Kristina Dziadkiewicz hit on an idea of providing clothes for fans of equestrianism at the end of 2014: ‘Horse riders are so keen on their passion that they like all things related to their interests. Still, when going out they did not have many clothes to choose from,’ she adds.

 

Before starting her business, Kristina decided to find out if her potential clients will appreciate her designs. At first, she made a few things only: a hat, a scarf, a few blouses, T-shirts and a dress. She designed inscriptions and horse images to be printed on clothes. Kristina gave her clothes to her friends and wore them herself to check if any changes were required. She also sought the opinion of Internet users at Forrider Collection Facebook fan page, her website and a blog. As the clothes were highly admired, Kristina decided to start a business to make and sell them.

 

The clothing business required certain investments, such as the purchase of sawing machines, fabrics, images to be printed and making test clothes. Kristina, however, does not provide any details on the funds invested.

 

The designer of clothes for horse riding fans also had to learn how to saw. 'The ability to prepare patterns and select appropriate fabrics is absolutely essential for any designer,’ she emphasises.

 

Before setting up her own company she had worked as an accountant. Many years ago, she had learned the basics from her grandfather, who was a tailor. Kristina developed her skills in a tailoring school in Gorzów Wielkopolski, where she studied for a year. Now she is a certified tailor herself.

 

In April, after the business had been registered, the Forrider Collection with 12 designs (85 items) which passed the tests was made available for sale at the forrider.eu website. It sold out almost entirely within two months. The clothes were purchased by riding fans from all parts of Poland. Blouses and T-shirts with the photo of one's own horse turned out to sell best.

 

Kristina Dziadkiewicz makes clothes only of 100% cotton fabric from a Łódź supplier. ‘I wanted my clothes to feel nice to touch, so I select fabrics with the quality confirmed with the International Cotton Emblem,' says the designer of the Forrider Collection brand. At first she cooperated with a sawing room, but eventually Kristina decided to make clothes by herself. ‘I want my clothes to be special, so I only saw a few items of each design and tailor it to individual needs of my clients,' she explains.

 

According to the designer, T-shirt printed designs made by a company from Gorzów Wielkopolski are imperceptible to the touch and durable.

 

‘I would like my business to grow, but I do not intend to start mass production,’ claims Kristina Dziadkiewicz. Therefore, she is not interested in more extensive promotion. ‘I already have loyal clients who recommend Forrider to their friends. My brand is also mentioned at riders’ blogs, which is a major source of satisfaction for me,’ she adds.

 

Kristina is preparing an autumn-winter collection 2015. ‘I will introduce new colours, new printed designs and patterns. The new collection will also include jodhpurs- style sweatpants,’ says Kristina Dziadkiewicz. In response to clients’ enquiries concerning made-to-measure and custom clothes, the young dressmaker decided to introduce bespoke tailoring services. ‘One should respond to market needs. Making custom clothes I may be competitive,’ she explains. Next year, Kristina intends to design Forrider Kids collection for children.

 

AK