In fashion, talent and creativity are not enough – experience, strategy and the ability to connect design with market reality are also important. Young designers, finalists of the Best Fashion Talent competition, organized by the Slovak Fashion Council , had the opportunity to look behind the scenes of the Alain Delon brand. For two days, they found themselves at the epicenter of thoughtful design, precise production and sustainable identity. Come and see what the workshop looked like.
Fashion with character
Alain Delon is synonymous with sophisticated men's fashion. We have been part of the European market for over 25 years, offering meticulously crafted pieces from elegant suits, shirts and coats to casual pieces for the modern man . Our brand philosophy is to combine artisanal precision with timeless design - not as a nostalgia for the past, but as a conscious choice of durability and quality. We have been cooperating with the Slovak Fashion Council, an organization that strengthens the Slovak fashion ecosystem, for years. And we are happy that we can be a valuable example for young designers from their ranks that success in fashion does not happen overnight. On the contrary, it is based on strategic decisions, the courage to experiment, but also on understanding the consistency of the brand and its dialogue with the customer. Richard Wohlstein, COO Alain Delon , sees great meaning in connecting generations:It was great to spend time with young talents who were inspiring to us as well. We believe that projects like this foster creativity, collaboration, and growth of a new generation of professionals, while also moving our brand forward.
Behind the scenes of a fashion house
The workshop provided the finalists with a space to explore the processes that define the existence of a fashion brand – from design, through the selection of materials, to economic strategies and marketing. It was not just an excursion, but an interactive dialogue. Ján Smatana, chief designer of Alain Delon , perceived the presence of the finalists as refreshing:Their perspective on fashion was inspiring. The inventiveness of the cuts and the choice of materials show the ability to innovate within limited possibilities. Sharing experiences is important, as is being open to new perspectives.The finalists left with a new perspective on the fashion business, which encompasses much more than just the creative process. Tomáš Maliňák most appreciated the team's willingness to share their know-how:
What impressed me most was the openness and cohesion of the team. Seeing how the brand thinks about its customer and how it operates on different levels gave me a new perspective on my own work.Rudek Šťastný was fascinated by the way the brand communicates through the journal – a sophisticated form of marketing that doesn't shout, but invites dialogue:
It is a very pleasant and authentic form that motivates the customer to visit the store or e-shop. Non-violent brand building through interesting information and connections to the fashion world makes much more sense than aggressive advertising.
The design duo GONOE appreciated the perspective on connecting creativity with business:What impressed us most was how the brand works as a whole – from initial designs to production, to economic factors and marketing. It was inspiring to see a team that has been working for over 30 years with the same passion.
We understand our customer
At Alain Delon, we have been striving for consistency for many years. It is important for us to perceive the customer, reflect their needs, and at the same time show them new perspectives. The finalists saw and heard that we do not follow fast trends, but build a long-term relationship with the client , thereby creating a stable community around the brand. This strategy is especially important in the context of today's saturated market, where many brands are trying to survive only through the constant production of new collections. Sustainability is not a marketing term for us, but an approach to the craft. As Rudko Šťastný assessed:The workshop was encouraging – about not giving up, moving forward, and trying new things, even when one encounters disappointment or rejection.
What's next?
The Best Fashion Talent finalists continue in a mentoring program that provides them with the space to understand fashion not only as a creative discipline, but also as a system with connections that determine its existence. The workshop was held in cooperation with the Slovak Fashion Council , which has long supported young design talents and the development of Slovak fashion. You can find more about their activities at www.slovakfashioncouncil.sk .
