Bringing you in on my life as a fashion founder and professional, this is an honest reflection of a business trip in New York. One that moved quickly between creative direction, execution and an exclusive interview with Polish fashion designer and founder of Balter Warsaw, Katarina Petruk.
Thank you Balter for the special invitation, we are honored!
The trip was rapid movement and pure adrenaline from being in the city again with a booked schedule.
Arrival
Day 1: 8AM
I arrived in New York running on little sleep from beginning my travels at 3am.
My first stop wasn’t a café, it was the nearest airport women’s restroom, where I had set up at a small ledge with a mirror to get ready for my work day ahead. The night prior, I had been finalizing photoshoot logistics: organizing looks by order, confirming styling pairings, and mentally rehearsing the timeline. The perfectionist in me needed to triple check every detail.
While doing my makeup, another girl around my age asked if she could share the space. We chatted casually when we noticed an older woman staring at us before saying, “You girls are beautiful! I just love watching you transform.”
It was a small moment, but a great way to start the trip. Reminding me of the softness of girlhood when the days ahead would be work that demanded my full focus.
My boss was flying in an hour later, so I had a bit of time to put myself together, grab a coffee and breakfast.
From Vision to Execution
Day 1: HOTEL
There was no real pause between landing and beginning work. The creative team met in the hotel lobby ahead of our studio booking in Brooklyn - a space that I had sourced weeks prior. The studio was decorated with luxury furniture and had previously been used for Vogue and high fashion editorial shoots or brand campaigns.
Brooklyn Studio.
We had five hours to execute a full spring / summer campaign. There was no room for hesitation. As soon as the team was there, we began introductions and prepping right there in the hotel.
This project marked my first major campaign as an Operations Manager for a luxury womenswear brand - and my first time meeting the founder in person. I had spent two weeks building out the visual direction and mood boards, shot list, and deliverable strategy.
Now it was time to execute, and I was hoping for a smooth sailing shoot as it was my first time being tasked with creative direction of a luxury women’s fashion campaign.
Despite running on minimal sleep, there was no option but to show up fully. That’s something I’ve learned in this industry: the work doesn’t wait for you to feel ready.
Personal Note: For inspiration, I personally never attended fashion school and started with zero connections. I’m going on five years professionally in the industry. Along the way I’ve made incredible connections, including being connected to my current full time career by a previous fashion mentor.
If you’re new here, I wrote about my earlier career path in this free article.
Day 1: HOTEL, CONTINUED
The creative team gathered in my hotel room to prep the model’s hair and makeup. I had sent the hair & makeup artist my visual inspiration prior to our meeting. With our combined visions, the model truly embodied the look we were going for.
If I were to set the scene for you: imagine a model, a makeup artist, a hair stylist, a fashion designer, and myself as the operations manager - all cozied up in my own hotel room, makeup and hair tools spread everywhere.
What I’ve come to love about creative work in fashion is how quickly it becomes personal. There’s a level of trust required to create a shared vision together under time pressure, and luckily our team naturally worked incredible together.
Day 1: STUDIO
The creative team took an Uber to the studio where we met with the founder/designer and photographer. I took over steaming for my boss and organizing looks by order while the model changed and began shooting the first look.
Behind the scenes!
I had my mood boards up on my laptop for the photographer’s reference for each look, but both were naturals at getting the perfect shots quickly.
Our makeup artist did touch-ups, testing the lighting (and making us all collectively laugh). The hair stylist assisted with taking behind the scenes content.
Five hours passed in the blink of an eye. I had such an incredible time and the entire team was smiling throughout the duration of set.
Behind the Scenes!
NIGHT 1: DINNER
After wrapping up on set and cleaning the studio, my boss and I grabbed dinner and celebrated with a glass of wine over a successful photoshoot. After dinner, I rightfully caught up on some sleep.
DAY 2
The truth is, I woke up feeling exhausted. The lack of sleep had caught up to me, but there was still exciting work to be done.
Sleep schedule is better - but not perfect…
I spent the morning through afternoon with my boss before her flight, reviewing the shoot and aligning on next steps.
I had made the decision to stay an extra day in New York for a special invite for Fashion Theory Magazine:
An exclusive interview with Polish designer Katarina Petruk, founder of Balter Atelier, hosted by Doors NYC.
Balter SS26 “BLOOM” Collection
Introducing Balter
Founded and produced in a Warsaw atelier, Balter is a family-owned womenswear brand built on conscious creation. Each piece is developed locally in close collaboration with master tailors.
The philosophy is simple, yet rare: create less, but with meaning.
The name itself is derived from the French balter, an improvised dance that speaks to the brand’s foundation - movement led by feeling, clothing designed to follow the rhythm of a woman’s life.
In conversation with founder Katarina Petruk, what became immediately clear was her commitment to discipline in design. There is no excess here, no overproduction. Each garment was considered, measured, and produced with purpose - often offering a level of personalization through custom tailoring and fit.
This is fashion that resists urgency.
Inspired by the awakening energy of spring in New York City, Balter Warsaw’s latest collection, Bloom, was launched with intention.
The collection moves through a cohesive color story, designed to be worn interchangeably. Each piece exists in dialogue with one another. Natural fabrics are the foundation of the collection, chosen for sustainability and longevity.
KEY PIECES
Image Courtesy of Balter Warsaw. Model is wearing Mistral Floral Jacket & Marée Noire Skirt.
Mistral Floral Jacket
This jacket is cut from cotton canvas in a muted greige tone with a finishing floral motif. The soft volume of the sleeves and single fastening create a relaxed, sculptured silhouette that pairs effortlessly with the Marée Noire Skirt.
Marée Noire Top & Skirt
Designed to match the Marée Noire Top, the elongated skirt and top set are defined by fluid lines and precision, forming a look that redefines elegance.
Image Courtesy of Balter Warsaw. Model is wearing Ivory Bloom Top & Bloom Cascade Skirt.
Ivory Bloom Top
Petal-inspired with an open back, the textured jacquard and cotton explore softness through form. It holds a delicate tension between lightness and construction.
Bloom Cascade Skirt
Fluid and layered, the skirt’s cascading ruffles create weightless dimension, offering a style rooted in femininity.
Shop Balter Bloom SS26 Collection
Night Before The Early Morning Returning Flight… snooze.
The trip ended in Brooklyn as a self-care night with a friend - with face masks from Japan and quality conversation. Exactly what I needed after bouncing back and forth from SoHo and Brooklyn - working 85% of the time. <3
Lately, I’ve been trying to find the balance between my full-time career and entrepreneurship with this magazine that I am endlessly grateful for. Thank you for your support!
Speaking of… we’re about to celebrate our 1 year anniversary, as we started in May of 2025 and have grown to a global following of 68K+ across 192 countries. Our team hopes this inspires if you are someone who is looking to begin creating dreams, a project, or path of your own.
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