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| Romanian flag-inspired image by JaguarJulie |
As you progress through this page, I'm betting you too will be pretty amazed about all that is Made in Romania. For men reading this lens, I've found some excellent shirts, slacks, and shoes. You'll find that Eastern European clothing is well-made and nicely-tailored--you may even see something that interests you so much that you have to buy it!
By the way, the significance of this page to Squidoo lensmasters? Oh, simple! This was one of my first instances of writing in a series of related topics!
In March 2006 I initiated the "Made in" series of lenses to celebrate all that is Eastern European. To celebrate my heritage. Made in Romania -- Dolce and Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Armani, BCBG and Valentino? Yes, you would not believe ALL of the many recognizable designer brands that are made in Romania!
By the way, YOU may be surprised. Check out my "Made in" series of pages. Made in Bulgaria, Made in Czech Republic, Made in Hungary, Made in Poland, and Made in Romania.
A little background info: In May 2004, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of traveling to Hungary and Romania to "trace my roots." My curiousity about these two countries has been my inspiration to publish a series of lenses discussing Hungary and Romania.
"Made in Romania / Rumania" Name Brands
Found on eBay! When I was doing my research for my other page about Hungarian-made items, I was totally amazed at the number of different recognizable name brands that have been manufactured in Hungary and similarly made in Romania!
Romania produces some of the same brands as those produced in Hungary. Searching for "Made in Romania" and "Made in Rumania" on eBay I found nearly 300 items in auctions listings with some 730 in eBay stores, but not as many as for "Made in Hungary."
Some of the MANY designer brands manufactured in Romania or Rumania include Abro, Aldo, Alfani, Andrew St. John, Aquatalia, Arden B., Armani, Banana Republic, Bass, BCBG Maxazria, Beaufort Riding Apparel, Bronx, Bullboxer, Burberry, Camina, Carole Hochman, Casual Corner, Cerruti, Chaus, Chloe, Clarks, Conspicuous, Dansk, Debenhams, Dialogue, Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana, Donny Brook, Dries Van Noten, Emily, Escada, Express, Fornarina, Fox Fire, Gantos, GBX, Generation 1, Georgetown, Geox, Giorgio Brutini, Giorgio Saint Angelo, H&M, I.D Sarrieri, Incotex, J Riggings, J. Undeberg, Jessica Holbrook, John Meyer, Johnston & Murphy, Josef Seibel, Joseph Abboud, Kate Moss Topshop, Kathie Lee, Kenneth Cole, Knilling Bucharest, Lamarthe, Levi's, Londonberry by Peabody, Marina Rinaldi, Marks & Spencer, Mary McFadden Studio II, Miss Sixty, Morton Bernard, Moschino, Nana, Napapijri, Nina Leonard Knitwear, NY SAKE, Oilily, Oscar de la Renta, Paola by PDL Firenze, Peabody House International, Petite Collection, Pilpel, Prada Sport, Principles, Raoul, Roberto Cavalli, Rosner, Sag Harbor, Skechers, Steve Madden, Thalian, Thomas Pink, Tommy Hilfiger, Toscany, Tyrol, Ulla Popken, Utex Designs, Valentino, Victoria Secret Moda International, and Zegna.
Aldo "made in Romania"
The ALDO Group is a privately-held company which operates over 840 retail stores across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom & Ireland as well as in 30 franchisee countries (35 by the end of 2007) around the world.
ALDO specializes in the creation of high-quality fashion footwear, leather goods and accessories. This sought-after brand pays close attention to detail and to fine craftsmanship.
Armani "made in Romania"
From 1961 to 1970, Armani worked as a designer in well-known fashion house Nino Cerruti, after which he left to pursue freelance work. In 1974, with his partner Sergio Galeotti, he established Giorgio Armani S.p.A. with a menswear label, introducing a womenswear line in 1975.
In 2001, Forbes named Giorgio Armani the most successful Italian designer, estimating his net worth at $1.7 billion. In February 2007, Giorgio Armani said that he was prepared to sell his trademarks.
Banana Republic "made in Romania"
When Gap Inc. acquired Banana Republic in 1983, the brand had two stores and a safari motif. Banana Republic is now an accessible luxury brand, offering high-quality apparel and accessories collections for men and women.
