“Shades Of White” is a clothing  line of the most gorgeous dresses, playsuits and two-pieces that I’ve seen in a long time –  timeless pieces focusing on elegance, feminity and beauty in classic designs with elements of white and gold. This is the latest collection of the equally gorgeous London based Polish designer, Agnieszka Klaput, who made her debut at London Fashion Week in 2014.  I caught up with Agnieszka recently to find out more about her stunning designs, her passion for art and creativity as well as what shoes tickle her fancy … Hi Agnieszka!

Hello, my name is Agnieszka Klaput. I am a high end fashion designer and passionate tailor. I would also describe myself as an artistic and creative personality. I  established AGA Couture London brand in 2014.

What inspired you to become a fashion designer?

My love for fashion has completely swept me off my feet; it became my passion and has overtaken my life as I know it.  Giving me a sense of achievement, my true love for creative fabrics caused me to diverge from my profession to fulfil my desire of becoming a fashion designer.

Have you always had a passion for fashion?

My passion for high end fashion started quite early – when I was justified  12 years old.  My first drawings of my designs and picking up new tailoring skills and techniques was my hobby. I started sewing simple outfits as birthday gifts for my nearest friends and family. With a helping hand of word of mouth, my designs became so popular that at the age of 19, I found myself creating some of my first high end attires for theatres, boutiques, dancing groups  and high ranking people in the business sector.  I have always been drawn to art in all its forms and as it happens my educational background closely followed my artistic inspirations. Having spent 5 years in my profession as an antique restoration specialist, I have never parted with my beloved sewing machine and constant demands for new fashion productions kept me incredibly busy throughout my regular employment. I came to London in 2007 with my family and as a mother of two beautiful boys I decided to put my fashion ambitions on hold… my love for fashion might have been temporarily out of sight, but definitely not out of heart. In 2014 I took my AGA Couture London brand straight to the catwalks of London Fashion Week and Oxford Fashion Week. At the same time I established a regular collaboration with Top Model UK. My designs are feminine, elegant, designed to empower confidence and enhance uniqueness in women. I favour natural colours and luxury fabrics for my designs, which constituted to my AGA Couture London signature.

You showed off your latest collection “Shades of White” at London Fashion Week (Oct 2015), this time using classic styles with elements of white and gold. What was the inspiration for this collection?

The “Shades of White” collection  was  inspired by the concept of contemporary femininity: strong, confident, emancipated yet subtle, gentle and thus stunning. I am also inspired by the fabric, its quality and characteristics. Once all is put together, having fun with accessories is simply icing on the cake. I believe that a well-tailored outfit can transform a person and I am always more than happy to help when help is needed. Why “Shades of White”? I brought this concept back with me from my recent visit in Swiss Alps, where I was absolutely breathtaken by the magnificent beauty of the nature. I adored moments in the sun watching shades of white freely move over the mountain tops, which left me totally mesmerised.

Out of all the outfits in your collections, have you got a personal favourite?

Yes, I do have my personal favourite. I know for a fact that I will wear A-MOCHA for few functions. I love the colour – gold toffee – ALWAYS elegant and contemporary, highlighting the feminine appeal. I love the fabric – I used the highest quality silk and guipure.  A-MOCHA is very functional and simply pretty. Best of all, it is not a dress as all seem to think, but a blouse and skirt, which gives you a versatile configuration of your outfit!

If you were able to visit any where in the world, to inspire a collection, where would you go?

The stunning island of Bora Bora – it has the most beautiful lagoon.

Which famous lady would you love to see as the “face” of the Aga Couture London?

Monica Bellucci

Having made your debut at London Fashion Week in 2014, then being present again in 2015, what do you enjoy most about showing your collection at London Fashion Week? What is, for you, the most stressful part?

The most stressful parts are the last 5 minutes before the show… and the whole duration of it in fact! All the models running back and forth, changing in the rush, adjusting the clothes, tidying up the hair, make-up so that all
looks perfect… as if it was all planned – it all really is a piece of art in itself. All this anxiety simply evaporates the moment you come out to see the audience to thank them for their time and attention… the warm reception, clapping hands, the astonishment on people’s faces… the recognition that it was truly amazing… that it was all worth it.

Each piece in your collection is a custom design, cut to the client’s specific measurements and lovingly hand stitched and embroidered. As you are based in London, are you able to offer this custom service to overseas clients?

In today’s realm you simply must go global. My clientele comes from all over the world – Europe, USA, Japan… Please feel free to visit my AGA style brand page: AGA Couture London, where you can easily and safely purchase our garments. You can have, as well as order, bespoke custom made designs.

When you are not designing outfits, do you indulge in artwork of some kind or do you have other hobbies?

I am a very imaginative person. I love creating, making different things. If I find a moment, I enjoy painting on glass or going back to my roots restoring antiques… but for my personal use only. I find it very relaxing and will always choose this over watching telly.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

I like an elegant style with a hint of fun – smart look – it must be comfortable as my daily life is rather full on.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

Believe it or not, I really  dislike shopping and whenever I can I do my utmost not to contribute to the negative impact of “fast” fashion. I will, however, invest in good timeless quality and revisit it and/or tweak it to suit my mood.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

Definitely shoes – there are never enough pairs of shoes in a lady’s wardrobe! However, this requires quite an effort to get those most desired ones. And clothes… I create them myself – the possibilities are endless.

Boots or Shoes?

Shoes of course… dancing shoes!

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about Aga Couture London

www.agastyle.co.uk
AMAZON brand page: AGA Couture London
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agastyle.co.uk?pnref=lhc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AGAfashionStyle
Instagram: AGA Couture London

It has been lovely to chat to you Agnieszka …your collection is simply gorgeous.  I do like the idea of the white dress teamed with a bright red scarf and shoes.  Dear readers, what colour accessories/shoes would you wear with a plain white dress for an evening out?  Would you go monochrome, bright, pastel, metallic or all white? I’d love to hear your ideas, so do comment below!

Linda x

All photos have been published with kind permission from Agnieszka Klaput.