Thanks To This New Designer We'll All Be Romantic Punks

At the risk of getting all new-agey, sometimes it can feel like the universe is trying to show you something—or maybe it's just the power of social media. I saw a couple of bloggers in some cool florals on the 'gram—I'm a sucker for a floral that somehow looks edgy—then I did a search on where to buy those pieces, then I received a pitch about the designer whose name I'd mentally filed somewhere. Cut to Paris Fashion Week, where I finally stole off for a few minutes to preview Magda Butrym's Fall collection, and it all came together. Butrym is just four collections in and seems to be hitting on where fashion's heart is currently beating—with an eye for streetwear, a subtle reference to '80s punk culture, a little shine, cool, non-stretch denim, easy leather pieces—and, yes—edgy florals. Magdalena Butrym is bringing hand-made details to a discerning fashion audience straight from craftsman in Poland and she's doing it in a way that feels ineffably current. See what's in store for fall from this designer who wears her own wares as well as any of the bloggers currently falling hard for her.

So how did you get your start?

I'm from south of Poland, and I came to Warsaw about 11 years ago. I started to study costume in design school. At the beginning of school, I started working as a stylist for some celebrities in Poland. And then I was working for regional companies, designing. I always wanted to open my company with my own name, but I was searching for an idea that would be different from other brands. I was thinking I wanted to hand-make pieces— hand-crafted in Poland—and would combine them with modern fashion and trends. I launched the company two years ago—this is my fourth collection. And this is our third time in Paris. In the beginning, we had maybe four meetings, now it's like 63! It's going really well.

Tell me about what you had in mind for Fall…

This collection was inspired by the romantic punk. So you get a bit of feminine romantic ruffles, but I mixed it with some rock and roll, subcultural things, with leather, fringe—80s style jackets, coats, with big oversized arms.

You've quickly become a blogger favorite, what have been the effects of that—why is social media so important to a new brand now?

I think it's important because, you know, some of the biggest stores like Le Bon Marcheand some of the most well-known bloggers find us on Instagram. It's so amazing and such a great opportunity for a new brand. When people come here, they really have to like it to post it. And really just having people talk about it and spread the word is the best thing!

What are some of your personal favorites in this collection?

The oversized leather jacket! Because it's quite soft, but still very oversized and light. And I love the printed oversized blazer dress. I also like the idea of ruffles, because it's so romantic but when you pair it with vintage jeans you can make it super modern and cool.

Have you always done denim? The jeans are very cool and quite different. 

No, this is my second time. You know, it needs to be special, because there are so many companies that make them. Yeah quite different, one thing I don't like now in denim is the stretch—the Lycra. And this one is like the old denim, more stiff, so it's not stretch but I still think that women look better and it fits better. So this pair is high waist, wider leg. The first pair I did that people loved were what I call the mamas— super high-waisted, carrot-style. So I thought, I'll make two!

How do you see the Magda Butrym girl? Tell me about her…

My girl is the girl that has things to do, that's like to have fun. She's searching for pieces that have soul. I think that handmade pieces have something unique, something different. She doesn't overthink what she's wearing. And I just I like to make pieces that I like, I always wear them—and I think they're good to have your closet. It's not about just one season, they're meant to be collected.

Is there anyone you would really love to see in your clothes?

Yeah! Like Daria Werbowy?  I have such thing for her, she's so amazing, she's a rock and roll angel, I really like her—she's the woman I'd love to work with!

From: Harper's BAZAAR US