In anticipation of New York Fashion Week, we shot designer Mona Kowalska of A Détacher in her studio and boutique and sat down to talk fabrics and dream commissions.
Krakow-born Mona Kowalska has been marching to the beat of her own drum for some time now. After she cut her teeth running the Paris design studio of Sonia Rykiel, she headed to the Big Apple to set up A Détacher, the quietly cool label that always brings a much-needed sense of architectural, whimsical individuality to New York fashion.
How did you come up with the name A Detacher? I found it.
What does it mean? It means “ to be detached”.
What is the inspiration of your new collection? Travel and camouflage.
Where are your favourite travel destinations? I would happily return to Istanbul and Lisbon.
Where do you get your fabrics from? I get my fabrics mostly from Italy. Occasionally we will have something woven in India or Peru.
How has Peruvian culture influenced your clothing line? I have always been interested in traditional dress. Peru still has many communities that maintain old customs and old techniques. I think my collection is richer as a result.
When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer? At some point in college.
What are your favourite things about living in New York? I like the craziness.
If you could dress any celebrity right now, who would it be? I would like to dress Javier Bardem.
What is your guilty pleasure? Crime novels.
Images and words: Hatnim Lee