The Romanian Cultural Institute in London proudly supports the inclusion of Romanian textile art in the official programme of London Textile Month – a new festival organised by the renowned British magazineSelvedge.
On this special occasion, the elegant venue of RCI London will host an event spotlighting Romanian innovation in design, featuring acclaimed designer Andra Clițan and her newest collection, “Jasmine Is a Lie.” Conceived as a sensory celebration of textile artistry, the event includes a boutique exhibition showcasing select pieces from the collection and a hands-on creative workshop led by Andra Clițan and Gloria Mazzer, founder of Wovenbeyond – the sustainable British company that supplied the collection’s natural yarns.
The workshop offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the collection’s creative process – where ancient textile techniques, regenerative fibers, and cultural storytelling come together. Sculptural outfits will be displayed on mannequins, alongside original sketches and an interactive space where visitors are invited to contribute small textile pieces that will become part of the installation. In a special talk, Andra Clițan and Gloria Mazzer will invite the public into a conversation on memory, craftsmanship as ritual, and intercultural connections.
The programme will also be featured in Open House London, the capital’s major architectural festival. This marks RCI London’s 14th participation in the event, and the dual presentation of Andra Clițan’s project in both festivals is sure to attract a wider and more diverse audience.
Rooted in regenerative practices and crafted with natural yarns from Wovenbeyond, the “Jasmine Is a Lie” collection is made up of 10 striking outfits that embody what fashion can become when it honours both the earth and heritage. From raw wool to the final stitch, each hand-made piece is imbued with meaning. Every thread tells a story of connection – with the land, with the artisan, with purpose.
Andra Clițan is one of the most celebrated Romanian designers of her generation, internationally acclaimed for her innovative work at the intersection of contemporary fashion, traditional craftsmanship, and slow design. Born in Baia Mare, her work is deeply influenced by the customs and craft traditions of her native region. In 2014, she founded MA RA MI, a brand that promotes sustainability and supports self-sufficient, independent communities while preserving ancestral techniques. A graduate of the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca with a PhD in traditional festive costumes from the Maramureș region (northern Romania), she currently lives in Dubai, where she lectures in Fashion and Textile Design at the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI). Through her work, she continues to inspire and promote Romanian traditions within the global fashion landscape.
Gloria Mazzer is the founder and director of Wovenbeyond, a British initiative producing sustainable, natural yarns. Through her company, she promotes a holistic approach to fashion that connects it to agriculture and encourages regenerative design. Wovenbeyond works with British farmers practicing regenerative agriculture, transforming premium wool into high-quality yarns and textiles. A passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture, circularity, and biomimicry, Gloria Mazzer is a pioneering entrepreneur bridging the worlds of fashion and farming.
Launching in September 2025, London Textile Month is a celebration of cloth, craft and culture across London. Curated by Selvedge magazine, this ambitious inaugural edition brings together artists, makers, brands and institutions, for a whole month of exhibitions, workshops, talks, and educational events. Its aim is to celebrate and promote both traditional and contemporary textile crafts, as well as cutting-edge innovations in the field.
Exhibition opening days/ hours:18-21 September 2025, 11am – 5pm
Workshop & Talk: Sunday 21 September, 4pm
