Interview | Marta Weronika Orlikowska
Tell me a little bit about yourself?
My name in Marta and I’m a knitter and a cook based in Warsaw. I founded a small knitwear brand called “Celestina Mode” named after my partner's grandmother’s own pasmanteria, a shop which was placed via dei Gracchi in Rome during the 1960s until the early 2000s. Each piece is knitted and wet felted with my own hands. Beside knitting, I enjoy reconstructing my favourite childhood recipes and cooking for my loved ones.
What are you enjoying listening to at the moment?
Lately I’ve been only listening to Italian classics – Mia Martini, Mina, Ornella Vanoni, Tony Renis, Gino Paoli.
Who are you most inspired by?
I am deeply inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe, Valentine Schlegel, Anni Albers, Chantal Akerman, Agnès Varda, Pina Bausch, Sonia Delaunay, Barbara Hepworth. The list is endless.
How would you describe your personal style? What’s your daily uniform?
Wool, silk, leather, wood, silver. My daily uniform is an oversize shirt, long skirt and my glass rings.
What are the longest standing pieces in your wardrobe?
Probably all my Issey Miyake pieces purchased years ago. It hurts me that they are all polyester, since I care most about materials I wear, but I consider them timeless and very comfortable.
A favourite piece in your space?
I really love our wardrobe. It was designed by Cees Braakman in 1950s. My partner hunted it for years and finally caught it on one of the Scandinavian websites a few years ago. It’s big and beautiful.
Signature dish/what are you currently cooking?
My signature dish are probably crepes with white cheese, sour cream and sugar. The sweet memory of my childhood.
Favourite words?
Mary Oliver once said “I simply do not distinguish between work and play.”, and I’m trying to live by it, by enjoying everything I put my energy into.
When do you feel most yourself?
When I’m cooking for my friends.
