Celestial Bodies pt. 1

Celestial Bodies by Karolina Laskowska Lingerie. Photography by J. Tuliniemi. MUA by Anitka Kwiat.

2016

 

‘Celestial Bodies’ is Karolina Laskowska’s most dramatic and extensive collection to date, offering both imminently wearable designs and luscious couture lingerie. Inspired by the majesty of constellations, opulence and gilding are the prominent design themes.   

As ever, textiles are key to Karolina Laskowska’s designs. This collection offers a veritable textural feast for lingerie connoisseurs: the velvet flocked polkadots of ‘Corvus’, the heavy and ornate cotton lace of ‘Cygnus’, the layered precious metal  leaf and silk rosettes of ‘Auriga’ to the sweeping metallic fringe of ‘Lyra’.  The palette relies heavily on decadent blacks and golds with only hints of other colours or tones.  Sourcing has been an extremely important facet of the design process, with as many of the laces, fabrics and trims being sourced from within the EU (with several of the laces and all elastics being sourced in England, often from manufacturers with extensive heritage).   

The collection represents a huge step forward for the Karolina Laskowska brand. It features the first self-funded and mass-produced ranges (Ara and Carina).  The factory is based in Poland and has been selected for its guarantee of uncompromised quality and ethical standards, as well as offering customers are more accessible price point without sacrificing key brand values. 

As well as the usual small-run ranges produced in the London studio, the collection also offers ‘Couture’ lingerie (produced in tiny quantities for individual clients, made to measure where possible) and one-of-a-kind Art corsetry. The latter two ranges have allowed Karolina’s design sensibilities to truly take wing, without the limitations of costings or market viability. The fetishistic styling of corseted dresses, all-over French lace stockings, face masks and hobble skirts offer a decidedly luxe sensuality lacking in the mainstream lingerie market.  

 

Photography – J. Tuliniemi
MUA – Anitka Kwiat