Delivering elevated design and luxurious fabrications at approachable prices, Banana Republic has been credited with helping make fashion more accessible. The brand offers elevated essentials and sophisticated seasonal collections of accessories, shoes, personal care products and intimate apparel.
BCBG "made in Romania"
Named for the French phrase bon chic, bon genre, a Parisian slang meaning: good style, good attitude, the company is a true combination of European sophistication and American spirit. since its inception in 1989, BCBG Max Azria has been known for its signature collection of women's apparel from designer Max Azria.
The BCBG high-fashion collection ranges from evening dresses and swimwear to footwear, eyewear and handbags. Azria, whose celebrity clients include actresses Keira Knightley and Sarah Michelle Gellar. BCBG Max Azria acquired the French sportswear company Alain Manoukian for more than $70.8 million in 2005.
Bronx "made in Romania"
Bronx shoes are designed in Holland by a design team led by world-famous designer Mr. Frits Dijkmans, whose family has been in the shoe business for over 100 years. Bronx is a known fashion leader in the shoe industry, having been recognized in London as the #1 footwear brand in 2004, the #1 footwear brand for brand loyalty in 2005, and again in April 2006 as the #1 best selling brand for women (Drapers Report).
Bronx footwear for women is known for European flair, unique styling, and especially stunning high-heeled boots. Unique and beautiful sandals, shoes, and boots that match the fashion clothing of today have been our specialty. Production is in Portugal, Romania, Brazil, and China. Bronx shoes are sold in over 40 countries around the world to fashion-conscious consumers. Diba Imports is the Bronx Shoes distributor for North America.
Burberry "made in Romania"
Burberry was founded in 1856 when 21-year-old Thomas Burberry (1835 - 1926), a former draper's apprentice, opened his own store in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. Burberry was an independent company until 1955, when it was bought by Great Universal Stores (GUS), owners of UK High street retailers Argos and Homebase. In December 2005, when Burberry was spun-off as the Burberry Group.
To complement the Burberry USA Shop Online, the UK in October 2006 launched their transactional store, and in March 2007, extended order fulfilment across selected European counrties at Burberry UK & Europe Shop Online, both sites offer the latest new arrivals and classic pieces across rainwear, outerwear, apparell across womenswear and menswear. The latest bags from ad campaigns and classics in house and nova checks and accessories including shoes, sunglasses, watches & fragrance.
Chloe "made in Romania"
Chloe is a French luxury fashion design house headquartered in Paris, France. Founded in 1952 by Jacques Lenoir and French-Egyptian creator Gaby Aghion, the house produces women's pret-a-porter, accessories, and fragrances.
From 1971 to 1983, Karl Lagerfeld forged a feminine image for Chloe that perseveres today. His 1972 Deco collection won him wide acclaim and elevated the house, as well as the designer, to international fame. He departed for Chanel in 1983 but returned in 1992 to replace outgoing designer Martine Sitbon.
In 1997, replacing Lagerfeld, young British designer Stella McCartney took the helm of the fashion house. in early 2001, she left after naming 27-year-old Phoebe Philo as her successor. In October 2006, Paulo Melim Andersson, a Swede, took over as creative director.
Clarks "made in Romania"
C&J Clark International Ltd. (Clarks) is a world-leading manufacturer and retailer of footwear. The company produces shoes, boots, and other footwear under the renowned Clarks brand name, as well as K Shoes in England and Bostonian in the United States.
The Clarks business has come a long way from humble beginnings in 1825 as a small Somerset sheepskin business it has entered the 21st century as one of the world's leading shoe brands and the UK's number 1 shoe retailer.
Formerly committed to manufacturing in the United Kingdom, Clarks has trimmed its manufacturing base in that country from a high of nearly 30 factories in the 1980s to just four remaining sites at the end of the century. As the company has switched its emphasis from manufacturing to design-oriented branded consumer goods, production has shifted to Brazil, China, India, and Portugal.
