Growing up in Worcester, Lara Klawiowski always dreamt of becoming a fashion designer. And now she has reached the world stage with her unique sustainable style of fashion.
“As a child I would be glued to my television screen, mesmerised by the models strutting down runways,” she recalled.
Klawiowski’s passion for fashion was evident when she attended the Hugo Naudé Art Centre, initially pursuing photography before switching to ceramics during her high-school years at Worcester Gymnasium, from which she matriculated in 2005.
“I even enjoyed playing dress up and dressing up for civvies days.
“My parents didn’t force me into a career path. I was good at everything and excelled in my academics, but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do.” With the guidance of her mother this exploration eventually led her to the Cape Town College of Fashion Design, where she found her true calling.
Klawiowski launched her own brand in 2010, bringing a unique perspective to the fashion industry.
“Being small-boned I to be creative,” she explained. Her creativity knows no bounds she has incorporated materials such as truck and bicycle tyres as well as waste cut-offs into her designs, transforming them into wearable art.
“I would use things that were very unusual, so that it could be fashion and not just art.”
Her innovative approach to sustainable fashion has not gone unnoticed. In 2020 Klawiowski won the prestigious Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards and secured the Innovative Design Award along with a R100 000 prize sponsored by Country Road.
“This cemented all my efforts after all these years,” she reflected.
Klawiowski’s commitment to sustainability and community impact was further highlighted recently in March when she participated in the “Give Her Crown” campaign.
This initiative aims to raise funds for young girls in underdeveloped communities.
Of six designers her piece was exhibited in New York, showcasing her talent on an international stage.
“I am hoping for much bigger collaborations.
“I am working on a new collection, using off-cut waste products and transforming them into wearables.”
Born and bred in Worcester, Klawiowski is a testament to how passion and innovation can drive meaningful change in the fashion industry.
Her journey from a young dreamer to a recognised designer demonstrates the power of creativity and resilience.
As she continues to break boundaries, Klawiowski remains focused on making a positive impact through her sustainable designs.
“I will be using off-cut waste products and transforming them into wearables,” she reiterated, embodying her commitment to fashion that is both beautiful and responsible.
