A temple of introspection at the National Library of Romania
Last night, the National Library of Romania was transformed into a true visual temple of introspection, bridging past and future. Designer Irina Voinea officially launched “Akasha”, her seventh personal collection – a conceptual journey through identity, memory, and technology.
Among the notable attendees were Smiley, Andi Moisescu, Pavel Bartoș, Cristian Șimonca (Blogu’ lu’ Otravă), Alin Gălățescu, Laura Lazăr, Guess Who, and Jean Gavril.
The inspiration behind Akasha: soul archives in wearable form
Inspired by the concept of akashic records – a metaphysical archive of all soul experiences – the collection blends fashion craftsmanship with AI and spiritual symbolism.
“I really wanted a library, precisely to symbolically anchor the idea that every soul holds its own book. The National Library became the perfect space: physical, but also symbolic – a gateway to the self.”
— Irina Voinea
45 garments, 15 full looks, 2 spectacular innovations
The collection presented:
- 45 garments
- 15 complete outfits
- 2 innovative highlights: one made from fiber optics, another 3D-printed in collaboration with a specialized factory.
These standout pieces exemplify Irina Voinea’s vision of fashion as living art and a tool for personal transformation.
A long-standing creative bond with Smiley
“I feel like she sees things far ahead of others. Even ahead of some of the great creators in the world. I truly believe her place is among them.”
— Smiley
Smiley, who has supported Irina since her early days after graduating in London, wore a custom suit for the occasion, reaffirming a creative collaboration dating back to 2012.
“Her creativity won me over, her vision of clothing, and how she always makes me feel good in what I wear. That makes all the difference.”
— Smiley
A narrative in four spiritual chapters
The collection is structured in four symbolic stages:
- Origin
- Incarnation
- Mission
- Awakening
When AI becomes a creative tool
“Akasha” is Irina Voinea’s first collection that actively integrates artificial intelligence into the creative process:
- Used for visual simulations, shape generation, and texture design
- Each garment was still handcrafted in Romania
“AI doesn’t replace creativity, it challenges it. I use it as a starting point, but the direction remains deeply human and intuitive.”
— Irina Voinea
Materials were 90% sourced from Europe – cotton, linen, silk, and wool – and digitally printed with original graphics.
A performative launch in a transformed space
The event turned the National Library into a multi-sensory experience:
- Floating books
- Living statues
- Floral installations
- Light projections and holograms
Rather than a traditional runway, the show unfolded as a performative narrative, guided by an original soundtrack from the upper floors into the atrium.
Over 300 guests and key cultural figures in attendance
Over 300 people joined the event, including:
- Longtime collaborators
- Brand followers
- Prominent figures from Romania’s fashion and cultural scenes
Celebrities who have worn Irina Voinea’s creations over the years include: Andi Moisescu, Pavel Bartoș, Cătălin and Andra Măruță, Irina Rimes, Theo Rose, and Delia.
About Irina Voinea
Raised in her family’s garment factory, Irina Voinea cultivated a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and personal expression from an early age. She studied fashion at the University for the Creative Arts in the UK, where she developed her signature vision.
Her mission: to design garments that reconnect people with their creative essence – turning fashion into a bridge between identity and art.
“Everything material has a beginning and an end. Only what is essential lives forever.”
— Irina Voinea
