, giving a sense of movement and energy. I also used zero waste pattern cutting, which reduces waste and makes the clothes more sustainable.
La Dolce Vita is a collection that shows how fashion can tell stories, express individuality, and be mindful of the environment. By combining history and modern influences, the collection goes beyond just clothes, becoming a way to share experiences, celebrate personal identity, and promote sustainable practices.