Textile Sourcing

[u/Jolly_Sort_1934]

I am a 23 year old clothing designer from Texas. I have always had a fascination with other places and sought a way to share that love with others. I source textiles from around the world and create one of one clothing that shares the story of the places that I visit.

I plan to visit Romania in the late summer/early fall. I know that Romania is pulsing with history and a beautiful culture that is tied heavily to textiles. I plan to spend a minimum of 7 days with a rental car driving around. My goal is to capture the heartbeat of Romania as authentically as possible, and source textiles that will allow me to create clothing and share the story.

Does anyone have recommendations of where to go, festivals/fairs to visit, specifics tours that might be offered? I am open to getting as far off the beaten path as need be. Thank you in advance!

[u/winster_hiptage]

Definitely make a stop at Izvorul Crișului (Körösfő) near Cluj-Napoca. The region's traditional clothing is world famous, even fashion designers took inspiration from it. The locals are mostly of Hungarian ethnicity, so bring someone along who speaks the language. I guarantee that they will show you their beautiful little church and traditional textiles.

Also, go see Maramureș county. Besides the amazing clothing, we have cool gothic style churches built from wood. :)

You can leave me a message if you'd like.

[u/winster_hiptage → u/[deleted]]

I recommended to enter the church, didn't even mention those "markets". It's not kitschy if you know where to look. And they will obviously need someone to show them around. (Besides the church I know a skanzen - type house there and in Viștea as well, that I forgot to mention).

[u/arcsaber1337]

I was also looking for locally made cloth to make folklore clothing from but it seems hard, if anyone has a good source let us know. I only heard that Corund/Korond is an area where people make folklore clothes.