Monika Łuczak, a fashion luminary from Łódź, Poland, has swiftly ascended the ranks with her distinctive designs. Graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts, her journey from childhood fascination with clothing to international acclaim is testament to her innate talent and unwavering determination. Despite initial forays into digital photography, it was her university years that saw her immerse herself in clothing design, culminating in triumph at the prestigious The Link 2023 competition in Cannes, where her lingerie collection, "Madama Butterfly," clinched the top prize. Yet, beyond accolades, Łuczak finds fulfillment in the connections forged and the inspiration she imparts to others.
Łuczak's creative journey is deeply intertwined with the vibrant world of drag. While she may not identify as part of the community herself, her artistic vision is profoundly influenced by it. Collaborating with drag queens isn't merely a matter of "using" them; it's about mutual inspiration and celebration of their unique artistry. For Łuczak, drag is a captivating spectacle, a realm where high-quality costumes evolve alongside deeply personal narratives. It's this rich tapestry of stories and creativity that fuels her own artistic expression.
Looking forward, Łuczak envisions a future brimming with creative ventures. Collaborating with partner Paulina Wisińska, she's set to unveil an underwear brand "soon" alongside nurturing aspirations of establishing her own clothing label. With a debut jewelry collection on the horizon and ongoing endeavors in clothing design, including her latest project, "The Office," Łuczak continues to push the boundaries of fashion while leaving an indelible mark on both the industry and those she inspires.
We sat down with Monika Łuczak for a quickfire interview:
Who inspires you?
For me, fashion isn’t only about finding a "muse" or a "wearer" - the most inspiring aspect for me is always the stories. Everyone has their own story, so anyone could become an inspiration.
What successes have you achieved?
Oh, that’s a bit boring. I've received some scholarships, grants, and been a finalist in a few fashion contests, winning some with first prizes. But you know what success means to me? It's feeling happy and full of passion - those are the main ones. But I'm most grateful for the opportunity to work with all these extremely talented people.
What would you like to achieve?
I'd like to establish my own fashion house.
What is unique about your art?
My art is about detail and craftsmanship. Let’s make eroticism fashionable and luxurious again.
You are from Łódź, what is the creative scene like there?
Łódź is really unique due to its textile heritage. It’s a post-industrial city located in central Europe, which is strategically important for the fashion industry. Our Academy of Fine Arts has the longest tradition in teaching fashion design in Poland, and students here have the opportunity to specialize in subjects like footwear, leather goods, lingerie design, knitwear, sportswear, womenswear, and costume for film and theatre. That’s just the fashion department; jewellery is another one with its own specialisations.
Does style change from city to city in Poland?
In terms of fashion design, we don’t have many variations in Poland. In my opinion, there's no distinct fashion in various cities.
What would your ghost outfit be (the one outfit you would wear as a ghost for eternity)?
NAKED, imagination is enough.
Favorite designer?
Alexander McQueen.
Polish celebrity who has influenced your art the most?
Luckily, no one.
Item of clothing you hate and will never wear?
Never say never, even galaxy leggings might look cool. It’s hard, but possible.
An essential clothing item that you can’t live without?
A black turtleneck! Groundbreaking.
If you could time-travel to any fashion era, which one would you choose and why?
Gimme the 90s in Tokyo!
Credits:
Draq Queen: Ciotka @ca_drag
Hair: Avrill de Mon @avrill_de_mon
MuA: Miranda Mimosa Andromeda @mimi.andromeda
Look: Custom body and coat from collection 'Forbidden Body' @iam_woochuck
Photo: Alicja Lesiak @lesiala
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