Interview with Eva Poleschinski by Zoe Mathers
After starting her very own fashion label at the young age of 23 in Austria and over the next 10
years, having it rapidly spread internationally, Eva Poleschinski is a beloved name in the fashion industry. Now, she provides extravagant couture that is featured in elite magazines such as Vogue and Vogue, and her collections are seen in major fashion shows like at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin. As a perfectionist, she takes pride in her tailoring and ensuring that it reflects her brand of extravagance and individuality. We inquired about her road to the fashion industry, her thoughts on COVID-19’s impact on the fashion world, and what is on the horizon for her career.
Often, our passions and interests are influenced by those we grew up around. How did your passion for fashion begin?
I come from quite a different background . My dad is a lawyer and my mum a pharmacist. But my family’s handcraft has always had a huge status and appreciation. For instance my grandmother, whose background was in glass handcraft, had a great sense for fashion and influenced me and my work.
When did you know you wanted to pursue fashion and design as a career?
Around the age of 12, as I started painting and using fabrics in a creative way to express myself.
Were there any major setbacks or obstacles you faced trying to pursue fashion? Or was it fairly smooth sailing?
I started my own buisness at the age of 23 from nothing. It was quite a rough start at first. I would say that it takes around five to six years to truly build your customer base, your team and your whole network.
In all our careers and lives, we have moments that stick out more than others. What would that moment be for you in regards to fashion?
There are so many, but I think one of the most important milestone for me was the acquaintance of a former Helmut Lang business partner. She stumbled into my life when I was 23 and gave me the chance to be part of a huge fashion and textile project. Consequently, I got the invite to show my collection in New York. This was the very first steps of my business.
Fashion is all about expressing your inner self, no matter how outrageous and unique. Is there one, or more, pieces you have designed and loved, but were worried about how others would react?
As you mentioned, as a designer and handcrafter, you are putting a lot of your personality into your own pieces. What I have learned during the past few years is that if, as a creative person, you worry about the reaction of others, you are not going to be free [in your creations]. For me, it’s more important to be satisfied with my own quality, execution & design once a garment is finished.
What was the moment where you realized you had made it in the fashion world? How far into your career did this occur?
For me, it’s important to constantly improve. My goal is that my customers are coming back – it means that they were satisfied & that people I worked with recommend me as a designer to other professionals – that’s the best that can happen.
I noticed that you offer designer masks on your website now in response to COVID-19. How has the pandemic impacted your business?
At the beginning, it had a huge impact; most 2020 weddings were postponed and the Ball-event season was completely called off. In Austria ,at the beginning of the pandemic, it was nearly impossible to buy or get masks. So there was, besides the “designer factor“ a real need of doing it and creating masks. Since masks will be worn for a long time, for various occasions including business activities as much as ordinary activities, it was important for me that my customers felt pretty and in security.
Many say that the fashion industry faces an “existential crisis” due to the pandemic and lockdown because people don’t want to purchase new clothes “just to sit at home.” What is your response to this?
I believe there is a huge global economy crisis going on, also having a huge impact in the fashion industry. I really feel that the longer novel coronavirus lasts and affects our every day lives, the more we become nostalgic of getting dressed up in something pretty for occasions, and will do it more once we are allowed to go out again.
What does the future look like for you and your career?
I am thrilled showing more of my visions soon – I am launching a new product line for spring 2021 and I can’t wait having some amazing red carpet events back.
Is there a piece of advice you received early on in your fashion career that you still live by today, and would benefit aspiring designers going into the industry today?
Stick to your word, treat partners, team members and customers respectfully & be honest.
And listen to your inner voice. ■
