Interview— Pola Thomson
Interview with Fashion Designer, Pola Thomson
When I came across the work of Pola Thomson, I was blown away by it's strong simplicity and then I could immediately envision women wearing her clothes. The Chilean born now New York based designer, Pola Thomson launched her label in 2010 and since then has begun to make a name for herself. In December 2010, she was elevated to a new level of status with the debut of her collection at that time, in PRD (Pasarela Raíz Diseño) honored as “Best Collection” by international press, Harper’s Bazaar México and Marie Claire Latin America. She recently had a runway show featuring her Autumn 2014 collection in Santiago de Chile at the end of May. This is only the beginning of her amazing work, and in the near future I will be recognizing her beautiful pieces flowing ever so beautifully as I pass New Yorkers walking through the cobble-stoned blocks in SoHo.
Can you tell us a little about your background?
I'm a Chilean born, NY based designer. I attended the prestigious Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, where I completed a B.A in Design with a strong focus in art, aesthetics and design. Since the early 2000s, I’ve been recognized as a fashion pioneer in Latin America launching a design label and through my work as a freelance contributor, editor and fashion stylist for several magazines. In 2008, I won the Gama Cut Award as “Best Fashion Stylist” of the year – soon after I started a journey around the fashion capitals of the world; during those days I enrolled in different courses at Central Saint Martins College of Arts & Design in London and Parsons The New School of Design in New York. POLA THOMSON my eponymous womenswear and costume jewelry collection launched in 2010 when moved to NY. Since then my collections have been presented in several runways in my hometown Santiago, Chile and internationally in Canada and Panama. I been honored and award winning in my hometown Santiago as “Best Collection” in 2010 by international press, Harper’s Bazaar México and Marie Claire Latin America. In 2011, I was awarded as a new talent at “Who’s Next & Première Classe” in Paris, France, where I won the “Femme” category and was invited again in January 2012 for exhibiting my AW’12 collection. Back in Chile I’ve been recognized by one of the most important newspapers “El Mercurio” as one of the 100 young national leaders. This year 2014 I was selected in a group of a 100 designers to showcase the collection in Vicenza Italy at Origin Fair first edition curated by London based platform Not Just A label and Fiera di Vicenza. We’ve been featured and celebrated by diverse medias from Chile, Panama, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Japan, Hungary and the U.K. to name a few.
When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?
I did know I was a creative one since my childhood. When I asked for a sewing machine when I was 12, I guess that was a decisive moment in which fashion was the media I was choosing to create.
What's it like being in the industry?
It’s a very exciting one, as in this field there is no office and the industry turns in a way to be a big collaborative one. There are so many interesting people you get to know that are part of it and from different fields. The fashion industry is one that goes from creativity to craftsmanship, to business, to public and politic relations – it's an industry that incarnates life it self.
“Clothes are just not clothes, they are physical amalgam of perspectives about gender, culture, art, life and spiritual experiences”
How would you describe your brand?
Looking to achieve the most impact though the least parts, conceiving simplicity rather than a goal as a result.
Who is your target audience?
I am a woman designing for a women clear about who they are and doesn't get lost in a sea of trends. She knows her self and what she wants, and it’s there where her attractive and magnetism lies.
What was your inspiration for your newest AW14 collection?
This story is told by a woman for a woman. Each piece has been carefully crafted to reflect a newfound elegance. The silhouette exhales sensual tailoring and relaxed sportswear, synthesizing the core elements of contemporary fashion.
The signature palette of Pola Thomson is rendered with a new intensity this season. Bright red, pale blue and soft tobacco creates a vibrant interaction with the classic black and white. For Autumn-Winter 2014, sumptuous materials like silk duchess satin, heavy silk satin and Chilean wool flannel reveal innovative techniques and intricate design, new cuts have been added, hand-made buttons and metal zippers accentuate elaborate constructions.
“This collection is a manifesto about identity, a dialogue between feminism and the western ideals of beauty and desire.”
What were your biggest challenges designing your collection for AW14?
There are a lot of constructive details we never tried before and it was a big challenge getting them right. It might seem like something easy though when you want to archive great quality, all details count.
Do you design from a studio or your home?
Form both, either the ones in NY or Santiago, and some times I sketch ideas from hotels and on planes.
What store would you love to have your clothes in?
One that appreciates all the values involved in our brand and is able to connect us with our audience.
Beyond your business, what are your hobbies or passions?
Love snapping photos with my phone, traveling and sharing time with my loved ones.
What was the best career advice you ever received?
Embrace the path to your goals.
What do you hope the future holds for you?
Great things.
— You can view the entire collection on polathomson.com —
