Domínguez discussed how this exhibition reflects the brand’s values and vision, focusing on sustainable fashion and the intersection of tradition and innovation. She highlights how the collection embodies a blend of craftsmanship and contemporary design, aligning with Adolfo Domínguez’s commitment to quality and artistry. Given Dubai Fashion Week’s global platform, Domínguez’s insights are valuable in understanding how the brand is positioning itself in the international fashion landscape, emphasizing its unique narrative and creative direction.
HOW DOES THE CONCEPT OF IKIGAI TRANSLATE INTO THE DESIGN ELEMENTS AND AESTHETICS OF THE AUTUMN-WINTER 2024 COLLECTION?
Our brand is driven by a bold ambition to explore grand concepts and make a meaningful impact. We draw significant inspiration from Japan, a culture renowned for its depth, thoughtfulness, and belief in the transformative power of beauty. One concept that resonates deeply with us is Ikigai. It represents the intersection of your passions, talents, and joy, while also addressing what the world needs from you. Our latest collection is designed to embody this principle, aiming to evoke the same sense of purpose and fulfillment. To bring this vision to life, we’ve employed a deconstruction technique. Take, for instance, our trench coat. We’ve meticulously dismantled it, breaking it down into numerous individual pieces—sometimes up to 40 separate fabric segments. After deconstructing, we reassemble these pieces in new, innovative ways. This process symbolizes personal transformation: breaking down and rebuilding oneself to find new paths to joy and make a positive impact. Our collection is a reflection of this journey, inviting you to embrace change and rediscover beauty in unexpected forms.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT THE EXHIBITION TODAY, AND WHAT WOULD YOU TELL OUR AUDIENCE TO INVITE THEM TO VISIT?
Our collection aims to showcase the essence of our brand through its distinctive volumes and sophisticated color palette. While we do incorporate some vibrant hues, our primary focus remains on refined, elegant tones. At the exhibition, you’ll experience a range of sophisticated colors and explore our fascination with volume, a key element in today’s oversized fashion trends. You’ll also find elements inspired by Japanese aesthetics, such as pieces featuring abstract painted details on white fabric. Our designs often include intriguing asymmetries—like garments with one sleeve and one sleeveless side—as well as unique constructions, such as a deconstructed trench coat reassembled in unexpected ways. We emphasize the beauty of craftsmanship in our garments. For instance, our men’s collection includes a jumper that highlights its meticulous stitching, underscoring the artistry involved in its creation. We want visitors to appreciate that clothing is not merely a product of industrial processes, but a manifestation of skill and attention to detail. Our philosophy revolves around creating pieces that are both timeless and functional. We embrace slow fashion, focusing on quality and longevity rather than fleeting trends. In a fast-paced city like Dubai, where newness is constantly celebrated, we also honor enduring values like craftsmanship and sustainability. Sustainability, a principle we’ve upheld since the 1980s, involves more than just responsible supply chains; it’s about investing in garments that are built to last. We believe in the Pareto Principle—80% of what people wear comes from just 20% of their wardrobe. Our goal is to create those essential 20% pieces that are worn frequently, thus reducing the need for excess and fostering a more thoughtful approach to fashion.
DO YOU PERSONALLY APPLY THIS CONCEPT TO YOUR DAILY LIFE? IF YES, THEN HOW?
Yes, I do believe in Ikigai, but I also think that life often requires us to navigate responsibilities and circumstances beyond our initial desires. While it’s trendy to talk about purpose and passion these days, sometimes you find yourself in a situation where you need to fulfill a duty that might not have been your original plan. For instance, leading this company is a calling for me. It’s not just about personal fulfillment; it’s about honoring a legacy that started with my grandfather and was continued by my father. Though I have sisters, it fell to me to take the helm. Stepping into this role has brought me immense joy because I see the positive impact I can make when I apply my skills to what I believe in. So, while Ikigai is important—finding joy in what you do and aligning it with your talents and the needs of the world—it’s also about embracing the blend of duty and personal fulfillment. True purpose often arises from balancing these elements in a way that benefits both you and the broader world.
LAURA PONTE’S COLLABORATION IN THE COLLECTION’S PREVIEW MUST HAVE BEEN EXCITING. HOW DID HER INVOLVEMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL VISION OF THE “IKIGAI” COLLECTION? CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THE ROLE OF THE ÁGORA CREATIVE LABORATORY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS COLLECTION? WHAT UNIQUE CONTRIBUTIONS DID THE TEAM MAKE?
Laura Ponte, an esteemed international model, is experiencing a remarkable comeback. What sets her apart is her decision to embrace her natural beauty; she often eschews makeup and proudly displays her wrinkles. Her courage and authenticity are truly admirable. Currently, she’s collaborating with brands like Loewe, Phoebe Philo, and Zara. Our relationship with Laura is particularly special and personal. I’ve known her for years, having shared an apartment with her in New York. Laura is incredibly creative, and we value her unique presence and spirit. Moving forward, we plan to continue working with her as an ambassador, celebrating her genuine approach and the positive example she sets. Regarding our design process, we follow a unique approach through our Agora lab, which operates on a semi-annual basis. Unlike luxury brands that innovate from scratch each season or more trend-following companies, we emphasize both sustainability and originality. Every six months, we launch a new concept through our Agora lab. Our design team spends three weeks exploring and translating this concept into tangible forms—shapes, materials, and textures. The result is the Agora collection, featuring our boldest and most innovative designs, which are then incorporated into our broader collection.
HOW DOES THE “IKIGAI” COLLECTION ALIGN WITH THE CULTURAL AND AESTHETIC PREFERENCES OF THE GCC REGION? WHAT STRATEGIES ARE BEING EMPLOYED TO TAILOR THE ADOLFO DOMÍNGUEZ BRAND’S OFFERINGS TO THE DIVERSE TASTES AND PREFERENCES WITHIN THE GCC MARKET?
Our brand operates 362 stores across 26 countries, and we’ve found that while people are unique, there are striking similarities in their preferences. For instance, products that perform well in Japan also resonate strongly in markets like Spain and beyond.
Here, in particular, we notice a preference for specific elements like sleeve coverage and seasonal colors, such as green, tailored to regional tastes. However, even these region-specific choices often find success in other parts of the world, reflecting our brand’s universal appeal. Our brand is somewhat niche, catering to a select clientele who share similar tastes globally.
CAN YOU SHARE ANY SPECIFIC PLANS OR UPCOMING INITIATIVES FOR FURTHER EXPANDING THE BRAND’S PRESENCE IN THE GCC REGION?
Regarding our expansion in the GCC, we’re fortunate to have a strong regional partner, the Charlotte Group. Currently, we have stores in Kuwait, Qatar, Dubai, and Jeddah, and we plan to continue expanding in the region at a pace that suits both us and our partner. Dubai, in particular, has been one of our top-performing cities, along with Kuwait. The international nature of Dubai means many clients are already familiar with our brand from other countries, while others discover us for the first time. We cater to a diverse clientele here, from professionals seeking work attire to individuals looking for event wear.
In contrast, we find the U.S. market to be more informal and less focused on the nuances of fashion and beauty. In the Middle East, however, there’s a strong appreciation for elegance and a keen interest in dressing well, reflecting a deep-seated appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship.
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