Manifesto: Preserve Heritage, Support Artisans - The Importance of Buying the Original Blouse Roumaine
Our Story
In 2013, the Blouse Roumaine Shop was established as a beacon of cultural preservation and a response to the rising tide of cultural appropriation. Our mission was clear: to protect the rich heritage of the Romanian blouse (known as the "ie") and to provide a platform for talented artisans to sell their authentic creations to a global audience.
We want to reiterate BLOUSEROUMAINE-SHOP.COM's position in which we support creativity and encourage fashion pieces to be inspired by traditions, but to mention the source of inspiration and the type of product in the description. We amend the use of a copy according to a traditional model as being wrongly titled. Louis Vuitton should have described in their sales platform the Romanian Blouse or Blouse Roumaine, Romanian Blouse, Romanian Peasant Blouse, as it would have been in the case of a kimono.
The Issue of Cultural Appropriation
In recent years, high-profile fashion designers such as Tom Ford, Tory Burch, Dior, and now Louis Vuitton have released collections featuring garments that closely mimic the traditional Blouse Roumaine. These designer pieces often sell for exorbitant prices, yet they strip away the cultural significance, authenticity, and the stories woven into each thread by the hands of skilled Romanian artisans.
Why Authenticity Matters
Cultural Heritage: The Blouse Roumaine is not just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of Romanian identity and tradition. Each blouse carries with it generations of history, folklore, and regional specificity that cannot be replicated by mass production.
Support Artisans: When you purchase an original Blouse Roumaine, you are directly supporting the artisans who dedicate their lives to mastering the intricate techniques passed down through centuries. This support ensures the survival of these traditional crafts and provides a sustainable livelihood for the artisans and their families.Famous artisans such as Gheorghe Ciuncanu, the embroiderer with the famous suman copied by Tory Burch and Dior receive orders from customers all over the world through us.
Quality and Craftsmanship: Original blouses are made with care, using high-quality materials and meticulous handcrafting methods. The attention to detail and craftsmanship involved in creating an authentic blouse results in a garment that is not only beautiful but also durable and unique.
Ethical Consumption: By choosing to buy original blouses, you are making an ethical choice. You contribute to the fight against cultural appropriation and exploitation, ensuring that the cultural significance and intellectual property of the Romanian people are respected and preserved.
Our Call to Action
We invite you to join us in our mission to preserve the beauty and heritage of the Blouse Roumaine. Choose authenticity over imitation. Choose to support the artisans who pour their heart and soul into every stitch. Choose to wear a piece of history with pride.
By purchasing an original Blouse Roumaine, you are not just buying a piece of clothing; you are making a statement. You are standing up for cultural integrity, supporting local communities, and ensuring that the legacy of the Blouse Roumaine continues to thrive for generations to come.
For over 10 years, we have created a complete platform where you can find traditional songs from all Romanian, Moldovan and even Ukrainian ethnographic regions. Each one is selected on the platform belonging to a craft cooperative from which includes the few artisans who know how to make the famous embroideries. In the description, you can find out about the motifs used, the region and its entire story.
Blouse Roumaine Shop - Wear the Original.
Preserve the Legacy.
This manifesto aims to emphasize the importance of choosing authentic Blouse Roumaine over designer imitations, highlighting the cultural, ethical, and quality aspects involved.