IONUȚ RĂZVAN approaches fashion as a poetic medium. Each collection functions as a chapter within a larger emotional narrative, where garments are designed to evoke introspection, construct imagery, and leave a lasting psychological imprint. The brand brings theatricality and dramatic tension into contemporary Romanian fashion, transforming clothing into an expressive and reflective act.
Walk me through your process, from the first idea to the finished piece. Is there a moment you love the most?
It starts with a special feeling; a moment in time that doesn’t leave me in peace. The only way to resolve it is to start sketching. There are many sleepless nights spent drawing dozens of versions of that feeling, until I finally select eighteen of them to continue working with. It’s a rollercoaster, sort of a very hardcore therapy session where I’m crying, accepting things, opening up, being happy, afraid, and so on. But it’s always worth it, because the moment I love most is seeing my work on the runway, worn by someone else. It feels like I’m sharing my mind with the world — and the world either accepts me, or it doesn’t.
What changed after your graduation collection „Nobody Finds Me Attractive“ and what stayed the same?
I have become more mature in my design process, meaning I also reflect on the business side of my work. I edit my sketches more, and I consider the woman I want to dress and her daily routine. To be honest, I am always going crazy while creating; that stayed the same.
When you saw the photo of THE gorgeous Coco Rocha wearing your dress on the red carpet at the Festival de Cannes 2025, what did you feel?
My God! I was driving to Iasi, the city where Romanian Fashion Week is being held to showcase my AW/25-26 collection, when stylist Ilya Vanzato sent me the photo. I had to pull the car to the side, I stepped out of it, and started jumping and screaming. Pure joy and happiness, it really was a defining moment for me, my career, and the feedback was amazing.
Can you tell me more about the „things i hear when it’s quiet“ collection, and specifically about look 6?
“things i hear when it’s quiet” was my attempt to create something more ready-to-wear, in the sense that I always tend to make every look a show look. For this project, however, I wanted it to function like a wardrobe, where you can choose a day look, a night look, a date look, or an office look — for every special moment in a woman’s life. I think we all have voices in our heads that become louder when it’s quiet, and being well dressed can make you feel better, so choose IONUȚ RĂZVAN, haha.
Look 6 features a pair of pleated shorts and a shirt where I moved the collar onto the chest, just because, why not? The pink fabric with tiny white stripes gives an office vibe, but with a twist. I doubled the cuffs for a modern take on the classic shirt that everyone has in their closet. I intended it to be a fun and playful look.
Is there a material you are obsessively drawn to right now?
I always come back to denim and silk. Constantly obsessed with them.
What does your studio look like?
Imagine a bachelor’s messy living room, but with more textiles, a sewing machine, fabric scraps, sketches, scissors, and pins. That’s me. But on a serious note, I’m trying to move everything into my own studio, and for now I’m working in different ateliers where I can produce my clothes.
You are from Bucharest, a city where a lot has been happening for a while now. What makes it such a fertile ground for fashion and art?
We are the young voices with visions that don’t let us sleep at night, and we have to bring those visions to life. We have many places to showcase our work, and as time flies, Bucharest is becoming an art and cultural center. We have Mercedes-Benz Bucharest Fashion Week, two seasons per year, Bucharest Design Festival, museums, well-known galleries, and off-spaces. Most importantly, we have the talent, and I think the future of art in general is in good hands, because I’m seeing more young people visiting and engaging in art events.
How are you spending the summer?
Making my SS27 collection. I’m trying to get more sleep, as I made 2 collections back-to-back this year. Hectic times I’m living, but it’s what I’ve dreamed of since I can remember.
IONUȚ RĂZVAN – www.instagram.com/ionutrazvan_/
