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 their 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 building her brand, learnings as a businesswoman, the fashion industry and much more.
Karolina, tell us about your greatest strength as a professional?
I like to consider that I’m a very good multitasker and adjust myself to any given obstacles with ease. Sometimes, I think I might be a workaholic. However, realistically I’m driven by the idea of being a businesswoman and empowering other women.
What inspired you to set up your business?
The decision just came to be in a very natural way. At first, I didn’t consider God Save Queens a business. It was simply a creative outlet. I’ve always enjoyed making, and I relish creating new designs, further developing my previous designs and discovering new horizons, and GSQ was the result of all of that.
How did you fall in love with design, and why?
Well, it is hard to pinpoint the how, why and when, but I can remember that I always enjoyed creating and exploring my ideas. I’ve always enjoyed watching fashion shows, reading fashion magazines, and painting. When I was in high school, I opened a streetwear brand with a friend. It was very important to my family and to me to have a career, so I was very university oriented. After high school, we stopped developing this brand, as I started studying to become a doctor. We never got back to keep developing that business. At some point, I never thought of the idea that I would be back to designing. When I finished my first year of medical studies, I was feeling a bit low about the fact that I might never go back to designing. Back then, my current partner Filip persuaded me to make the best out of my midterm break and design a capsule collection. I just felt so invigorated even by the idea of thinking of shapes, body lines, and patterns. The peace of mind that I have from designing is incredibly appealing. It is also very exciting to see one of your designs become a reality and how gratifying it is to see someone wearing your projects and posting it on social media. It is almost addictive.
What are the 3 most important things people should know about God Save Queens?
The first thing is that I would like people to know that God Save Queens is an independent, family-owned business driven to make women feel empowered worldwide. The second thing is that at GSQ, we are trying to repaint the image of women. We are here to empower you, make you feel bold, and make you a statement. And last but not least, my team and I are here to abolish the idea that “there is only one type of dressing”.
Is there something that you try to communicate through your designs?
My emotions, thoughts, and vision of who we are as women.
What is your favourite part of being in the fashion industry?
Being part of it! Today’s online world is completely unforeseeable, and it is a privilege to be part of the fashion world. I love the chase, love unforeseen and the innovation within the industry. At this moment, in my mind, it is really hard to see myself working a regular 9-5 job. I’m never stagnant, and working in the fashion industry gives me the opportunity to learn something new every day.
You are a true multi-talent. What motivates you?
Oh, such big and kind words, thank you! To put it in words, I love my job, and now it is my lifestyle and my world. I’ve always been very driven and always seeking to improve. I run the company with Filip, my partner, from the very beginning. He is my soulmate and one of my main sources of motivation, he can be a little tough on me, but his approach is needed for when there’s a tight deadline. My other source of motivation is the fact that I’m a new mum, and it gives me the feeling that I need to provide, which keeps me focused.
How do you define success?
I try not to define it. If you are truly satisfied with something you’ve succeeded in, it all comes down to your own expectations. I noticed that it is much better to search for satisfaction and balance than success.
All creative projects have their challenges. So what challenges do independent brands like yourself face?
Well, challenges occur every day and everywhere. It’s really hard to find the balance to build good work relations and mainly to keep calm 🙂
What is your time management philosophy?
“If you think that everything is under control, you’re driving too slow.”
I’m always rushing, and I think that time is a valuable resource, and I try my best to make it a quality time. I often just let it go and see what happens because sometimes you just can’t manage everything, and you need to let go of your philosophy and observe.