Ania Szczygiel is a talented, Polish designer that I had the pleasure to meet during Budapest Central European Fashion Week and Cracow Fashion Week.

She graduated in 2021 from Cracow School of Art and Fashion Design in Poland, faculty of fashion design. She has presented her collection multiply times in Poland, also abroad – in London and Budapest.

Her modern and sustainable brand SZCZYGIEL is a mix of conceptual techniques and high fashion, currently available in the UK and Poland. 

Her diploma collection – THAT’S THE WAY I AM – was inspired by British Fashion Looks, subcultures of London, Lady Diana, Kate Moss, and Vivienne Westwood.  This collection was called a COLLECTION OF THE YEAR in 2021 at Cracow Fashion Awards.

Her latest collection SPACED OUT AW2022/23 refers 80’s, inspired by the spectacular and famous, iconic Barbican center in London full of brutalism modern architecture. Big shoulders, 80’s punk fashion, power suits, bold, off-the-shoulder jackets, statement accessories, full of hybrid styles. I had a chance to see this collection during the latest  BCEFW in Budapest and I totally love it!

During our short interview, Ania shared more details about her collections and future plans regarding 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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