Lucian Varvaroi - XXX Collection

In its attempt to decode stereotypical Eastern European manliness, Lucian Varvaroi’s “XXX” collection reclaims the toxic baggage generally associated with an idealized vision of hypermasculinity. Tribal tattoos, perfectly carved muscles, leather jackets or brand jaquard tracksuits are subverted as potentially liberating.

"XXX” is a fashion film that showcases Lucian Varvaroi's debut collection. It's an exploration of post communist Eastern-European macho-man stereotypes wrapped in a pop futuristic aesthetic. The video is a loose interpretation of a fashion runway show, focusing on the atmosphere and background of the characters, thus giving an insight into the designer's inspiration world. The goal is to challenge the viewer's perception of these masculine stereotypes, deeply rooted in the local culture of the auteurs'.

The film was produced with help from the National Administration of Cultural Funds in Romania and exhibited at the National Musem of Contemporary Art in Bucharest as part of the “You have always seen the Unseen” group exhibtion in 2019.