She attended Barnard College, the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, and the Yale School of Drama.
[2] Regarding her early career, Zakowska said "I began designing the Big Apple Circus and working as an assistant on Woody Allen films.
[6] Zakowska describes her decision to work with series director Amy Sherman-Palladino as "instant chemistry.
"[7] Zakowska has cited multiple inspirations for the show's costumes, including period photographs, European fashion trends, and postwar New York City's many different cultures.
"[8] Two costumes created by Zakowska for the show's first season are now in the collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.