1.When I think of your collections, I always feel that KZ embodies a chic NY woman who values design, function, and quality. What are the hallmarks of your line and how does it relate to the NYC lifestyle?

We create modernist designs: clean yet bold silhouettes with a focus and respect for technical design and craftsmanship.  We believe in the design process; precision and quality when we source our technical or double faced fabrics and trims, as well as when we plan the seamless finishing and sewing techniques for every piece to have a variable purpose.

By taking the unique ideals of the made-to-measure process to enhance each garment with convertibility and reversibility we try to create multi-function to our pieces and collection. Lastly, the variability in the designs permit personalization: one forms the pieces to the body and self, for their individual vision and need.

Our original goals have translated easily into the city centric lifestyle as the pieces allow utility but with a focus on one’s unique personality.  The ease and functionality of our collection, where one can go into their closet and pick out 2 pieces for a packed schedule and events or pick out 5 versatile pieces for a multi day trip, allows women to use the pieces as power tools in their everyday life.

2. I’ve seen firsthand how passionate you are about your company. I’ve also seen it grow tremendously over the years that we’ve collaborated. Where do you see KZ in the future?

First, we need to get through the Corona Virus and rebuild. I do believe that this time is allowing us to reflect and in order to work through the challenge we have had to ask ourselves how to evolve in the digital space (as for now the only way) while thinking on how to make our intimate one-on-one client specialty even better.

As we mature and have developed a confidence with our design and concept we would like to grow our unique experience with new retailers and retail concepts where we create our improved studio environment.  A studio to retail brick and mortar concept store is part of the future plan.

3. Let’s talk fabrics. What do you look for when you’re sourcing for a new collection?

My personal favorite fabrics are double faced fabrics as they are our perfect canvas for reversible/convertible designs.

Using technical fabrics is my second criteria – I check for stretch, lightness and bounce-back in the fabrics.  Our clients love that they feel as if they are not wearing anything when wearing our pieces, even in the heat of the summer.

I try to always speak to the hand of the fabric, sometimes flowy light weight fabrics are mistaken for airy and light fabrics and you can sweat and be more uncomfortable in these then tailoring fabrics with body because of their content and quality.

I personally have very sensitive skin and the fabrics I select cannot be itchy or scratchy, especially where they touch the skin directly.

Lastly, with look, since I am not a print person I love interpreting textures; organic or futuristic techniques that make a fabric unique.

4. I know you typically wear head-to-kz (so easy when you have such a wide range of pieces!) what other designers inspire you? Do you shop any of their collections too?

My all time original inspiration since I learned anything in fashion was Cristobal Balenciaga.  His eye for draping, silhouette and intricate construction made him a legend.  In the same way I respect specialty, designers who are craftsman, the real deal technically skilled authors of design.  I believe in the more current era ,Alexander Mcqueen, Karl Lagerfeld and Phoebe Filo to be in that expert category.  I do also admire the way designers like Dries Van Noten and Rick Owens create with intelligence and independent thought.

Since I mostly buy accessories some of my favorite are Dries shoes and boots, Isabel Marant shoes and boots and accessories (they have great belts).

5. I’ve heard you say that the sexiest thing about a woman is her brain. (love that!) what kind of woman are you designing for?

“Women who do things” -needing multi functional, multi form, multi use designed clothing
Productive, creative, entrepreneurial women, using our pieces as power tools for their business, social and casual needs
Women with a strong presence, expressed through personal vision
Cosmopolitan

6.If you weren’t a designer, what else would you be doing?

It would be something creative and productive – furniture and product design and or photography and film making. Need to keep learning and creating.

Learn more about Karolina Zmarlak here.