Dolce & Gabbana "made in Romania"
Dolce & Gabbana is a high-end fashion house started by the Italian designers Domenico Dolce, born near Palermo, Sicily, and Stefano Gabbana, born in Milan, Italy. Dolce & Gabbana are very popular for their designs in the Hollywood industry; they have designed clothes for Madonna, Monica Bellucci, Ayumi Hamasaki, Isabella Rossellini and Kylie Minogue amongst others.
The company is based near Milan (Legnano). The private life of Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce became public in 2005, when they officially announced their separation. The business has remained unchanged and both continue to design together.
Gantos "Made in Romania"
Gantos was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1932 by Theodore (Ted) and Haseebie Gantos. In the mid 1960s, a broader line of business-oriented suits and formal dresses were introduced. After opening a still more successful outlet at Eastbrook Mall in Grand Rapids, Douglas Gantos felt that the now established Gantos image of elegantly designed stores and mid-priced, fashionable, yet not extreme, women's fashions would sell in other cities.
During the early 1970s Gantos developed the concept of the "Bargain Boutique," whereby marginally profitable Gantos branches were turned into clearance outlets for slow-selling merchandise from the successful stores.
Hugo Boss "made in Romania"
Hugo Boss is a fashion house based in Germany, which specializes in high-end and casual menswear and womenswear. It is named after its founder, Hugo Boss.
The company's products, divided over three brands, are available throughout the world in 103 countries and more than 5,002 retail stores. These brands are Boss, Hugo, and since 2004, Baldessarini.
I.D. Sarrieri "made in Romania"
I think this is a WOW and definitely unexpected in that I wouldn't think Romania would produce such fine lingerie.
I.D. Sarrieri is highly sophisticated fashion lingerie. It is made in Romania with the finest fabrics from France and Italy. I.D. Sarrieri is sold worldwide in the finest lingerie stores. They were featured in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Harpers Bazzar, Millionaire and more.
Johnston & Murphy "made in Romania"
Italian calf uppers, leather quarter and tongue linings. Rubber sole and heel. Leather covered cushion insole, flexible insole and outsole. Johnston & Murphy continues to be a pillar of classic workmanship and a beacon of American style with a commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation.
Joseph Seibel "made in Romania"
This family held Shoe Company is today run by a fourth generation under Carl-August Seibel. The same basic philosophies are followed. Premium quality in materials, the best workmanship, and comfort. These main principals have helped Josef Seibel become known worldwide as "The European Comfort Shoe."
Kate Moss Topshop "made in Romania"
Kate Moss: Topshop's new muse*. It's a marriage made in heaven and one that has been on the cards, or at least on the rumour mill for much of the past year. Kate Moss, supermodel, celebrity and, according to many, the most stylish woman in the world, has teamed up with Topshop, the country's coolest high street store.
Philip Green, who owns Topshop's parent group Arcadia, struck the deal personally after meeting Moss and deciding they should work together. "We want to build this into a global brand," he told WWD. "She is a fashion icon in terms of the UK and this is what Topshop is all about in terms of fashion. Our customers identify with her."
Kenneth Cole "made in Romania"
Fashion Designer KENNETH COLE founded his company, Kenneth Cole Productions, with the debut of a ladies' footwear collection in December of 1982.
Today, the company manufactures internationally and distributes men's and women's footwear, accessories and clothing under the Kenneth Cole New York, Reaction Kenneth Cole, and Unlisted labels, as well as offering over 30 product categories such as hosiery, luggage, watches, and eyewear.
Lamarthe "made in Rumania"
From my personal collection ... I recently found this petite black leather handbag on eBay and just had to have it; primarily because of it's uniqueness and the fact that it is "made in Rumania."
The purse bears the embossing of Lamarthe, which is a designer name of handbags that usually are made in Paris. This baguette quite possibly was from a sample run. It's black with white piping with two tags inside; one is "claim #47," and the other reads "Made in Rumania." The size is compact, 9" x 5-1/2" and appears to be new. The zipper pull is also marked Lamarthe.
Miss Sixty "made in Romania"
Sixty S.p.A . the parent of Miss Sixty was born in 1989 they have since achieved great success in the past 15 years, with a portfolio of 10 different brands known worldwide. In 1991, Rossi and Hassan created Miss Sixty, a women's wear line with creative designs.
