The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2021 - Issue 30

bitefashion M onika uses her name to form the name of her brand Mon- ika Dolna Couture. Her col- lection is produced through her in-house fashion atelier and requires significant handcrafting hours. She current- ly works on her own, bringing the garments alive from concept to the finished project, which includes researching trends and sewing techniques, designing collections, pattern-making, sourcing fabrics, sewing samples and completing the final garment. Monika also does PR for her brand and is always looking for new opportunities, such as fashion shows, photoshoots, and net- working events. She is currently working on the Monika Dolna Ready-to-Wear col- lection. Her first collection was inspired by 3D tex- tures, such as the fine thread patterns found under mushrooms. The designer describes the textures of the natural world as what resonate the most which are evident in the dress she created in two different fabrics. She researched and experimented with sev- eral fabrics until she found the right one to achieve the outcome she desired. In her collections, chiffon and silk-chiffon are the main fabrics, representing lightness and the feminine touch. The colours red, black and white are the classic colours inspired by ab- stract art. The process for making the signature fur-like texture takes significant hours of handcrafting. Strip by strip, it is carefully stitched, measured and cut individually. The soft silky fabric texture is emphasised to create that feminine touch on gar- ments. The timeline for producing these depends on how much fabric is involved, so a garment can take up to several weeks to create. “Currently, I make garments for pre-order only. In my collections, you can also find tulle, lace and hand embroidery in bright colours which embody positivity to me.” Her inspirations stem from Alexander Mc- Queen, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Iris van Herpen, Balenciaga and Balmain for the unique, innovative ideas and originality, and Dolce & Gabbana for business ideas. However, other influences can come in the form of music, art, colours or shapes. Her biggest inspiration has always been her mother, a very elegant woman with curly blonde hair, who wears feminine garments and heels. “She has had a huge impact on my creative work.” Monika has been designing since 2017. She studied at The London College of Con- temporary Art and Design in London and graduated with a distinction in Fashion and Textile. The designer wants women who wear her garments to feel feminine and fearless, unique and bold, beautiful and free. Her goal is to create luxurious feminine garments that are easily weara- ble and unique. She is currently designing womenswear but has always loved haute couture. The designer makes every garment with love. She revealed that on the many occa- sions she had to find a dress to wear to a friend’s wedding that there was nothing pe- tite, as the dresses she found were made for large-busted women. Now, when design- ing, Monika ensures she has women with smaller busts in mind. In her signature dress, the fabric covers the front and still makes the woman beautifully feminine. As Monika says, “Every woman deserves to look beautiful.” Monika Dolna Couture