Even then I could tell she had a crystal clear vision of what she wanted the label to be, and over the years I’ve had the pleasure of watching it grow and evolve alongside her – while always staying true to its core purpose.

Kowtow launched in 2006 with a focus on Fairtrade organic cotton, something that’s still key today; alongside being plastic-free and circular. They’re all fashion buzzwords but Kowtow’s been talking about this stuff since the start. I wear a lot from the brand; I love its everyday ease, use of print and colour, and appeal to all ages.

Today, Gosia lives between Wellington and Europe (her husband works in film) and works alongside a talented team based in the capital including general manager Emma Wallace and head designer Dayne Johnston. When I asked her to do our Reference Points column – where designers share their enduring inspirations – I had a rough idea of what she might pick; enjoy her thoughtful references below.

Nature

This is my single most important inspiration, it has everything I need to be inspired for design and life – colour, balance and nurture. It is the reason why I started Kowtow. It all began in the Southern Alps high up in the snow line – I was so inspired by the magical beauty of nature that I decided I wanted to start something that worked alongside it and not against it.

Mid Century Design

For me this is simplicity at its best – function and minimalism. I visited the Eames Case Study house in Los Angeles pre lockdown with my toddler son and fell in love with Ray and Charles Eames. Their ability to play and create such unfussy products has had a huge influence on Kowtow. We have even named a dress after Ray: the Ray pinafore.

Vitra Design Museum Chairs

I have the poster at home and in the workroom, and have always integrated chairs from this collection in our shoots. My friend Sabine Marcelis now has her Candy Cube chair as part of the collection. Maybe as my future job I could work at the Design Museum in Copenhagen, which has every chair I would cut my right arm off for. Recently on a design research trip in London, with Dayne, our head designer, we visited a beautiful store called Blue Mountain School and the staff member encouraged us to sit in various chairs and described one as "a hug" and the other as "a kiss" – how beautiful to appreciate everyday objects this much.

Peggy Guggenheim's collection in Venice

I have been to her museum a couple of times now. The first time was with a friend while hopping around the Biennale. When I got to her museum I was in heaven. She has art and sculpture from all the artists that make my heart flutter and have influenced my work so much – Miro, Calder, Mondrian and Henry Moore. While I was there I got to see a huge temporary collection from Jean Arp, it left me elated with joy; amazing how art can do that.

The colour pink

I realised the other day everything in my wardrobe is beige, black, white, grey marle and pink! Funny how there isn't a real reason for me to gravitate towards this colour. I mean it could be any colour in the world, yet it happens to be pink I gravitate towards. It is such a loud colour, yet I feel like I'm wearing a neutral.

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