In the heart of Poland, Karmica, the artistic alter ego of Monika Wójtowicz (portrayed on the cover photo by Tomek Różalski), has unveiled her latest collection “Las Party,” an exciting exploration of fashion, art, and environmental consciousness. This unique collection harmoniously intertwines the realms of painting and design, showcasing Wójtowicz’s distinctive philosophy of “karminoism,” which marries the wildness of nature with elements of psychology and spirituality.
The collection draws inspiration from the enchanting imagery of springtime forests, as Wójtowicz describes, “They walked through the forest like birds in spring plumage, proudly spreading their wings and courageously soaring into the sky.” Designed for women who appreciate elegance paired with a dash of extravagance, “Las Party” features creations made with 70% upcycled materials and 30% fabrics designed and hand-painted as part of Wójtowicz’s Chromotherapy XXI series.
What sets this collection apart is its multi-functional design. Each silhouette dons versatility that carves a space for both feminine and unisex styles, appealing to the modern individualist. The collection’s title, “Las Party,” suggests a lively, woodland party that transitions into a wedding celebration, reflecting a whimsy that resonates throughout the pieces.
Signature Silhouettes of “Las Party”
LASELA: A dynamic duo of skirts-capes crafted from various materials. One is a satin-lined, high-waisted piece paired with a top, while the other is a waterproof fabric that can transform into a rain-protective umbrella. The design reflects the theme of Chromotherapy’s camouflage setting, featuring forest motifs. Photos by Marcin Nawrocki
ZIEMIANA: This blend of craftsmanship includes a hand-painted leather skirt-cape and a luxurious gold-accented corduroy upper. Wójtowicz ingeniously repurposed four pairs of men’s trousers and two leather jackets into this design, epitomizing sustainability. Photos by Marcin Nawrocki
SZACHA: A playfully sophisticated two-piece skirt-cape arrangement. One skirt is in soft velvet with mother-of-pearl buttons, while the other is crafted from repurposed men’s shorts. Its headpiece, an extravagant flourish, flaunts over a hundred pearl buttons, showcasing opulence. Photos by Marcin Nawrocki
MALAJA: An artistic feat using second-hand cotton canvas, this ensemble is reminiscent of a painting with its original motifs and a double-sided leather mask adding an intriguing edge. Photos by Marcin Nawrocki
AKSA: This reversible skirt-cape melds contrasting velvets, paired with a dual-tone bodice and an elegant kimono featuring long ties. The headpiece is adorned with embellishments of buttons and chains in antique gold. Photos by Marcin Nawrocki
NIMESA: Featuring hand-painted cotton, this piece showcases the artist’s unique use of pearlescent colors that truly pop in the light, complemented by simple cotton basics. Photos by Mariusz Dyszlewski
REDA: A dramatic, triangle-formed coat with extended sleeves, complemented by a body-hugging dress, showcases Wójtowicz’s signature Chromotherapy patterns. The headwear is inspired by avian motifs, further emphasizing the connection to nature. Photos by Marcin Nawrocki
LASSKA: This innovative design incorporates seven men’s shirts to create a stunning skirt-cape and vest ensemble, complete with a headpiece constructed from cuffs. Its polka dot fabric draws on the fusion of Chromotherapy patterns, highlighting Wójtowicz’s distinct artistic flair.
This vibrant collection was recently unveiled at the Nadwiślański Fashion Week in Sandomierz, Poland, where the tree-lined setting further complemented the collection’s woodland inspirations.
A Vision of Conscious Fashion
Karmica’s fashion philosophy extends beyond mere aesthetics. Wójtowicz emphasizes the importance of quality materials, eco-friendliness, and humane production practices. In an era marked by rampant fast fashion, she urges a shift towards sustainability, highlighting that only 1% of clothing produced globally is recycled. Her work serves as a clarion call to fellow artists and designers to recognize the urgency of eco-consciousness in fashion.
Karmica views clothing creation as an extension of self-expression, bridging multiple artistic disciplines — from painting and character design to scenography and photography. Wójtowicz’s collections are laced with emotive colors and intricate narratives, translating her vibrant childhood into wearable art.
Ultimately, “Las Party” stands not only as a testimony to Karmica’s unique artistic vision but also as a reminder of the power of fashion to communicate, transform, and uplift. As Wójtowicz puts it, she desires her work to cultivate curiosity and creativity in everyday life, pushing boundaries and encouraging wearers to embrace new experiences.
In essence, Karmica is not just a name; it embodies a mission to ‘feed’ art to those who cherish authenticity and harmony with nature—much like a feeder offers sustenance to birds. In today’s world of overwhelming clothing production, Karmica’s vision paves the way for a sustainable future, one colorful creation at a time.
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