Shapes and Signs: the Secret Language of the Blouse

With its beautiful colours and intricate adornments, the famous traditional blouse (in Romanian, ie) is by no means one of the most famous Romanian artefacts. Yet more than a sartorial marvel, the blouse, which has entered the mainstream of international couture, is a language. The forms, the colours, the stitching – all these signs are part of a subtle, hidden discourse. The secret meaning of the Romanian blouse is a focus of a new exhibition, curated by architect Ioana Corduneanu, the initiator of `The Sown Signs` project, and set up with the support of RCI London and the Romanian Embassy in the UK. The event marks the Day of the Romanian Blouse, internationally celebrated on the 24th of June.