Investigating the duality between a fragile appearance and an extreme shape, Karolina Widecka proposes a capsule drenched in superstition and symbolism. Inspired by ex votos and Mexican religious art, the glasses function as a token of protection for its wearer with its ‘broken glass’ upper bar and attached charms for good luck.
Where did your inspiration for this collection come from?
My master collection is inspired by conspiracy theories, pseudo-spirituality and superstition. This superstition comes more forward in the sunglasses, the conspiracy theories in the garments. I was looking at various conspiracy theories and taking visual references from pop culture in my prints. I also approached it in a more conceptual way of hiding and revealing information in the garments. I looked at the way superstition is perceived in various cultures around the world, basically looking at various symbols and translating them into my garments.
How did you translate this idea into the sunglasses?
For the sunglasses, I was looking at topics of superstition, mainly Mexican ex-voto paintings, which depict accidents or horrific situations people went through. They survived and want to thank God. They would paint themselves during this accident and then, for example, in the corner of the painting, there will be an angel depicted. With the sunglasses, I wanted to have a broken lens which also represents an accident. That way, the sunglasses become a form of an ex-voto. Ex-voto doesn’t have to be a painting, In Mexican culture they also use small objects or symbols in metal.
What is the significance of accessories in fashion?
I think that accessories help the completion of a look. They basically help people to express themselves more than with just garments.
Which message do you want to share to the fashion world?
I think the collection was more of an expression of my personality. Even though the topic of conspiracy theories is a bit ridiculous or humorous, I hope people can take it a bit more seriously and start to question things. Whenever I talk to my friends about this stuff. I look like a crazy person. You can find a lot of truth in thing. It is just healthy to question the facts that are given to you.
