story by Dana Varon
photos by Ned & Aya Rosen
Is there nothing more cozy than what is in grandma’s closet? This season A Détacher designer Mona Kowalska dug into one and pulled out pieces that are habitual and homey, and found nothing too old fashioned.
Knobby knits and modern mu-mus are decked with digital daisy prints, colorful flower appliques, and polka dots. Royal blue, deep purple, lilac, punchy pink, orange, rust, tans and browns are among the palette next to a clay grey and classic houndstooth. Swathy skirts are balanced with thicker threads and rolled up jumpers in varying lengths are overlaying. Paneled frocks and peplum skirts complimented silk athletic suits and pants. Knee highs, high wrapped hair with light yarn type tufts and drawn on beauty marks added to the fun feel of dress up while thin leather belts taken one step further into belt- suspenders dressed the different doyennes.
Bloomers are youthful and a returning retro from grandmother’s day while slim skirts, looped sweaters and cardigans are sophisticated staples. Burlap like shifts and skirts add to the wardrobe and the fabrics are such that you can almost feel them just by looking at them.
Ms. Kowalska has a way of structuring her pieces so that they look effortless but in retrospect are especially thought out and constructed. Hence, her pieces are those that any girl can throw on to look together and trim in an inimitable way with shoes to fit, as she creates those just the same. This collection was no exception proving spring can be cozy and cultivated. This line is one to live in.
