Echovibe Hub

Credit: Photographer Robson Denian Mateus

Romanian Traditional Clothing, Echovibe HUB (formerly My Romanian Community)

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Project Description

This project will seek expert guidance from historians specialising in Romanian clothing traditions to contribute to a series of talks and workshops. It will host two family-friendly workshops where participants can engage in hands-on activities, such as designing small items adorned with traditional Romanian motifs. Musicians specialising in Romanian music will accompany the sessions, bringing an authentic cultural atmosphere. Filming and photography will be undertaken during the workshops to promote the activities on social media and encourage wider participation. The project will also include expert-led talks on traditional Romanian attire and will rely on volunteers and community members to support the delivery of heritage-focused activities

Case Study: Intergenerational Exchange through the Romanian Blouse

My Romanian Community ran a rich programme of embroidery and storytelling workshops, primarily involving women and children from the Romanian diaspora in Brent. The project focused on the Romanian blouse, or i.e. which holds great cultural significance. It is a symbol of national identity and artistry, often handmade and passed down through generations.

Workshops encouraged children and young people to embroider their own blouses, guided by older women who shared traditional stitches, stories, and memories. A Romanian embroidery expert delivered sessions that combined practice with heritage knowledge, exploring fabric symbolism and garment meaning.

Many mothers and grandmothers explained that this was the first time they had spoken to their children in detail about traditional clothing. One participant commented, “I wore one as a girl in my village. I never thought I would see my daughter wearing one in London.”

These intergenerational conversations were powerful. One young participant said:

“I used to feel a bit embarrassed at school when people didn’t understand where I was from. Now I want to show them the blouse I made. It tells them who I am.”

The project also included a small exhibition where children displayed their embroidered blouses alongside quotes from family interviews. Many garments incorporated new elements – colours or initials – reflecting a blend of tradition and contemporary identity.

Outcomes and Impacts:

• More than 25 children and young people participated in weekly embroidery

• 12 interviews were recorded with parents and grandparents about traditional Romanian clothing and

• Participants reported increased confidence and pride in

• Volunteers described stronger family bonds as they shared stories and skills across

• The project fostered community among Romanian families in Brent, many of whom had not met

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