The company has focused on such principles as originality, quality and experimentation for their designs. Since 2001 Sixty S.p.A. has been in control of designs, development and manufacturing of Miss Sixty, Killah footwear, Energie as well as other brands marketed across the world.
Nina Leonard "made in Romania"
Leonard Feinberg - the "Leonard " behind the "Nina Leonard " design team - has been a force in the fashion industry for over 20 years. Lenny (as he prefers to be called) is unique in today's ever-changing world of fashion. He owns many different hats - design director, spokesperson, marketing guru - and Lenny wears them all with great style!
The Nina Leonard Company was created just four years ago when Lenny and his wife Nina began their own design house. In spite of a challenging economy and the competitive nature of the industry, this husband and wife team currently sits at the helm of one of the industry's leading apparel brands.
Paola by PDL Firenze "made in Rumania"
Paola Del Lungo [PDL] was born and raised by an aristocratic family in the Tuscany of Florence, Italy. She stills lives in her estate there.
Paola opened her first PDL retail store at the famous Ponte Vecchio in Florence in 1983, a second and larger freestanding store was opened in Florence on the Via Porta Rosa in 1986. There are PDL boutiques in France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States. Many higher brand stores in the United States regularly buy from her.
Roberto Cavalli "made in Romania"
Roberto Cavalli is a well-known Italian fashion designer of modern luxury clothing.
Cavalli is known for using wild animal prints and sexualized cuts in his design, leading to comparisons with designer Gianni Versace and his popularity with many young celebrities, such as Victoria Beckham, with whom he famously signed an exclusive dressing contract. He is also known for his lavish lifestyle.
Steve Madden "made in Romania"
Steve Madden, the footwear fashion mogul of the 21st century, has immersed his company into virtually every aspect of the fashion industry. With his primary success and initial endeavor as a shoe designer, Mr. Madden has maintained the direct day-to-day responsibility for the design and marketing of the company's trend setting shoes for the past two decades.
Expanding now into other accessories such as handbags, belts, socks, watches, as well as the apparel segment with dresses and outerwear, Steve Madden is evolving into a lifestyle brand.
With over $500 million in sales to date, Steve Madden, Ltd. is one of the most successful brands in the fashion footwear market. Consistently featured in the media, the brand maintains global recognition and appeal.
Zegna "made in Romania"
The high-fashion clothing company Ermenegildo Zegna was founded in 1910 in Trivero, Italy by tailor and entrepreneur Ermenegildo Zegna. The company is often referred to simply as Zegna. Zegna quickly gained a reputation for producing fine quality wool suits, and by the end of the 1930s, the outfitter employed 1,000 workers.
Zegna suits, long popular in Italy, were first sold in the United States in 1938, although due to high prices, they were sold in limited numbers during the Depression and war years.
Aldo and Angelo Zegna took control of the company in 1966 when their father died at the age of 74. All Zegna suits were made-to-measure until 1968 when the brothers launched a line of ready-made suits for commercial sale. The new line was produced in Zegna's factory in Novara, Italy.
Romania Facts
Read more about the facts on Romania from the CIA World Factbook.
- Area: total: 237,500 sq km, land: 230,340 sq km, water: 7,160 sq km
- Area Comparative: slightly smaller than Oregon
- Population: 22,303,552 (July 2006 est.)
- Age Structure: 0-14 years: 15.7%, 15-64 years: 69.6%, 65 years and over: 14.7%
- Median Age: total: 36.6 years: male: 35.3, female: 37.9 years
- Population Growth Rate: -0.12%
- Ethnic Groups: Romanian 89.5%, Hungarian 6.6%, Roma 2.5%, Ukrainian 0.3%, German 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, Turkish 0.2%, other 0.4% (2002 census)
- Languages: Romanian (official), Hungarian, German
- Terrain: central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Plain of Moldavia on the east by the Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps
- Natural Resources: petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore, salt, arable land, hydropower
Thanks for visiting!
I hope that you enjoyed this lens as much as I enjoyed writing it! Hopefully you learned something new. Do you own any brand that was made in Romania or Rumania?
History: Made in Romania: You May Be Surprised was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on April 13, 2006. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #384 overall. Lens #10 in the quest for Giant Squid 100 Club Charter Member 2007.
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