Welcome to my new BLOG!

 Who is Teresa Gratkowski?

Hello and welcome to my first blog!

I am excited to have the opportunity to share lots of interesting and helpful information and tips to give you some insight into the broader world of fashion, fabric, styling, and garment care.

What makes me qualified to impart such knowledge?  Here is a brief bio about my experience in the industry:

Worked for three and a half years as a Laboratory Technician at New Zealand's Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), which is the equivalent of Australia's CSIRO. The department I worked in was Research Institute Textile Services (RITS), which specialised in the analysis and testing of all sorts of textiles for quality, content, care, endurance, trouble-shooting, and even forensic purposes.

Attained top of class in the 2-year full-time Fashion Diploma course completed in my hometown of Wellington, New Zealand. Subjects included Garment Design (women's, men's, children's, swimwear, lingerie), Textiles, Patternmaking,   Fittings, Grading, Construction & Finishing, Fashion Drawing, History of Fashion. It was intense... more like 4 years       crammed into 2; nevertheless, I came away with incredible skill and knowledge thanks to the amazing, dedicated teachers.

Worked in the field as Designer/Patternmaker for:

-  Skin Things NZ: working with all manner of leathers and hides to create high fashion garments for women and men (this was back in the days when leather was really fashionable - I learnt a lot, but wouldn't do it now due to being a vegetarian, and my stance on animal welfare).

-  Events Boutiques: mid-high end women's wear, from weekend and office wear to formal evening wear.

-  Adam Bennet: specialising in women's tailored suiting.

-  Room 2: disposable fashion for younger women late teens - 20's

-  Marcs: helping to create and develop Marcs' signature range of high-end street fashion for men and women.

Current: working on my own business which specialises in uniquely versatile cover-ups for style-conscious women. These cover-ups transcend fashion fads, and their versatility will take a woman from the beach through to the night, while flattering her shape; skimming over bumps and bulges, and providing multiple levels of coverage that suit the wearer perfectly.

I have recently started to print unique, original designs on silk, in collaboration with talented artist Wayne Tikisci, and renowned Aboriginal artist, Robyn Caughlan, towards our new and exclusive Wearable Art Range.... exciting!!!

Each cover-up is cut and handmade with love and care in Australia.

My aim with this blog is to save you time, money and heartache by teaching you 'tricks of the trade' and helping to make your favourite pieces last as long as possible.

I am so looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with the world!  

(My first official post is coming very soon!)