Sustainable Style: Introducing RetroGusto, Cambridge’s latest preloved label




“Clothes shouldn’t limit us, but should allow and help us to express who we really are.” He’s shown at London Fashion Week and dressed Beyoncé: meet Cambridge’s Cosmin Diaconu, brains behind new preloved fashion brand RetroGusto

RetroGusto
RetroGusto

To begin: introduce our readers to RetroGusto. . . It’s not your average preloved clothing store, is it? What makes it different?
You’re right! RetroGusto is so much more; it embodies a lifestyle characterised by luxury, refined taste and timeless elegance. It infuses classic elegance with a contemporary twist, making every outfit a unique statement of style and sustainability with a modern flair.

RetroGusto
RetroGusto

How and when did the brand come to be?
It started with a desire to reshape the fashion industry into something better. Straight after graduating, I entered the industry and was horrified by what I saw. I didn’t want to contribute to its problems, so I decided to do things my way.

RetroGusto
RetroGusto

Tell us about your background in fashion: when did you fall in love with it?
One of my earliest memories is dressing dolls at the age of 8. I’d collect any piece of fabric I could find and craft ‘outfits’ for them. This early passion ignited my love for creativity and design.

RetroGusto
RetroGusto

Fashion has the power to change how we feel, as well as the way we look, hasn’t it?
Fashion is a very powerful tool. It can make us more confident, influence our emotions and self-esteem. It’s a form of self-expression that has a profound impact on our psychological wellbeing.

RetroGusto
RetroGusto

We know you studied the subject at Cambridge School of Art. What brought you to the Cambridge course? And how was that experience?
I felt stuck, like I needed some help to achieve my dream of becoming a fashion designer. Cambridge seemed like the right place. There, I met teachers who were passionate and helped me discover who I really am as a designer. It was the best choice I could have made!

RetroGusto
RetroGusto

You showcased your graduate collection at London Fashion Week - that must have been amazing?
Seeing my designs come to life on the runway is something I could never forget; even now, it feels unreal!

We heard that you worked on some of Beyoncé’s iconic looks for the Renaissance tour? Tell us about that?
Immediately after graduating, I secured an internship and worked on two of her outfits alongside an amazing team. Seeing her wearing them in front of thousands of people boosted my confidence immensely — an experience that changed my life.

RetroGusto
RetroGusto

What prompted your focus to shift to sustainability?
I grew up in a working-class family where everything was reused for economic reasons. Many of the clothes I wore during my childhood were passed down from previous generations, and this has influenced my practice.

The fashion industry, as it stands, is a big part of the climate problem, isn’t it?
It really is, unfortunately, and people need to understand that it is our responsibility to stop this from happening.

RetroGusto
RetroGusto

What made you decide to work with preloved pieces?
I love designing, but I believe there’s already so much out there that we don’t need to create more. However, I’m currently working on a project that aims to reintroduce the design element… A clue? It involves a well-known illustrator from Cambridge!

RetroGusto
RetroGusto

Where do you source your stock? Can readers sell as well as buy through you?
Most of my stock comes from people who want to make some space in their wardrobe, so I offer this service in exchange for a percentage. I also love to go ‘on a hunt’ for amazing finds.

There’s a gender-free feel to your collections too, isn’t there?
I feel that clothes shouldn’t limit us, but should allow and help us express who we really are. Clothing designs need to prioritise comfort, functionality and versatility.

Where can we find you? And where can we buy?
People can find us on our website retrogusto.co.uk or on Instagram @retrogustouk. I am also happy to announce that from May 18 to 27 I am opening my first pop-up conceptual store on the first floor in Grand Arcade with lots of events. Come see us!


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