AW13 collection from Karolina Laskowska

I’ve heard a lot about lingerie designer Karolina Laskowska lately. Not only is she collaborating with Kiss Me Deadly, as well as being a columnist for The Lingerie Addict, but her AW13 collection has just launched! Oh, and she hasn’t even finished her degree course yet… this woman must really hate having any free time. I follow Karolina on Instagram and have been seeing many photos of kimono silks and beautiful laces, so was extremely excited to see what she was turning all these stunning fabrics into. Famous for the striking harnesses that now form part of her classics collection, Karolina has included some of these signature straps in her new collection.

The press release told me that the collection is split into two parts, which I’m going to call ‘couture’ and ‘upcycled’. The couture designs include beautiful French Leavers lace along with Karolina’s signature elastic straps. The upcycled part of the collection is no less glamorous though, as Karolina uses handpicked kimono silks in modern designs to create mini knickers, high-waisted briefs, waspie corsets and Swarovski embellished nipple pasties. Despite the two distinct sections, this collection has a clear overall style and a simple yet luxurious look. The press release continues…

Just entering its second year, the Karolina Laskowska brand has already earned numerous international stockists and an extensive press portfolio. What is perhaps most impressive however, is that the brand’s namesake designer is still a student at the prestigious Contour Fashion course at De Montfort University. Despite still having a year left of studies, Karolina has managed to successfully crowdfund a new collection this season via the website Indiegogo.

The ‘Classics’ range was released in the Summer of 2012 and has proven the most commercially successful, picking up international stockists and press acclaim.

The pieces that really stood out for me in this collection were the couture sets Ela, Luiza and Monika (pictured). ‘Ela’ is a signature Karolina Laskowska style, featuring a either stunning French metallic gold and rose tulle lace or a limited edition ivory colourway. The bra incorporates soft fully lined cups (giving gentle support) with decorative underbust and overbust satin strapping. The matching brief has a vintage-inpired high-waisted silhouette, with a lace panel and teasingly sheer powernet body. ‘Luiza’ is described as the perfect pairing of decadence and sensuality. Exquisite beaded and embroidered French Chantilly lace drapes over the bust line of the bra, simultaneously concealing and revealing all in this cupless style. Signature underbust straps with bold silver-toned components frame the body beautifully. The matching short features a high rise and delicate beaded lace hip fins, with a sheer powernet main body and finished with a guipure lace flower. ‘Monika showcases a delicate champagne French Chantilly lace beautifully. The bra features pattern matched sheer soft lace cups, adorned with delicious ivory satin bows. It incorporates signature underbust strapping details and gold-plated components for an updated and directional feel. The knickers feature impeccably placed lace that traces delicately exquisite patterns over the body in a tantalisingly sheer effect. Finished with ivory bows and satin-finish hip strapping for a naughty twist. This set is also available embellished with delicate Swarovski crystals.

I just adore Karolina’s clever use of straps and her love of utterly beautiful fabrics. If I had to pick a favourite from the AW13 collection, I think it would be the Ela in gold lace (see top image), as its stunning use of lace and beautifully simple high-waisted briefs is a bold yet timeless combination. This young designer is definitely one to watch.