Koniakou, Poland (AP) — Visluawa Zulosek was only six years old when he learned the intricate handicrafts of crocheting from women in his family as part of the long tradition of a small mountain village.
Now, 53 years later, she is part of a new generation of women who will use those skills to make Koniakow famous far beyond the Polish border. Unique crocheted lingerie, beautiful wedding dresses, skirts, blouses, and even traditional tablecloths enjoy the popularity and price increase of skilled work.
“In Koniaków, almost every woman calls her “Hekra,” Juroszek told The Associated Press. “For us it’s passion. For us it’s life.”
Approximately 700 women work as lace makers for Koniacou. The Koniakow is surrounded high by the Beskid Mountains in southern Poland, near the border with Slovakia.
Traditional needlework is a valuable craft
On Sunday, August 17th, 2025, a cotton yarn woman in the village of Koniakou in the Beskid Mountains of Poland makes traditional lace (AP Photo/Daniel Franeck)
This technique has been passed down for years by Koniakou women who followed the tradition of previous generations of Polish women who decorated the bonnet worn over their hair by crocheting lace ribbons tied around their forehead.
“It was a decorative element. When a woman got married, she had her own,” Jurosek said. “Later, women began making them as table decorations like napkins, and the shapes became rounded. And the women sold them. This was a way to make money.”
What began more than 100 years ago, simply began as a work to support household budgets, has turned into a valuable craft. The blouses sell for at least 3,000-4,000 Zwarties ($750-$1,000), and the wedding dresses cost tens of thousands Zwarties.
The sudden cost is based on the time a woman needs to do needlework, and even a simple blouse can take weeks.
Unlike other traditional craftworks around the world, crocheted lace has not declined and is thriving.
The work is unique and often inspired by nature
Koniaków Lace is known for its unique patterns that are often inspired by the scenery surrounding Highland Village.
“In this small village, women create unique patterns from imagination, thin threads, flowers and stars,” says Lucyna Ligocka-Kohut, president of the Koniakow Lace Foundation.
“They are surrounded by beautiful nature, which inspires their motifs,” she added. “We don’t have templates or patterns. We create everything from our imagination. That’s why fashion houses want to work with us.
Koniaków is attracting the attention of international designers
The model will present handmade lace costumes at a fashion show at the village of Koniakou in the Beskid Mountains, Poland on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 (AP Photo/Daniel Franeck)
The women at Koniaków say that each lace piece is a kind of one, so it’s not surprising that international fashion designers have noticed the piece.
Ligocka-Kohut lists brands that have been fascinated by works that emerge from mountain villages, including Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Magda Butrym, Rei Kawakubo, and Comme des Garçons.
“Koniaków Lace has already appeared twice during Paris Fashion Week,” she said.
Lace lingerie comes with impressive colours
The most traditional Koniaków lace is mostly made from white or soft Ecru. Bold shades such as deep red, rich black and vibrant green are usually reserved for lingerie and swimsuits.
Bras, panties, strings and G-strings are sold online for those who cannot travel to southern Poland for lace shopping.
Homemaker Ewa Lesiewicz is one of the regular Polish customers and a true fan of famous lace pieces.
“I already have a set of lace blouses, lace bras and panties. I really like it,” said the 63-year-old. “I also want a set like this: a blouse and a skirt.”
