Gnana Studio

Established in 2011 by former model Floriana Sandu, Gnana Studio, is an ethical and sustainable fashion label. Products are made with eco-friendly and recycled materials and locally woven textiles. Cotton and bamboo used in the collections came from antique shops or specialised warehouses and brought back to life via a transparent production process.

By recycling old materials, the designer says she saves huge amounts of water, and the carbon footprint of her brand is reduced. “In Romania, the fashion market is not mature enough because of economic reasons. The sustainable segment is underdeveloped, so it is hard to survive only on the local market,” Floriana Sandu says. Despite the difficulties, the brand increased its income by 107% during its second year of activity.