Cardinalia Fashion Show – “Models in Life, Models on the Runway”: A Unique Romanian Concept That’s Redefining the Rules of Fashion

On October 18th, at Stejarii Country Club, Cardinalia Fashion Show delivered a night to remember, one that will stand out in the history of Romanian fashion. Now in its sixth edition, the event brought together renowned designers, outstanding collections and models, women and men alike, who redefined elegance beyond age.

The concept is a first in Romania: 40 models over the age of 35, both women and men, walked the runway with natural grace and confidence, challenging industry clichés and offering a fresh perspective on authenticity. For the first time, male models were also part of the Cardinalia lineup, opening a new and unprecedented creative direction for the show.

Collections by Romanița Iovan, Ellida Toma, Alexandra Catrangiu Studio, Idyllic by Corina Gheliuc, Mihaela Andronic Atelier and Viggo Tailoring brought this bold vision to life, each designer offering a personal take on contemporary elegance. Accessories signed by Chic Fleuriste, Simona Bușoiu and Ginissima Shoes added the final touch of refinement, turning the runway into a true stage of style and sophistication.

TV personality Octavia Geamănu, host of the evening, guided the audience through a fluid, emotionally charged show, reinforcing the core message: true personal value lies beyond stereotypes and conventions.

„Cardinalia is more than a fashion show, it’s a manifesto dedicated to mature beauty, authenticity, and confidence. It’s a project that highlights individuals who are already models in life: accomplished professionals with strong values and a voice of their own. At the same time, it continuously supports Romanian designers and promotes a much-needed direction: slow fashion. In a world dominated by fast fashion, designers in Romania show courage, consistency, and vision.

I believe in the power of this kind of representation: honest, intentional, and impactful. I’m confident that the Romanian public is ready to embrace it. With every edition, we’re shaping a new fashion standard: one that is more inclusive, more grounded in reality, and more relevant,” said Adina Cotiga, founder of Cardinalia.

Cardinalia already delivers real impact. In just two years, the project has produced six fashion shows in premium locations, hosted seven catwalk and posing workshops, and represented over 40 models aged 35 and above. The community now includes 140 active members, and each event gathers more than 250 guests from the fashion industry, media, and general public. In the past year alone, Cardinalia has reached over 250,000 people organically online, confirming that there’s a growing audience ready to support a new vision of beauty.

The event was supported by partners who share the same belief in authenticity and representation: Land Rover Țiriac Auto, Cronos Med, Radio Dea, Borsec, Cramele Gramma, and Avon. Together, they made possible a show that stepped outside the norm and spoke to what truly matters in fashion and beyond.

This was the third Cardinalia show in Bucharest, following previous editions in Timișoara, Brașov, and Iași. The story continues in April 2026, when the concept will arrive in Cluj and another Romanian city, carrying forward the mission of bringing visibility to those who are models, both in life and on the runway.