I had the pleasure of meeting Ania Szczygiel, a talented Polish designer, during Budapest Central European Fashion Week and Cracow Fashion Week. A graduate of Cracow School of Art and Fashion Design, Ania has showcased her collections in Poland, London, and Budapest.
Her brand, SZCZYGIEL, blends conceptual techniques with high fashion, emphasizing modern sustainability. Ania’s diploma collection, THAT’S THE WAY I AM, drew inspiration from British fashion icons and subcultures, earning the title of Collection of the Year at the 2021 Cracow Fashion Awards.
Her latest collection, SPACED OUT AW2022/23, channels the bold aesthetics of the 80s and the brutalist architecture of London’s Barbican Centre. Featuring power suits, big shoulders, punk fashion, and statement accessories, this collection was a standout at BCEFW in Budapest.
During our interview, Ania shared exciting insights about her collections and future plans for her brand.
When did you decide to be a fashion designer?
Fashion was always my top topic since I was a teenager, I browse fashion magazines and watch Fashion TV all the time. I style my friends as well as alter clothes and everyone around me including my parents.
When I finish high school my dream was to get to costume design school but I don’t think I was brave enough and I choose sociology as a backup. After I graduate I move to The United Kingdom where I start a normal job but still designing and fashion overall was not my first job. In 2017 I took part in Polish Talent Support, a fashion contest for polish people leaving abroad organized by Cracow School of Art and Fashion Design and I won.
What is the style of your brand and to whom it is devoted?
Above all high fashion, high conceptual design, streetwear where you can see plenty of punk, rebel, and manifestation. SZCZYGIEL – is a strong and arresting brand with a futuristic tone. I’m in the stage of building a brand which includes designing minimalistic lines as well as everyday ready-to-wear. It mostly will be selling lines but also catwalk series. SZCZYGIEL – designs targeted to every woman where they should feel beautiful, feminine powerful, dynamic, strong, regardless of their age and exceptionally.
What type of fabrics do you like to work with?
Mostly I’m using fabrics from dead stocks in recycling centers and scrap stores. When I’m designing I use the rule of responsible fashion. I love to work with natural materials like cotton as they are very precious. I’m trying to play and mix them with artificial fabrics which gives them a unique appearance. It is a wonderful mix-and-match of unique designs. As we all know, diversity is the most precious currency in the fashion world.
What are your plans for the future?
At the moment I’m working on the Spring/Summer 2023 collection and have plans to open the online shop in the nearest future so please keep your eyes open. Also, I’m planning to take part in fashion shows around UK and Europe but dates have to be confirmed yet.
Follow the SZCZYGIEL brand on Instagram! I am looking forward to seeing the SS23 collection!
What do you think about this fashion brand? Do share your comments!
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