Credits: Marlena Bielinska.
A standout stylist, Teresa Rosati has built an impressive career where creative independence and elegance blend harmoniously.
While her role as the wife of Poland’s former Foreign Minister brought her into the heart of diplomatic protocol, it was above all her personal talent and innate sense of refinement that shaped her path. She developed a brand synonymous with timeless luxury.
A devoted mother, Teresa also draws valuable inspiration from her only daughter, an acclaimed Hollywood actress. Together, they have created unforgettable red-carpet looks, including her For Weronika line, dedicated to women and noticed at prestigious events such as the Golden Globes.
Discover the vision of a designer who started at just 12 and whose every piece reflects strength, femininity, and freedom.
Interview
Pierre-Antoine Tsady: What led you to dedicate yourself to fashion? Was there a key moment that marked the start of your career?
Teresa Rosati: I discovered my passion for fashion at the age of 12. From a very young age, I began designing and creating my own patterns and models. Although I wanted to study fashion, my parents found the idea unrealistic, which pushed me to pursue studies in business and economics. However, I never gave up on my dreams. An opportunity arose when my husband was appointed Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in the 1990s. During the many visits and diplomatic events I had to accompany him to, I realized there was no one to help me design appropriate outfits that met protocol. So I decided to create my own evening and cocktail dresses. To my great surprise, they generated a great deal of interest and were warmly received, which encouraged me to keep going, even after my husband returned to his teaching position.
In addition, I had the honor of designing many evening and gala gowns for Jolanta Kwaśniewska, the First Lady of Poland, during her husband’s term from 1995 to 2005. I am very proud that she chose my creations for official events in Poland and internationally. This allowed me to strengthen my position in the fashion world and share my creations with a wider audience.
P.-A. T.: Which designers or public figures have been your greatest sources of inspiration throughout your journey? Are there any celebrities who embody timeless elegance in your view?
T. R.: When it comes to fashion figures, I have been mainly inspired by Giorgio Armani and Valentino, as well as fashion houses like Givenchy.
P.-A. T.: What memory or anecdote illustrates the evolution of fashion throughout your career? A moment when you became aware of the importance of a style choice?
T. R.: In 1996, Queen Elizabeth II came to Poland for an official visit, and I accompanied Her Majesty for three days as the wife of the Polish Foreign Minister. It was an unforgettable moment, both for my interactions with the Queen and her entourage, and for this unique experience of fashion and an exclusive style of elegance and chic.
P.-A. T.: You have seen many trends come and go in fashion. What is the most essential quality for staying relevant in the fashion industry today?
T. R.: For me personally, three things are especially important: fabrics of the highest quality, a perfect cut, and harmony with a woman’s personality.
P.-A. T.: What common mistakes in contemporary fashion particularly bother you? How can they be avoided?
T. R.: I do not accept poor-quality materials, a lack of perfection in production, or the excessive use of plastics. In addition, some designers try to shock the public with models of extreme extravagance, which I find uninspired, inconsistent with women’s nature, and simply in bad taste.
P.-A. T.: Your creations are often described as timeless and elegant. What do you think are the keys to creating pieces that stand the test of time without losing their appeal?
T. R.: I try to design my projects in a way that connects them to timeless emotions and values shared by women, such as love, beauty, classic elegance, and sensuality. And my main source of inspiration is woman herself—her personality and her nature.
P.-A. T.: If you had to share one lesson or principle with the new generation of designers, which would you choose?
T. R.: Design must be a true passion. I believe that if you are truly passionate about fashion and style, you should follow that path. And never, ever give up.
P.-A. T.: Looking at current trends, which ones seem to you to be reinventions of ones you have known? Are there any trends you would like to see come back?
T. R.: Fashion moves in large cycles, but not identical ones. These are not literal repeats, but similar broad trends with a few new elements. Great designers are able to sense the winds of change and make groundbreaking inventions, but they all borrow from the past. For example, right now, many designers like to draw inspiration from the 1940s and 1950s by using elements such as pleats and lace, or from the 1980s and 1990s, with oversized jackets.
P.-A. T.: What are the essential pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe to be elegant and ready for any occasion?
T. R.: A black dress, white shirts, a black, white, and gray suit, but the specific selection depends on each person’s style and personality.
P.-A. T.: What style advice have you passed on to your daughter, the internationally renowned actress Weronika Rosati, who is so glamorous in her public appearances?
T. R.: Weronika is my main source of inspiration as a woman. She is also the face of my For Weronika creation line, dedicated specifically to young women for special occasions such as film festivals and premieres, gala evenings, and red-carpet events. I have prepared most of her outfits for special events such as the Golden Globes galas and the Oscars after-parties. Two of her dresses were ranked among the Top Ten Best Dresses at the Venice Film Festival in 2020. Weronika prefers a romantic and feminine style. We choose the fabric, concept, and style together—we have similar tastes in fashion.
P.-A. T.: Paris is often considered the world capital of fashion. How do you feel when you walk a runway or come to France? What emotions do Paris and French culture inspire in your work as a designer?
T. R.: Paris is a magical and extraordinary place, with a unique atmosphere where artists and creators from all over the world feel at home. Olympic Night of Fashion Paris 2024 was already the fourth runway show for my collections in this beautiful world capital of fashion. Fashion and style can be an interesting and inspiring aspect of life, and their interaction with culture, art, and diplomacy creates a rich and beautiful relationship.
Teresa Rosati Instagram
- https://www.instagram.com/teresamariarosati/