Threads of heritage: Moldovan embroidery workshop showcases cultural diplomacy
Ashraf Siddiqui
The Spouse of the Ambassador of Moldova, Mrs. Rodica Grigorita, recently conducted an embroidery workshop attended by members of the SOHOM Group (Spouses of Heads of Missions), including Brunei, Italy, Georgia, Malta, Djibouti, Indonesia, Panama, Venezuela, Netherlands, Spain, Philippines and Vietnam.
The event was held under AFCD Art, Fashion and Cultural Diplomacy, headed and founded by Lulian Grigorita, the ambassador of Moldova, at the St Regis Hotel Doha in the presence of ambassadors of Austria, Colombia, Moldova, and Romania, and Farhan Al Sheikh Al Sayed, a Qatari businessman.
Lulian Grigorita, the ambassador of Moldova, welcomed the guests and briefed them about the tradition and heritage of the blouse in regional culture. Blouse in Moldova and Romania is more than a piece of traditional clothing, with deep roots of regional heritage, used by both men and women, as a national symbol and a modern fashion statement. Its intricate embroidery and symbolic motifs have captured the attention of local artisans and the global fashion scene.
Romanian Ambassador HE Nicușor Daniel Tănase, Austrian Ambassador HE Erika Bernhard, Colombian Ambassador HE Odette Yidi David, and Farhan Al Sheikh Al Sayed delivered brief remarks highlighting the importance of cultural heritage and the need for its preservation.
Ambassador Bernhard of Austria made special mention of Qatar's traditional majlis culture, emphasising its vital role in shaping and supporting the development of youth in the country.
Over the years, the blouse has inspired numerous designers, both Romanian and international. Notably, in 1981, Yves Saint Laurent launched his iconic collection La Blouse Roumaine, directly inspired by the traditional Romanian blouse. This marked a turning point in bringing Romanian folk elements into haute couture.
Following Saint Laurent, designers such as Tom Ford, Camilia Șchiopu, and Joseph Altuzarra continued this trend, incorporating Romanian motifs into their modern collections, further elevating the garment's global appeal.
The blouse's significance is celebrated annually on June 24, recognised as the Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse. This day honours its enduring cultural value and the craftsmanship passed down through generations. In 2022, the Romanian blouse was officially inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising its role in preserving identity and tradition.
Much of the responsibility for safeguarding this heritage lies with the Romanian and Moldavian people, who continue to wear, recreate, and celebrate it through festivals, cultural events, and fashion revivals. Each preserved or newly crafted blouse helps introduce its legacy to new generations.
The influence of the Romanian blouse extends beyond fashion into the realm of art. Renowned artist Henri Matisse famously depicted it in several of his works, some of which are displayed in prominent institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in Paris and the Baltimore Museum of Art.
Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, craftsmanship, and cultural identity. As noted by the speakers, it is celebrated not only in Romania and Moldova but also globally by those who appreciate its rich heritage and timeless beauty.
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