>Aleksandra Olenska
Illustrator, Fashion Designer
Aleksandra Olenska is a fashion designer and illustrator. Born of Polish descent, Olenska grew up in the North of England, with a strong awareness of Eastern European Grand Style that inspired her to make her own costume jewellery. Before graduating with her Masters degree from CEntral Saint Martins College of Art and Design, she studied a BA in English Literature. Olenska has since expanded her designing to make accessories under her own label, and to collaborate with leading designers. She created a Couture hosiery collection and accessories for Roksanda Illincic (London) A/W '04, a consultation for Vanessa Bruno (Paris) A/W '04, and shoes for Peter Jensen (London) A/W '04. She contributed print to Clements Ribeiro's S/S '04 collection and for Hugo A/W '04. Other collaborations include accessories for Peter Jensen (London) S/S '04, and for Alistair Carr, Russell Sage and Megan Park. Olenska's idiosyncratic illustrations have evolved from her designs, and her passion for cake led to an exhibition of her drawings during London Fashion Week, February 2004 at Patisserie Valerie. She has also created installation work with SHOWstudio, and designed a line for TopShop. Her hand-applied stockings are sponsored by Swiss luxury hosiery moguls Fogal. As a stylist, Olenska has works as a Fashion Director at Exit, and her work has also appeared in publications such as Japanese Vogue, The Independent, and Dazed & Confused.
