Fashion Map: A One-Stop Guide to Slovak Designer Fashion
This year, the Slovak Fashion Council presents its unique directory of places showcasing Slovak and local fashion and design. For over a decade, the Slovak Fashion Council has worked to develop the Slovak fashion ecosystem, and a major part of that effort is mapping Slovak fashion. This initiative, known as the Fashion Map, was first released in print in 2017 and is now also available online.
“The online version of the Fashion Map allows for continuous updates and expansion. While the print edition focuses on Bratislava and nearby areas, the online catalog covers brands and retail or presentation spaces throughout Slovakia. This digital map highlights sustainability, providing users with information about whether a brand follows sustainable practices,” explains SFC Director Zuzana Bobikova.
Bobikova noted that the Slovak Fashion Council is committed to promoting sustainability, an increasingly urgent topic. “The climate crisis underscores the negative impact of the fashion industry on the environment. Consumer interest in sustainability is growing, as shown by studies from McKinsey, Deloitte, Vogue Business, Fashion Revolution, and GfK.”
For designers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers, integrating sustainable practices into everyday life is essential. “While adopting sustainable practices can be time-consuming since the consumer system is geared toward driving consumption, those who understand their individual impact will find plenty of ways to support sustainability and improve the overall health of the fashion system. FashionMap.SK is one tool to help people access this information locally,” Bobikova adds.
When asked how brands are evaluated on sustainability, Bobikova explained: “The Slovak Fashion Council has developed a 13-question survey covering various sustainability factors in fashion. Brands that meet at least 50% of these criteria are marked as sustainable within the Fashion Map. Since there’s no official definition of a sustainable brand, it’s important to recognize designers’ and creators’ gradual steps and commitment to sustainability.”
The Fashion Map also highlights a Slovak brand Metarials, which specializes in digital fashion—a growing trend in today’s digital landscape. Digitalization is a promising alternative to many production processes, offering positive environmental impacts. “Major brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Nike are embracing this global trend, and we’re thrilled to introduce a Slovak digital fashion creator as well. We’re collaborating with Katarina Mydliarova, the creative mind behind Metarials, on some exciting future projects. It’s possible that digital collections will become a natural part of every brand’s offering or remain a unique feature in the virtual world. The potential is inspiring, and fashion is all about surprises!”
The Fashion Map is all about authentic design and creativity. Every player in the local fashion industry contributes to the cultural identity of their city and country, supports local economies, encourages both local and international tourism, and fosters a sense of connection to place. The map’s goal is to boost visibility for local design shops and help them reach more customers, whether in stores or online.
For consumers, the map is a way to discover designer studios, showrooms, quality stores, and online stores featuring Slovak fashion, jewelry, and accessories. It also provides an overview of current events and activities related to local fashion and design. Fashion Map is intended for anyone who cares about fashion’s impact on the environment, seeks authentic inspiration, and wants to support the local scene and economy through their choices.