Poland: The ghost factories of Lodz

In the late 19th century, Lodz was the hub of the textile industry. A booming town of industrial growth, factories housing thousands of workers made up the towering landscape of this sprawling town. The collapse of the textile industry however, quickly turned it into a ghost town with workers swarming to Warsaw, two hours away to find work. What is left is the most amazing array of abandoned factories, some pegged for renovation, others for demolition.

Before this one becomes a mall myself and a lucky few, got a sneak preview into the eery history of Lodz's past.

Poland Fashion Week: Joanna Paradecka

Day one. Show one. Joanna Paradecka sent a Dr. Suess inspired collection of kooky yet wearable ready-to-wear women's down the catwalk in front of a small, yet enthusiastic, home crowd from Lotdz, Poland. Burnt orange shift dresses with geometric cuts kept the designs fresh and flighty with heavier Fall fabrics in taupe and tans mixing with lighter chiffons to provide a practical yet feminine asethetic.

Exaggerated shoulder lines, mid-thigh hems and a myriad of stripes in stockings, clothing and accessories were signature looks in this Warsaw-made collection. Perfect for the fashionista with attitude, each piece is made from 95% recycled fabrics creating an authentic retro-vibe. A particular stand out, was Paradecka's take on men's dress shirts. Manipulating a gray mid-thigh length shirt to produce a comfortable understated chic with an alluring and unexpected plunging back.

The last women's wear collection for this seasoned designer this endearing offering marks the end of an era as Paradecka embarks on yet another project, creating an entirely new brand out of her workshop in Zabkowska Street, Warsaw. Keep an eye on this designer.

Poland: Fashion Week

This season marked the second edition of Poland Fashion Week. Created by Jacek Kłak and Irmina Kubiak this international event drew designers and press from around Europe. This year designers and fashion celebrities Kenzo, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Nuno Gama and Patrizia Gucci – granddaughter of Aldo Gucci, headed to the Polish tents in Lodz for a week of fabulous designs and memorable events.

Lodz, Poland

It was Lodz (pronounced wooodz) rather than Warsaw that proved to be my final destination in Poland. After arriving at the airport I was met by my driver who gathered the four of us (from Milan, Madrid, Berlin and New York) into the waiting mini-van. I calculated my schedule: approximately 20 minutes to the hotel, a 40 minute nap, rehydrate, shower, dress, hit the first fashion show at 3pm, a struggle but doable. Little did I know Lodz was 2 hours away!

Once the shining star of Poland's textile industry this Polish version of Williamsburg houses an amazing array of old abandoned factories now turned into amazing hotels, loft apartments and a venue for fashion week.

Driving through the countryside however, I was glad for the chance to be a tourist, even if it meant giving up sleep for yet another day.

After passing McDonalds, Burger King and KFC (while listening to a Madonna mega-mix on the radio) I was glad to finally get to the Polish countryside complete with tractors, old ladies on pushies and acres of farming land.