Latest news with #LaBlouseRoumaine


Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Int'l Day of the Romanian Blouse commemorated
Attendees don the culturally-prized, traditional Romanian blouse called ie on the International Day of the Romanian Blouse which was celebrated at the Embassy in Islamabad as an ode to the country's rich heritage and history. PHOTO: EXPRESS The Embassy of Romania in Islamabad organised, for the first time in Pakistan, the celebration of the International Day of the Romanian Blouse on June 24, bringing together members of the Romanian community, representatives of the diplomatic corps and distinguished Pakistani guests. Held in the spirit of cultural appreciation and friendship, the event highlighted the timeless beauty of the Romanian traditional blouse, known as the ie, a symbol of national identity and artistic heritage. Guests were invited to wear traditional blouses and garments not only from Romania but from various cultures around the world, underlining the universal power of folk art to connect people beyond borders. The celebration included an exhibition of authentic Romanian blouses, many handmade and passed down through generations, as well as traditional music and culinary delights. Attendees had the opportunity to taste Romanian dishes and drinks, experiencing the richness of Romania's rural traditions and hospitality. In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Dan Stoenescu emphasised, "The Romanian blouse is more than a piece of clothing. It is a cultural treasure, a bridge between past and present and a celebration of women's creativity and resilience. By sharing this tradition in Islamabad, we celebrate both our identity and our friendship with the people of Pakistan and the international community." The International Day of the Romanian Blouse, marked each year on 24 June, coincides with Sânziene, a midsummer Romanian folk celebration with deep roots in pre-Christian traditions. Initiated by the cultural movement La Blouse Roumaine, this day has grown into a global celebration of Romanian heritage, with events held in cities across Europe, the Americas and Asia. The Embassy's event in Islamabad adds Pakistan to the growing list of countries where the Romanian ie is honoured, strengthening the cultural ties and mutual understanding between Romania and its partners worldwide.


Qatar Tribune
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
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.