Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgarian folk costumes from the Rhodopes inspire young European designers

Photo: BTA

Bulgarian national folk costumes from the Rhodope region inspired young European designers, finalists in the Open Space Foundation's Echo Academies project, BTA reported, citing Alma Communication.

In the recently concluded first stage of the project, there were participants from Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Turkey, Kosovo and Albania.
There are three finalists selected by the jury chaired by Prof. Lubomir Stoykov. 

Ilka Ahiu from Kosovo presented a collection with а Rhodope costume and felting as a technique. The Bulgarian designer Yordan Mihalev presented details of a Rhodope costume, but with a modern reading, and Jose Marie Sta Iglesia from the Netherlands was inspired by the decoration with braids and experimented with the shape of the costume. 

The young designers who make it to the final will be funded for production, with the criteria being innovative and interesting presentation of the theme and potential for their collection to be produced and worn. In the coming months, professionals from Cumedia (Belgium), Echo Academy Smolyan and a micro-organization from their countries of their choice will work with them

In 2024, the three designers will present their finished collections to the public, for which they must produce the outfits of the required quality and prepare a strategy for their presentation. Based on these requirements, all three collections will receive awards and cash prizes.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Roma people in Bulgaria celebrate Vasilitsa - the old-style new year

The Roma community in Bulgaria is celebrating Vasilyevden /or Vasilitsa, Bango Vasili (literally the Lame Vasil)/, also known as the Roma New Year , reports the Amalipe Foundation.  The Roma New Year combining in its traditions Christmas with St...

published on 1/14/25 6:35 AM

Babinden or Midwives' Day: When tradition connects us to the roots of life

Today is Babinden (Midwives' Day) - one of the most beloved and authentic Bulgarian holidays deeply rooted in local folk tradition . Celebrated on 8 January in the new style calendar and January 21 in the old style, it is dedicated to the women who used..

published on 1/8/25 6:05 AM

On Ivanovden, residents of Alvanovo reenact the custom "Bathing the Sons-in-Law"

On Ivanovden, the village of Alvanovo (Northeastern Bulgaria) observes the custom called "Bathing the Sons-in-Law". The ritual is performed for health and prosperity of young couples who got married in the past year, reported BTA, referring to Valya..

published on 1/7/25 2:31 PM