Fashion Philosophy Fashion Week Poland 2012

Poland was one of those countries on my wish list and there I was last weekend. Together with FASHIONCLASH I was invited to attend the international conference that was organized in connection to Fashion Philosophy Fashion Week Poland in Łódź.
The conference was held in the amazing Andel's Hotel in Łódź that is located in the Manufactura neighbourhood, a huge former industrial complex. Andel's hotel is really worth a visit, it is actually one of the best hotel's I have ever stayed in. The opening of the Fashion Philosophy Fashion Week Poland also took place  at the Andel's hotel on Thursday 24th.
City of Lodz used to be the capital for Polish textile industry until the major factories closed in the 90's. In recent years the city is recovering with great initiatives like the Fashion Philosophy Fashion Week Poland, Łódź design festival and the impressive Manufactura. Now Łódź is the place to be and is the avant-garde cultural capital of Poland.

Andel's Hotel

Yes, Polish fashion is emerging, there is room for improvement but there is loads of potential in Polish fashion scene. The international conference 'Promotion of Polish Fashion Industry on the International Market' gave more insight in the general development and possibilities of the Polish fashion industry.
In recent years I have noticed that Polish fashion scene is emerging and now that I was there I've experienced it.
Each year FASHIONCLASH receives strong applications from Polish designers and it was a pleasure to see some of them in the program. FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2012 participants Kamila Gawronska-Kasperska and Agnieszka Natasza Splewińska showed their collections.

The schedule offers a broad and rather full program with shows from established and 'celebrities' designers, emerging talents, Out off schedule program, showrooms, young fashion photographers exhibition and parties.
Most collections on the catwalk were wearable and not that interesting, the best collections were from emerging designers and graduates of Łódź Art Academy ASP. My personal favorite above all was the collection of Mads Dinesen, who showed on behalf of Not Just A Label.
It seemed that he general attention went more to established designers while the young designers really stole the show.
The showroom was bit messy but nevertheless I found some very nice young labels like She's a Riot, Aloha From Dear and Dudzińska (also former FASHIONCLASH participant).
At last I have to mention and thank the initiators of the conference and the fashion week for the warm hospitality and good organization. It could not have been a better occasion to visit Poland than to attend this conference and Fashion Week in Łódź.

FASHIONCLASH Team

I hope that I will be invited again and witness the growth of Polish fashion scene.
More info: http://www.fashionweek.pl/