Poland is a land of deep traditions. As a Polish designer, how does your work navigate between honouring heritage and challenging it?
As a designer, I try to find a balance between respect for Polish tradition and the desire to introduce new, bold solutions. Poland has many unique traditions that are a great base for creation. My works are often based on simple, classic forms, but I introduce modern elements to them. I try to respect our roots, but at the same time look to the future. In my collection, I created bags covered with silver spray that have rounded handles made of wood. The shiny surface of the bags refers to the ritual of setting the table. The silver trays that were the inspiration for creating the bags are a symbol of cultivating family traditions for me.
What’s your relationship with the materials you work with – do they dictate the design or do you bend them to your vision of the collection?
The clothing collection is an attempt to capture moments from my family home. Clothes are carriers of meanings and emotions. Through the selection of materials, I want to evoke specific memories. Each of the nine silhouettes is a different story that is connected to my grandparents’ home. The materials are adapted to the vision of the collection. Wool coats remind me of my grandfather’s wardrobe and add a winter character. I wanted the materials to reflect the atmosphere of the interior of the house, which is why, in the collection, I used materials that surrounded me in my childhood – wool, lace, furniture fabrics.
What inspires you more: beauty in imperfection or pursuing perfection?
The REMEMBER collection is a record of the atmosphere of a house that has undergone changes. I remember the ticking of an old clock or a rough wooden floor. All the imperfections of the house, dirt or damage, are a set of sensory experiences that have taken root in my psyche and are the source of inspiration for my collection.
How important is traditional craftsmanship in your practice, and how do you balance it with innovative techniques?
In the collection, I use handmade lace napkins. Most of them I acquired second-hand or from older people in my family. Drawing from my family heritage, I create a foundation for further exploration. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modernity, I can establish a dialogue between generations. Drawing inspiration from traditional patterns, I create modern interpretations that respond to contemporary trends.
Last one: What happens to your pieces after they leave your hands and become part of someone else’s story?
When I finish working on a collection, I think about how the photoshoot will look like and I often notice new interpretations. I am happy when I see a smile on the faces of people who wear my clothes.
