Introducing designer Daniel Radu. “This year I graduated from the fashion design faculty in Bucharest. My B.A. degree project is “alchemy”, a collection addressed to the modern human of the 21st century through the fusion between sport and elegance.” Photography by Robi Boscai. The models are Alexandra Babascu and Christian Danu.
KALTBLUT: Tell me how you first became interested in fashion; and why you decided to become a fashion designer.
It might sound like a cliché but when I was in 6th grade I discovered Fashion TV, randomly, and I was fascinated by „Les Insectes” by Thierry Mugler. Since then I knew that fashion would be my lifestyle. Even if I like to make stylings and creative directions for different photoshoots sometimes, I always come back to fashion design in my little atelier.
KALTBLUT: Tell me a little bit about your journey that led to you releasing your new collection?
This collection is really special to me because I tried to incorporate my signature style in the outfits, but also to make them wearable for others. Since the beginning, I knew that I wanted to combine sportswear with something classy, maybe with unisex accents. This is a concept that reflects the 21st-century modern human, who’s in a permanent transformation. The collection aims to cover several aspects of everyday life simultaneously, through versatile statement pieces. The most difficult thing for me to find was the balance between these two opposite styles, and it felt like an alchemy process because this collection combines concepts with real materials to achieve this balance.
KALTBLUT: How would you describe your style and fashion?
Since most of the clothes that I wear are self-made, my style is quite personal because I know myself well. Over time I have crossed many stylistic areas, I have experimented and I am aware that my evolution does not stop here. However, I can say that I have found a direction that combines sports with everyday elements and I try to reproduce this aesthetic through my designs.
KALTBLUT: Are there any fashion icons who inspire your design?
Answer: I am not looking for muses or fashion icons to be inspired by to make my designs but I am always aware of everything that is happening around me. I am the one who should create something iconic.
KALTBLUT: What would you say makes your design stand out against other brands?
I am aware that in our days it is difficult to come up with something completely new but I also believe that it is enough space for everyone in the fashion industry. When I started to work on this collection I wanted to create something fresh and relevant for what is happening nowadays. So, the classic pieces I created have sporty lines, they break away from the conventional and are wearable in any context.
KALTBLUT: Where do you find your inspiration for your work?
Ordinary human beings on the subway, some shoes, most of the time I am inspired by my own needs and so on. Music is also an important factor in my creation process because it can change my mood with a single track. But I am always addicted to the workshop atmosphere, if the mood changes the whole inspiration transforms. When you work on a big project you need an obsession, something that keeps you mystified because the inspiration source must be difficult to exhaust.
KALTBLUT: What advice would you give to people who want to experiment more with the clothes they wear?
I always like to say that it’s better to be poorly dressed for a day because you’ve experimented than to be poorly dressed all your life out of a lack of courage. Experimentation is the basis of any innovation in the field of art, and fashion is no less. If you still want to feel good trying to approach new areas, always bring in the proposed styling of a piece that is really comfortable for you to give the feeling of familiarity. In this century, we are more prone to change than ever, and this requires many changes in the way we look.
KALTBLUT: What are your favourite pieces from your collection?
It is really difficult for me to choose just a few pieces but I think I will always love blazers combined with male skirts. Also, one of my favourite female outfits is the sport blue and grey gown because it shows the style direction perfectly.
KALTBLUT: How would you describe the local fashion scene/industry in your home town/country?
Here in Romania, the fashion industry is not that big or evolved, sadly. However, I had the chance to work with some incredibly talented people who can change the game. Art education occupies one of the last places for Romanians, so by default, fashion is not that developed. I think that the solution is in our hands and we need to educate our customers, and the people we work with for better collaboration in the future.
KALTBLUT: What does being an independent designer mean to you?
Freedom. I worked with some brands on styling and I felt the boundaries of the label. It was the moment when I realised that the freedom of expression is mandatory in my art. Most of the time, creativity is killed by the numbers and I think at the beginning of the career it is important to be as bold as you can be.
KALTBLUT: If your brand was ice cream, what flavours would it be?
I think that salted caramel is the best option. It feels expensive but with a twist.
KALTBLUT: What was the last music track you listened to?
Everything that I created related to the “alchemy” collection was with the runway track in my Airpods, so I am listening to “Would You” by GOLAN.
KALTBLUT: Finally, what can we expect to see from you in the near future?
After the last few years, I learned that the safest thing is uncertainty. Even if I know what I want to do and the future sounds good, it is somehow questionable. It is certain that I will not stop doing beautiful things, this is my lifestyle and I don’t know how to do anything better. I will not abandon the stylistic direction proposed for the B.A. degree collection and I want it to be more and more refined. The fusion between diametrically opposed things has always intrigued me, it is difficult to achieve and this creates my obsession.
Creative direction by Daniel Radu / @dani.radu
Photography by Robi Boscai / @robiboscai
Models are Alexandra Babascu and Christian Danu / @alexandra.babascu @christiandanu
Make up by Iulia Maria / @iuliaaamariaaaaa
Hair by George Ionescu / @jo_ionescu
Assist. and right-hand Iulia Sturdza / @iuliasturdza
Prof. coord. Alina Maria Griga / @alinamariagriga
Fashion Brand used are: Daniel Radu, Arcore, Bershka
Instagram name of each brand: @danielradu.visuals @bershka
