Karolina Preiss is the founder and creative director of the fashion label God Save Queens. The luxury lingerie brand God Save Queens based in Poland was created in 2014, representing pieces that empower women to take the narrative of their own stories.
The mixture of our signature see-through meshes paired with extravagant laces and luscious embroideries has become a staple of the modern era of lingerie. In this interview Karolina Preiss reveals her experiences about building her brand, learning as a businesswoman, the fashion industry, and much more.
How has the God Save Queens brand evolved since its inception in 2014, and what are your plans for the future?
Since its start in 2014, God Save Queens has grown significantly in terms of its global presence, brand recognition, and product offerings. We have expanded our collections, introduced new designs, and gained a loyal customer base worldwide. Our brand has been recognized for its unique combination of see-through meshes, extravagant laces, and luscious embroideries, which have become our signature style.
As for the future, our plans include continuing to innovate and push boundaries in lingerie design, while staying true to our brand ethos of empowering women. We are focused on expanding our reach to new markets, further strengthening our online presence, and exploring potential collaborations and partnerships. We are also committed to sustainability and ethical practices and will continue to prioritize eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing processes here in Poland.
What has been your biggest obstacle in building your brand?
One of the biggest obstacles in building the God Save Queens has been navigating the competitive nature of the fashion industry. The lingerie market is highly saturated with numerous established brands, which posed challenges in terms of differentiating our brand and gaining market share. Additionally, as an independent brand based in Poland, we faced logistical and operational challenges in terms of international shipping, distribution, and building brand awareness in foreign markets.
However, we have overcome these obstacles through perseverance, creativity, and a strong brand identity. We have focused on building a strong online presence through e-commerce, leveraging social media and influencer partnerships to increase brand visibility, and creating unique designs that resonate with our target audience. We have also invested in building a dedicated and passionate team that shares our vision and values and have continuously adapted our strategies to stay relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving fashion industry.
How do you balance the creative and business aspects of running a fashion label?
Balancing the creative and business aspects of running a fashion label is a constant challenge, but it’s crucial for overall success. As the founder and creative director, I believe that both creativity and business acumen are equally important and should complement each other.
One key approach is to have a clear brand vision and strategy that aligns with the creative direction. This involves setting goals, identifying target markets, and developing a cohesive brand identity that resonates with customers. It’s important to strike a balance between artistic expression and market viability, ensuring that the creative designs also align with the brand’s business goals.
Additionally, time management and prioritization are essential in balancing the creative and business aspects. It’s important to allocate time and resources effectively, set priorities, and ensure that both aspects receive adequate attention and focus.
Overall, finding the right balance is an ongoing process that requires careful planning, effective communication, and a strategic mindset. By maintaining a harmonious relationship between the creative and business aspects, a fashion label can thrive and succeed in a competitive industry.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable moment or achievement in your career so far?
One particularly memorable moment in my career was when God Save Queens was featured in a prominent fashion publication. It was a moment of validation and recognition for the hard work and dedication that our team had put into building the brand. Seeing our designs showcased in a renowned fashion magazine was not only a proud moment for me personally, but it also boosted the brand’s visibility and credibility in the fashion industry.
Another significant achievement was when we expanded our reach globally through successful cross-border selling. It was a milestone for the brand, as it allowed us to connect with customers from different parts of the world and share our empowering lingerie pieces with a wider audience. This achievement not only helped in increasing our sales and revenue but also reinforced our brand’s international presence and reputation.
Witnessing the positive feedback and reviews from our customers, who felt empowered and confident in our lingerie pieces, has been incredibly rewarding.
Overall, these moments of achievement and recognition have been pivotal in shaping the success of God Save Queens and motivating me to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity, business, and empowerment in the fashion industry.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and designers looking to make their mark in the fashion world?
Stay true to your vision: fashion is a highly competitive industry, and it’s essential to have a clear vision and stay true to your unique style and creative ideas. Don’t be afraid to take risks, challenge conventions, and express your own artistic perspective. Also, focus on quality and craftsmanship: Quality and craftsmanship are essential in the fashion industry. Pay attention to the details and strive for excellence in every aspect of your designs, from materials and construction to finishes and fit. This will set your brand apart and earn customer loyalty.
Lastly, never stop learning: The fashion industry is dynamic and constantly evolving, and it’s important to never stop learning. Stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and market changes. Continuously educate yourself, seek mentorship, and stay curious to stay ahead of the game.
As a designer, where do you draw inspiration from, and how do you stay motivated to continue creating?
I draw inspiration from various sources, including art, culture, nature, architecture, and everyday life. I believe that inspiration can be found everywhere, and I constantly seek new ideas and perspectives that can influence my designs. I also draw inspiration from my own experiences, emotions, and personal beliefs, as I believe that fashion is a form of self-expression and a reflection of one’s unique perspective on the world.
To stay motivated to continue creating, I remind myself of my passion for fashion and the creative process. I believe that creativity is a limitless journey, and there’s always something new to explore and discover. I also surround myself with a supportive team and network of fellow creatives who inspire me and provide constructive feedback. Additionally, I stay updated with the latest fashion trends, technologies, and innovations to stay relevant and keep my designs fresh and exciting.