The Slovak Fashion Council, in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live! and with financial support from the Tatra banka Foundation and eco-friendly developer Corwin, proudly presents the finalists of Best Fashion Talent 2024.
Best Fashion Talent continues to grow and evolve each year, showcasing the exceptional skills of Slovak designers and confirming the organizers’ ability to create new opportunities for the designers participating in the competition. Finalists have successfully showcased their collections at international fashion weeks in places like London and Budapest and sell their collections at SOM store. “One of the greatest successes is the victory of Mata Durikovic, who not only won the Best Fashion Talent title but also the National Design Award. The Tatra banka Foundation has long supported this meaningful format, and this year, our partnership with eco-friendly developer Corwin highlights the importance of sustainability even further,” said Zuzana Bobiková, Director of the Slovak Fashion Council, at the opening of the event.
This year, the finalists will also benefit from a mentoring program led by renowned designers and experts, including Juraj Straka, Maty Durikovic, Kristína Šipulová, and brands like Alain Delon and Nehera, among others. The young designers will have the opportunity to present their collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live! on October 13, 2024, in the iconic spaces of the Slovak National Gallery, where the winner of this prestigious award will be announced.
The expert jury evaluated not only the artistic expression and craftsmanship of the designs, but also the designers’ ability to communicate their ideas, their commercial potential, and the incorporation of sustainability into their work. The finalists – Dominika Kozáková, Jozef Kahánek, and the GONOE brand – distinguished themselves with their unique approach to fashion.
Introducing the Best Fashion Talent 2024 Finalists
The finalists of the Best Fashion Talent 2024 – Dominika Kozáková, Jozef Kahánek, and the GONOE brand – bring a unique approach to fashion, combining creativity with sustainability. They will present their collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live! 2024, where the winner of this prestigious award will be decided.
Finalists of Best Fashion Talent 2024:
Dominika Kozáková – The jury praised Kozáková for her striking and original inspiration from modern circus themes, evident in her bold cuts, vibrant colors, and extravagant techniques. Her proactive marketing approach, combined with her craftsmanship and creative vision, makes her one of the most prominent designers of her generation. The jury likened her to the iconic designer Vivienne Westwood for her ability to connect art and fashion with commercial potential.
Jozef Kahánek – Kahánek stands out for his work with upcycling and experimental combinations of materials, such as lace and clay, creating unique textures and visual stories. The jury appreciated his innovative craftsmanship and his skill in transforming used materials into new, artistically refined pieces. His designs transcend fast fashion, offering a deeper sense of creativity and craftsmanship value.
GONOE (Patrik Platko and Max Basala) – The GONOE brand, focusing on upcycling and streetwear, impressed the jury with its strong visuals and clear message. Patrik and Max create a cohesive and unique fashion concept, demonstrating that sustainability can be part of luxury streetwear. Their intricate collections showcase how responsible fashion design can be both attractive and functional.
A Spotlight on Slovak Designers’ Success
Juraj Straka, textile designer and honorary jury member, highlighted the quality of the finalists with these words: “This year’s BFT surprised me not only with the diversity of artistic and aesthetic views of the individual designers but also with their approach to fashion from a business perspective. From original textiles to collectible pieces, upcycled and recycled garments, to a well-thought-out business model, the contestants have shown that fashion is a broad field where everyone can find their place. The three winning finalists therefore represent this range well, and each of them has a chance to succeed internationally.”
At this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live!, in addition to the Best Fashion Talent title, a special award for sustainable practices, provided by eco-friendly developer Corwin, will be given for the first time. This award highlights the commitment to sustainability, which is now an integral part of the future of the fashion industry.
CEO Marián Hlavačka from Corwin emphasized their commitment with these words: “Sustainability, support for communities, and artistic creation are among our core values. In these areas, we strive to lead the market not only with our projects but also with the activities we support. It is very important for us to give young talented people a chance and support them in responsible creative work.”
The sustainability award will be given to one of the three finalists, further underscoring the importance of sustainable fashion design. Slovak Fashion Council Director Zuzana Bobiková concluded: “Best Fashion Talent is an exceptional and the only award for young fashion designers in our country. The annual quality of the finalists and the recognition of the expert jury confirm to us as organizers that it makes sense to continue developing and improving this format. We thank our partners for sharing the same vision and congratulate the BFT’24 finalists!”
The Prestigious Jury and Their Evaluation Criteria
The Best Fashion Talent finalists were selected by an expert jury composed of fashion industry experts. The jury members included: Juraj Straka (textile designer), Dana Lapšanská (fashion journalist and lecturer), Harriet Hala (fashion designer, visionary, and journalist), Barbora Peuch (fashion designer and educator), Marika Majorová (photographer and creative consultant), Mária Štraneková (fashion designer and lecturer), Milada Halová (Director of Brand Management at Tatra Banka), Zdenko Gáfrik (fashion journalist), and Jakub Ptačin (designer and strategist).
About the Slovak Fashion Council
The Slovak Fashion Council (SFC) is a professional non-profit organization that has been supporting and developing the Slovak fashion ecosystem since 2011. It was founded by fashion designer Dana Kleinert, who has since received numerous domestic and international awards. Since December 2019, Zuzana Bobiková has been appointed as the new general director, continuing to develop the strategy and programs she has been shaping since the SFC’s inception.
Web: www.slovakfashioncouncil.sk
Instagram: @Slovak_fashion_council
FB: @SlovakFashionCouncil
About the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live!
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live! is a fashion event that makes both Slovak and global fashion accessible to the public, showcasing collections from established designers as well as promising young talents. Over the course of three days, fashion enthusiasts can enjoy multiple shows each day.
Web: www.mbfl.sk
Instagram: @mbfl_ba
YouTube: : https://www.youtube.com/@fashionlive8949
Team:
BFT’24 Project Coordinator: Andrea Gregorová
Slovak Fashion Council General Manager: Zuzana Bobiková
MBFL! General Manager: Zora Husarčíková
PR contact for media: Andrea Gregorová, Babsy Jagušák
Social media: Petra Konček
Award Organizers:
Slovak Fashion Council a Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live!
BFT’24 Partners:
- Main Partner: The Tatra Banka Foundation
- Sustainability Award Partner: Corwin
- Product Partners: Voesslauer, Nespresso, CodexLabs, Fraela, Cisarove
- Presentation Partners: MBFL!, SOM Store, Fashion Map
- Educational Program Partners: Alain Delon, Nehera
- Mentors: Juraj Straka, Mata Durikovic, Kristina Šipulová, Katarína Mydliarová, Zuzana Bobiková, Andrea Gregorová, Petra Konček
Supported by: The National Design Award and The Academy of Fine Arts and Design
BFT’24 Exclusive Media Partners: Refresher, fablstyle.com
PR/ Media Contacts: Andrea Gregorová, [email protected], 0911 046 309 Barbara Jagušák, [email protected], 0903 441 441
Photo credit: Jarka Črepová @jarkacrepova.fashion
