Table of Contents
- First impression: why Karen Arcanjo is captivating this autumn
- Brand DNA and design philosophy
- What’s Hanging in the Closet: Key Pieces from the Fall/Winter Collection
- From the Runway to Real Life: How to Incorporate the Collection into Your Own Wardrobe
The first snow this year fell earlier than usual. I stood at the corner of Bracka Street, watching the flakes settle on the boutique windows. And that’s when I saw that display—Karen Arcanjo, the one everyone’s talking about.
First impression: why Karen Arcanjo is captivating this autumn
Not without reason, Vogue Polska wrote in October: “Karen Arcanjo’s Fall/Winter 2024/2025 collection is a sensation that’s redefining Polish winter fashion.” It may sound lofty, but when I saw these clothes, I immediately understood what they meant.
Actually, the whole boom for local brands after the pandemic is now taking on a different character. It’s no longer just about supporting Polish designers out of sentiment. Now we’re looking for something more—authenticity that doesn’t pretend to be modest. Karen Arcanjo has hit that mark perfectly.
Over the past few months, I’ve watched as
I see women wearing these clothes on the streets of Warsaw and Krakow. These aren’t pieces just for show—they’re fashion that truly lives in the real world.
But what exactly is behind this success? What is the DNA of this brand that resonates so strongly with Polish women?
Brand DNA and design philosophy
I remember when, back in 2021, Karen Arcanjo made a decision that seemed quite risky at the time. Everyone was talking about fast fashion and new collections, while she chose to go in a completely different direction.
She founded a brand meant to be the opposite of all that madness. She wanted to create things that would still be relevant in five, maybe ten years. It may sound a bit old-fashioned, but somehow… it makes sense.
Refined simplicity – this is the phrase that comes up in every conversation with the designer. But what does it actually mean in practice?
| Philosophy | How does it manifest in clothing |
|---|---|
| Clothes with soul | Every element has its purpose—nothing is left to chance. |
| Balanced forms | The silhouette doesn’t shout, but it clearly accentuates the figure |
| Bold lines | Seemingly minimalist cuts conceal unexpected details |
The process of creating each item in this brand is… well, to be honest, time-consuming. Everything happens in small Polish workshops. I don’t mean big factories, but places where someone actually sits down with scissors and fabric.
The patterns are cut by hand. It may sound a bit pretentious, but the difference is clear. The seamstresses working for the brand have over a dozen years of experience. They know how to sew a seam so that it not only looks good, but also lasts for years.
Sustainable production is more than just a buzzword. Here, every piece is thoughtfully designed from start to finish. Materials come from European suppliers, transport is kept to a minimum, and production quantities are limited.
Maybe it all sounds a bit idealistic. But when you hold the finished piece in your hands, you can feel the difference. The fabric has weight, the seams are even, and the whole thing just… fits perfectly.
This design philosophy forms the foundation for understanding the entire collection for autumn and winter, which deserves a closer look at its individual pieces.
What’s Hanging in the Closet: Key Pieces from the Fall/Winter Collection
You touch this coat and instantly feel it’s something different. Soft wool that’s almost weightless, yet warms you like a tiled stove in your grandmother’s kitchen.
This year’s fall-winter collection is essentially three major categories that have completely transformed my wardrobe:
• Lightweight wool coats – the “Cloud Wool” model reigns supreme here, weighing just under 0.8 kg. It sounds like science fiction, but I’ve been wearing it for a week and I forget I even have it on.
• Soft shearling coats – not those stiff ones from the ’80s, but the kind that looks like fur while being animal-friendly. When you touch them, it feels like petting a cat.
• Structural knits – thick, yet never overwhelming. Their distinctive weave ensures you look elegant, even in sweatpants.
Colors are a story of their own. Warm browns reign everywhere—from milky coffee to dark chocolate. Creams bring a touch of freshness, while burgundy accents… well, that’s the hit of 2025, already making waves in every lookbook.
Layering is the key to surviving a Polish winter. It’s not about piling on clothes like a cabbage, but about smartly mixing textures. Under that lightweight coat, you slip on a structured knit, topped with a soft scarf. Every layer works together.
The media noticed it a long time ago. “These coats are a revolution in winter fashion—lightweight, warm, and absolutely timeless,” wrote Fashionspot24.blog in September 2022. Influencers fell in love with these pieces back in 2021, when they first appeared in stores.
I saw photos from the shows and thought it was just theory. Then I touched those fabrics in real life.
Now imagine all these pieces hanging in your closet.
From the Runway to Everyday: How to Incorporate the Collection into Your Own Wardrobe
I’m standing in front of my closet thinking—okay, I saw those beautiful pieces on the runway, but how do I translate that into everyday wear? With Karen Arcanjo, it’s not nearly as complicated as it might seem.
When it comes to shopping, you basically have two online options. The official karenarcanjo.com website or Moliera2.com—the latter has been operating since December 2021. In Poland, you’ll also find a few boutiques, but it’s a truly limited network. Honestly, sometimes it’s better to order online.
PRICE RANGE (premium segment)
- Basic blouses and tops: 800-1,200 PLN
- Dresses and skirts: 1,500–2,800 PLN
- Coats and jackets: 2,500–4,500 PLN
- Accessories: 300-900 PLN
When it comes to investing, I’d go for neutral colors in classic cuts. Those statement pieces are great, but buy them once you’ve built the foundation of your wardrobe.
Sizing follows standard EU measurements, but note—the fit tends to be a bit wider at the hips. If you’re between sizes, go for the smaller one. Especially with dresses. Layering for a Polish winter? It works great, as the fabrics aren’t too thick.
1. Office styling
A simple midi dress paired with a classic blazer. Add minimalist jewelry and you’re all set. It’s elegant without being over the top.
2. Weekend casual
I pair the wide-leg pants from the collection with a simple top and sneakers. Throw on a cardigan and you’ve got the perfect look for an afternoon in the city.
3. Evening out
One of these bolder dresses is enough on its own. Maybe add some interesting accessories, but don’t go overboard. Simplicity is key.
You know what, it’s best if you just visit the website and see for yourself. Or find the nearest boutique. You really need to touch and try these things on. Photos are one thing, but reality is something else.
Zibex
fashion & lifestyle editor
High Class Fashion