Meet Magdalena
From a small village of the Republic of Moldova, Magdalena Buzdugan grew up surrounded by the softness of nature.
As an extension of her creative soul and organic vision, Magdalena launched MAISON MAGDALENA, a slow Women’s RTW brand based in Romania that blurs the lines of Scandinavian minimalism and French-Mediterranean poetry.
Guided by her own personal stories, Magdalena Buzdugan’s brand has captivated the eyes of minimalist chic fashion lovers alike.
So sit down, grab a cozy drink of your choosing, and go on airplane mode while I talk intentional design, inspiration, and studio life with the sweetest creative soul, Magdalena.
Founder of MAISON MAGDALENA
“To me, true luxury lies in the slowness of creation, in the hidden stitches, and in the quiet feeling that a garment carries a story - yours and mine.”
— Magdalena
1. Who are you?
I am Magdalena Buzdugan, founder and creative mind behind MAISON MAGDALENA - a universe born from my inner desire to express what I feel, what moves my soul, and how I find beauty in the delicate language of handworked detail.
I grew up in a small village in the Republic of Moldova, where I spent my childhood painting and dreaming, surrounded by silence, nature, and the dusty stories of rural life. At 11, I started studying at the local School of Arts, and over the years, my passion for creating gradually transformed from painting into an instinctive fascination with garments - their textures, their silhouettes, their soul.
My journey took me to Romania, France, and Denmark, where I studied and worked, always searching, always learning. From my literary and fashion design studies in Romania to my Erasmus years in Toulouse, France and later a formative internship at The Garment studio in Copenhagen, every chapter helped me shape the vision and depth that would become MAISON MAGDALENA.
2 . How old are you?
I’m 26, and still in a constant dance, or battle, with time. I carry this quiet obsession of filling every moment with meaning, purpose, and presence.
3. What is the inspiration behind your brand, MAISON MAGDALENA?
MAISON MAGDALENA is inspired by contrast in harmony: the clean lines of Scandinavian minimalism gently embellished with the bohemian touch of French-Mediterranean poetry. I’m deeply inspired by the softness of white hues, the golden hour light, the washed blue of sea and sky, the brushstrokes of Impressionist painting, the organic shapes and textures found in nature, architecture, interiors, and design. Often, inspiration reveals itself during the creative process itself. As I work directly with a fabric or form, something unexpected takes shape. Those moments, spontaneous, unplanned, are usually the ones that lead to the pieces people end up loving most.
4. Can you share a little bit of the design process with us?
My process always begins with emotion. Sometimes it’s sparked by a forgotten photograph, a texture, a poem. I sketch by hand, drape directly on the mannequin, and test textures between my fingers. I often dye my own fabrics using natural pigments and love integrating vintage or deadstock materials I discover while traveling.
Each collection is like a visual diary of the period I’m living through, and I try to stay loyal to that personal truth, even if it means slowing down the process. To me, true luxury lies in the slowness of creation, in the hidden stitches, and in the quiet feeling that a garment carries a story - yours and mine.
For example, in my latest summer collection MON JARDIN SECRET, the design process started from my deep need to reconnect with the girl I once was and to listen to her inner whisper. From there, everything took shape - the choice of natural, clean fabrics, embellished with delicate design elements like lace and crocheted flowers. I really wanted to create a soft, tender world just for her.
5. Your collections are all about luxurious fabrics, minimalist design, and chic details. How do you hope people feel while wearing your clothes?
I hope they feel elegant without effort, confident without noise. I want every woman who wears MAISON MAGDALENA to feel as if the piece was created just for her, not only for her body, but for her spirit. The goal is not to impress, but to express - gracefully, with timeless strength.
6. Where do you go to find things to get inspired?
Mostly, I turn inward. But when I need to recharge, I love walking through vintage markets in the South of France, visiting small ateliers and art galleries, photographing organic textures on film, or simply observing how light shifts throughout the day in my studio. Silence is also so essential to my creative process, as I’m very sensitive to my environment.
7. What is your favorite original element in your previous collections? (fabric, design details, finishes, etc.)
Definitely the hand-embroidered details. In my “Traces of Living” collection, I created delicate embroidery motifs that required over 20 hours of manual work for each finished garment. These tiny gestures, often invisible to most, hold something deeply intimate. In the process, time seems to shift into another dimension, and the garments themselves become infused with soul.
8. What is your favorite piece from your collection?
There’s one piece I return to again and again to get inspired - Arcana skirt, a quintessential expression of my passion for artistry and craftsmanship. A pièce de résistance.The skirt's upper layer includes a signature hand embroidery, capturing the beauty of imperfection and transformation. Underneath, a hidden world of quiet romance is revealed in a layer of botanically dyed silk. When I designed this skirt, I felt deeply connected to myself. Every detail became an intimate study of my own freedom and evolution.
9. Who do you dream about wearing your clothes one day?
I don’t really have muses. I believe the only way to truly arrive at yourself is to let go of measuring your essence against someone else’s shape. But if I had to name someone, I’d love to see Monica Bellucci one day wearing a dress from MAISON MAGDALENA, a woman who carries mystery and grace effortlessly, and who lives and dresses with unapologetic freedom.
10. If you could buy anything, what’s your dream piece of fashion you’d love to own one day?
I have a special attachment to Bottega bags and their whole brand philosophy around “When your own initials are enough.” I love their large Intrecciato bags that adapt to your persona - their shapes flow naturally, so you can carry everything you need. As a businesswoman and a fashion lover, they're exactly what I’m looking for. That’s why the Large Andiamo Shopper in Fondant is at the top of my wishlist. It feels just like me.
11. What are some accounts on IG you follow for inspiration?
Oh, there are many, but I’ll try to name just a few:
@sophiebuhai
@ad_magazine
@rohe_frames
@eyeswoon
@studioathenacalderone
@carven
@oldcity_mailroom
@bof
@giseleazad
They all share a certain visual honesty - a sensitivity to light, texture, and mood that feels both timeless and intimate. Whether through quiet interiors, refined simplicity in fashion, or thoughtful curation, each account reflects a world where beauty is understated and creativity unfolds slowly and with intention.
12. What words of wisdom would you say to any aspiring designers/fashion entrepreneurs?
Start with what you know - deeply. Stay true to your essence and never compare yourself to others. Build slowly and thoughtfully, and be consistent in sharing your story with the world. Be patient. Learn the craft behind the dream, the production, the logistics, the business. Your dream needs roots to bloom. And above all, protect your joy throughout the process. That’s your greatest asset.
