Discover Polish crafts made in New Zealand

POLANZ would like to introduce members and non-members to an exposition of crafts made by POLANZ members.

This time, POLANZ members Agnieszka Arciszewska from Auckland and Ilona and Jacek Pawlowski from Christchurch will be speaking about their business experiences, challenges and successes. They will also show samples of their work. Although the nature of the two businesses suggests that women will be more interested to attend, our presenters will have products and suggestions for men also.

Art Studio VESU, Auckland

My name is Agnieszka Arciszewska. My brand was established in Europe over 15 years ago, recently (2 years ago) I moved to the most stunning country in the world – New Zealand.

My new art studio VESU where I design and create unique scarves, shawls, and home decor is in Auckland’s sunny North Shore (Torbay).

I have extensive fashion experience gained from prestigious shows and photo shoots. I’m passionate about making every woman feel amazing. I work with unique, natural raw materials such as high-quality silk and merino wool. VESU is where old meets new; I combine labour-intensive age-old techniques (Nuno felting) to create beautiful handmade designs for modern women. The essence of womanhood is always at the forefront of my designs, all of which are created for special women who appreciate unique, luxurious fashion items made from only the very best materials. I match my creations to individual shapes and personalities, and I’m always open to new ideas. I love creation and always prepare something new.

The patterns and colours in my works are often inspired by the nature that surrounds me. I do not create designs or visualizations of my scarves beforehand, I just lay a large piece of silk in front of me, and with wool as the paint I create patterns, ideas are created by themselves in my head.

Blue Pearl Gallery, Akaroa, South Island

Ilona and Jacek Pawlowski own Blue Pearl Gallery in Akaroa, near Christchurch. They have been in the jewellery business in New Zealand for more than 30 years. Their passions are jewellery made with NZ grown blue pearls and with Polish Baltic amber. Jacek has gained a reputation as a leading New Zealand jeweller, creating pieces for numerous well known public figures including Queen Elizabeth II and the late Sir Edmund Hillary.

They moved to Akaroa in 2011 after the Christchurch earthquakes. Their business suffered, but they recovered. Covid-19 also hit their business, but they are optimistic and hope that the good times will return. Ilona i Jacek Pawlowski not only run the Blue Pearl Gallery but are also active members of the Polish Community. Currently, Jacek is the president of the Polish Association in Christchurch and a member of POLANZ, the Polish-New Zealand Business Association, from its beginning.

We are very glad to have such prolific speakers and presenters as Agnieszka, Ilona and Jacek, so please join us and spread the news about this event among your friends.