As the fashion world eagerly anticipates the unveiling of Spring Summer 2024 collections, Ancuta Sarca emerges with her most intuitive and emotionally charged offering yet. Drawing inspiration from the cherished memories of her childhood sketching in Romania, Sarca’s latest collection, aptly named Florii, promises to transport us to a world where carefree summers and floral fantasies reign supreme.
At the heart of Florii lies a deep connection to the artist’s roots, invoking the joyous Romanian tradition of gathering loved ones for a feast on the last Sunday before Easter. This emotional thread weaves its way through every piece, manifesting as a floral insignia, breathing life into each design.
Ancuta Sarca’s creative journey has been deeply influenced by legendary artists such as Aristide Maillol, Georges Seurat, and John Singer Sargent, whose sun-soaked landscapes and serene water elements have left an indelible mark. This collection captures the essence of those dreamy, sun-drenched summers, inviting wearers to bask in their own nostalgia.
In keeping with Ancuta Sarca’s commitment to sustainability, Florii boasts an emphasis on upcycling. The collection showcases mules and pointed-toe sandals crafted from repurposed white leather car seats and handcrafted floral motifs salvaged from previous collections’ waste materials. The result? A harmonious fusion of rugged and delicate elements that challenge traditional gender norms. Even the classic clog receives a fresh twist with pink suede and sporty stripes.
This season, Sarca introduces a more airy feel to her garments, featuring charity shop graphic T-shirts and miniskirts overlaid with pastel-hued mesh. These additions further underline the brand’s signature exploration of contrasts, seamlessly blending the worlds of high fashion and everyday wear.
Ancuta Sarca doesn’t stop at clothing; her commitment to sustainability extends to accessories. The collection includes shoulder bags available in three colourways – scarlet, silver-and-white, and black-and-white – all adorned with details sourced from repurposed materials. Collaborating with A Better Feeling, the collection also features sunglasses crafted from existing stock, beautifully decorated with the recurring floral motif.
To unveil Florii, Ancuta Sarca has chose the Old Selfridges Hotel venue. The space exuded the utopian mood of the collection. The floor, bathed in a striking shade of grey, is adorned with strategically placed mirrors, encircled by grey sand to create an ethereal lake-like ambience, transporting attendees into the world of Florii.
Florii promises to be a journey into nostalgia, style, and a celebration of the beauty that can be found in repurposed materials. Ancuta Sarca is once again pushing the boundaries of fashion, proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this fashion revolution.
PHOTOGRAPHER: POLINA BOYKO