Foræva: the space age couture inspired by a Romanian rug

It’s the cutting edge in high couture. Created using more than 25,000 Swarovski crystals, the Foræva dress combines rigid structure and flowing lines to channel the ultimate in space-age design.

But according to its creators, Romanian fashion designer Lana Dumitru and architect Vlad Tenu, the dress’s complex patterns and glowing colours are inspired by one thing: Romania’s traditional rug designs.

FORÆVA from foræva on Vimeo.

The team used cutting edge design techniques to create the dress, featuring a combination of algorithms and 3D simulations. It ultimately took 15 people almost six months to assemble the design.

Dumitru and Tenu say that the design’s traditional roots send a message on the evolving place of cultural heritage in the modern era. “Identity and tradition will not be lost on the path of inter-globalisation,” the team said on their website. “They will evolve in unexpected ways, shaped by technology and emotions.”