Meet: Magdalena Hajduk
- Written byGiada Maestra
- Published date 10 April 2024
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We spoke with London College of Fashion (LCF) graduate Magdalena to discuss her journey; from starting a fashion business on her own to how she’s working to make her brand sustainable for the planet.
Magdalena studied BA (Hans) Fashion Pattern Cutting at LCF, graduating in 2017.
Can you introduce yourself?
I grew up in a small town in Poland. My family was pretty creative, but they never perceived art as a possible career path; they saw it as a hobby. So most of my family weren’t thrilled to hear me say, at the age of 15, that I wanted to become a fashion designer.
I’ve never been a very “artsy" person, but fashion was always a big part of my self-expression. I believe it sort of runs in my blood. My great-grandma was a seamstress and one of her daughters (my nana) used to draw clothing and costume designs in her notebooks. My dad knew how to sew and would always redesign his clothing by adding some extra pockets or simply making it more comfortable.
What did you study at UAL? How did studying at UAL influence your practice?
I studied BA (Hans) Fashion Pattern Cutting at LCF.
My experience at UAL significantly influenced my general approach to fashion. It empowered me to be more open-minded and push my creativity to the next level. I always loved to experiment and challenge myself, but tutors at the London College of Fashion helped me tame my creative animal and discover my aesthetic.
Were you sewing/making pattern cutting before applying for LCF? If so, how did you learn?
Yes. I did a fashion course at Cracow School of Art and Fashion Design, where I learned the basis of pattern cutting, sewing, and other fashion and art-related subjects.
Tell us more about your label YQUAL
YQUAL was built on a concept that evolved over the years and is based on my experience and on what I believe is missing in the fashion industry.
As a working mum, I’ve always had trouble finding clothes that keep up with my ever-changing schedule. That’s why I decided to use my pattern-cutting background to design gender-neutral clothing that’s both smart and comfortable and can be easily worn by people with different body features.
I wanted YQUAL to be an inclusive platform that caters to everyone, no matter how they identify or who they love. The adult sizing ranges from 152 cm to 189 cm so the customers can buy clothes based on their height instead of gender. Matching the kidswear allows the freedom to create cohesive outfits for every family model, from single parents to big patchwork families.
Apart from creating sustainable natural clothing, YQUAL lifestyle talks about responsible consumerism, sustainability, and gender-inclusivity.
As my customer base grows, I hope that we can build an inclusive international community where everyone feels welcome and accepted for who they are.
What was the most challenging part of setting up a business?
In my case, it was finding the time for it. Apart from launching a fashion brand, I had to juggle a full-time career with being a single mum.
I also came across a lot of difficulties when setting up the production process. It took me a while to find manufacturers that would accept small-quantity orders and provide the high-end finishing that I was looking for.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you first started your business?
When it comes to launching a successful brand, there are so many variables that many creatives are not aware of.
I wish I had more business knowledge. As I was setting up YQUAL, I had to learn “on the job”.
Many times, I was overwhelmed by the number of things that you need to think of and do when starting a new business.
How do you balance being a full-time mum and a businesswoman?
It’s quite challenging but I try to be well-organised and plan whenever it’s possible. I also had to learn how to let go when something is out of my control.
Now that my son is older it’s easier to include him in some of the business meetings or trips. Sometimes I bring him along to the seamstresses. Last year I brought him with me to Première Vision in Paris, and we made a weekly trip out of it.
What does sustainable fashion mean to you?
Being sustainable goes hand-in-hand with improvement and innovation. It’s a learning curve that we, as creatives, have to embrace and implement into our work and daily lifestyle.
Sustainable fashion starts with the design concept.
I never wanted to simply add more look-alike clothing into the already overpacked fashion industry. Instead, I decided to fill the gap that I noticed on the market.
I continuously educate myself and try to explore new opportunities for YQUAL to become a more sustainable and circular business. I recently participated in the Fashion For Change project, where I got the chance to meet and collaborate with sustainable fashion startups from Europe.
What do you think people can do to contribute to a more sustainable fashion system?
I think the key to being more sustainable is looking ahead. Whether we’re designers or consumers, we must take a step back and consider what are the consequences of our everyday choices.
Sustainable designs and textiles are the first step, but we should also remember about the fashion’s afterlife and do our best to develop a more circular economy.
Follow YQUAL on Instagram: @yqual.studio
Discover more about YQUAL.
