Cover photo © Marlena Bielinska
A remarkable designer, Teresa Rosati has built an extraordinary career where creative independence and elegance blend seamlessly.
While her role as the wife of Poland’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs placed her at the center of diplomatic protocols, it was her personal talent and innate sense of refinement that truly defined her path. She has developed a brand synonymous with timeless luxury.
A devoted mother, Teresa also draws precious inspiration from her only daughter, a renowned Hollywood actress. Together, they have created unforgettable red carpet outfits, including the For Weronika line, dedicated to women and showcased at prestigious events like the Golden Globes.
Discover the vision of a designer who started at just 12 years old, with each piece reflecting strength, femininity, and freedom.
Interview
Pierre-Antoine Tsady : What led you to dedicate yourself to fashion? Was there a key moment that marked the beginning of your career?
Teresa Rosati : I discovered my passion for fashion when I was 12. I began to design and make my own patterns and models. I was thinking of studying fashion, but my parents thought it was a crazy idea, so I started my studies in business and economics. But I did not drop my dreams, and finally, an opportunity came to me. When my husband was appointed foreign minister of Poland in the mid-1990s, and I was supposed to accompany him to various diplomatic visits and events, I realized that there was nobody around to help me design and prepare evening and cocktail dresses according to the rules of diplomatic protocol. So I decided to prepare them myself. My outfits were met with great interest and were well received. So I decided to continue, even after my husband returned to his previous position as a university professor.
Moreover, I had the privilege of designing a variety of evening dresses and gala gowns for Jolanta Kwaśniewska, the First Lady of Poland, during her husband’s presidency from 1995 to 2005. It was an honor to see her wear my creations at official events, both in Poland and on the international stage. This experience allowed me to showcase my work to a broader, global audience.
P.-A. T. : Which designers or personalities have been your greatest sources of inspiration throughout your journey? Are there any celebrities who, in your opinion, embody timeless elegance?
T. R. : When it comes to fashion personalities, I have been mostly inspired by Giorgio Armani and Valentino, as well as fashion houses such as Givenchy.
P.-A. T. : What memory or anecdote illustrates the evolution of fashion throughout your career? A moment when you realized the importance of a stylistic choice?
T. R. : In 1996, Queen Elizabeth II came to Poland for an official visit, and I accompanied Her Majesty for three days in my capacity as the wife of the Polish Foreign Minister. It was an unforgettable moment, both because of my interactions with the Queen and her entourage, and also as a unique experience in fashion and the exclusive style of elegance and chic.
P.-A. T. : You have witnessed many fashion trends come and go. What is the most essential quality for remaining relevant in the fashion industry today?
T. R. : For me, personally, three things are of special importance: the highest quality fabrics, perfect tailoring, 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, lack of perfection in production, or the excessive use of plastics. Additionally, some designers try to shock the audience with extremely extravagant models, which I find uninspiring, inconsistent with women’s nature, and simply in bad taste.
P.-A. T. : Your creations are often described as timeless and elegant. What, in your view, are the keys to designing pieces that transcend eras 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. My main source of inspiration is the woman herself—her personality and her nature.
P.-A. T. : If you had to share just one lesson or principle with the new generation of designers, which would you choose?
T. R. : Designing should be a genuine passion. I believe that if one is truly passionate about fashion and style, they should pursue it. And never, ever give up.
P.-A. T. : When you look at current trends, which ones seem like reinventions of those you’ve witnessed before? Are there any trends you would like to see make a comeback?
T. R. : Fashion moves in big cycles, but not identical ones. These are not literal repetitions, but similar general trends with some new elements. Great designers are able to sense the winds of change and create groundbreaking innovations, but all of them incorporate elements borrowed from the past. For instance, right now many designers like to draw inspiration from the 1940s-1950s, applying elements such as pleats and lace, or from the 1980s-1990s, with oversized jackets.
P.-A. T. : What are the essential items 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/grey suit—the specific selection, however, depends on individual style and personality.
P.-A. T. : What style advice have you shared with your daughter, the internationally renowned actress Weronika Rosati, who always looks so glamorous during her public appearances?
T. R. : Weronika is my essential inspiration as a woman. She is also the face of my For Weronika design line, dedicated specifically to young women for special occasions such as film festivals, premieres, gala evenings, and red carpet events. I prepared most of her outfits for special events like the Golden Globe galas and Oscar after-parties. Two of her dresses were among the Top Ten Best Dresses at the Venice Film Festival in 2020. Weronika prefers a romantic, feminine style. We choose the fabric, concept, and style together—we share a similar taste in fashion.
P.-A. T. : Paris is often considered the fashion capital of the world. How do you feel when showcasing your collections or visiting 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 designers from all over the globe feel at home. The Olympic Night of Fashion Paris 2024 was already the fourth show of my collections in this beautiful fashion capital of the world. Fashion and style can be fascinating and inspiring aspects of life, and their interaction with culture, art, and diplomacy creates a rich and beautiful relationship.