From political science to conscious design, Mihaela Ungureanu has redefined what it means to merge intellect with artistry. As the founder of EDOS — Endless Days of Sun, she turns sustainability into elegance, creating pieces that honour both the planet and the women who wear them. Her story is one of resilience, vision, and purpose — where each stitch carries meaning.
Mihaela, your journey began in political and administrative sciences and evolved into the creation of the conscious fashion brand EDOS. Sustainable design can be seen as an aesthetic form of social responsibility. How do these two worlds — politics and fashion — intersect in your thinking today?
My academic background in political and administrative sciences has profoundly shaped how I approach systems, responsibility, and long-term impact. Politics, at its core, is about people — how we organise societies, distribute resources, and create frameworks for a fairer future. Fashion, though often seen as purely aesthetic or commercial, is a powerful cultural and economic force that interacts with all these elements.
Later, I pursued further studies in the creative industries, earning an MA degree in London and gaining hands-on experience within the fashion industry. That period gave me a deeper understanding of both its beauty and its systemic challenges — from overproduction to exploitation and waste. It was then that I realised I didn’t want to simply take part in the fashion world, but to build something different within it.
Through EDOS, I’ve come to see fashion as more than swimwear. It’s a form of language, a platform for advocacy and social change. Every decision, from the materials I choose to the stories I share, is intentional — part of a wider conversation about values, vision, and the kind of world I want to help shape.
EDOS was born from the idea of “fashion with purpose.” You work with ECONYL®, a fabric made from regenerated waste. How would you define the core mission of your brand today?
EDOS — Endless Days of Sun — began with a simple yet powerful question: what if fashion could do good? From the very start, my mission has been to create timeless, conscious swimwear that respects both women’s bodies and the planet.
Using innovative materials such as ECONYL®, regenerated from ocean and industrial waste, reflects my commitment to circularity and reducing environmental impact. But EDOS goes beyond the materials — it’s about encouraging mindful consumption, ethical production, and nurturing a community that values quality over quantity.
My goal is to show that fashion can be beautiful, purposeful, and responsible — that sustainability and style can truly coexist.
You’ve spoken openly about the challenges of starting out — from finding ethical manufacturers to overcoming financial hurdles. Your first production deal fell through, forcing you to start from scratch. What helped you keep going at that moment? And when did you realise that your brand had finally found its footing?
That was one of the hardest moments in my journey. I had invested so much — time, energy, money, belief — and when that first production deal collapsed, it felt as if the entire vision was slipping away. I had been conscious and cautious with my decisions, refusing to compromise on quality just to stay with the same supplier. Still, it created major delays and affected several areas of development.
Swimwear isn’t just about design — it’s highly technical. You need multiple samples to perfect the fit, especially when striving for inclusivity, comfort, and functionality. I had to start from scratch, dedicating time to research and finding a new manufacturer. Eventually, we negotiated a reasonable minimum order quantity, and the process began to move forward.
What kept me going was a strong sense of purpose. EDOS wasn’t just a business idea — it was something I felt truly called to build. I also had a few people who believed in me unconditionally, my father being one of them. His support gave me strength in the moments when I questioned everything.
There wasn’t a single turning point, but rather a series of quiet victories: seeing the first final sample turn into production, welcoming our first returning customer, or receiving a message from someone who said wearing EDOS made them feel strong, confident, and seen. That’s when I realised EDOS was about more than swimwear — it was about identity, community, and meaningful impact.
Looking back, I’m grateful that things didn’t go as planned. That early challenge forced me to rebuild with clarity and intention. It reminded me that when something is created from purpose, it may bend — but it doesn’t break.
Your designs reflect inclusivity and the mix & match concept. How wide is the size range available at EDOS today?
Inclusivity has been a core value since the very beginning. Currently, EDOS offers a size range from XS to XL, and I’m actively working to extend it further. I believe fashion should empower everyone, regardless of body type or style preference. It’s about creating swimwear that adapts to real bodies and real lives.
That’s why the mix & match concept is so important. It allows customers to create combinations that suit their unique style and shape — to express themselves, feel confident, and wear pieces that truly reflect who they are.
EDOS has already gained international recognition. How challenging is it to convince modern women that slow fashion can be more appealing than fast fashion? And do you notice any differences in how women from different regions — for example, Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S. — perceive a sustainable brand?
Sustainable swimwear is still a niche, and choosing slow fashion over fast fashion can be challenging — but it’s a challenge I wholeheartedly embrace. Slow fashion asks for more — more thoughtfulness, more patience, sometimes a higher initial cost — yet it gives so much more in return. It’s about quality, longevity, and aligning your values with what you wear.
Some women are initially sceptical when they hear the words “recycled fabric”, but once they try it — feel the softness, the comfort, the quality — they’re often pleasantly surprised. It’s a moment of realisation that sustainability doesn’t mean compromise.
Across regions, the perception of sustainability varies. In parts of Europe, there’s a strong culture of conscious consumption. In others, aesthetics still take precedence, though awareness is growing. In the Middle East, I’ve witnessed inspiring initiatives led by organisations and leaders integrating sustainability into their long-term visions. The U.S. is incredibly diverse; some markets are highly engaged, while others are just beginning their journey.
I’m grateful for the recognition EDOS has received internationally, but I know there’s still much more to do. Raising awareness, supporting mindful choices, and offering timeless, responsible design — that’s the journey I’m devoted to, and it’s only just beginning.
“Fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression — a way to feel, to connect, and to tell a story without words. With EDOS, I design timeless pieces that respect the planet, honour the body, and allow women to express themselves with confidence and purpose.” — Mihaela Ungureanu
Production: mavl.production
Production studio pics: @the.noonstudio
Outfit swimwear: www.edosswimwear.com
Model: Mihaela Ungureanu
