We spoke to Adriana Domínguez, president of the fashion group Adolfo Domínguez, the Galician manager with the best business reputation according to the ranking prepared by Merco in its 2021 edition. We talk with her about the challenges of the future of the Galician textile industry and the generational change in which women are at the forefront.

Adolfo Domínguez is a designer fashion brand with more than 40 years of history. It currently has 350 stores in 19 countries around the world and an annual turnover of 92 million euros (full financial year 2021/2022), which is 40% more than in the previous period.

What are the figures that support the company's good momentum?

Our sales grew by 31% in the first quarter (March-May 2022, last published data) compared to the same period of the previous year with the exponential reactivation of social life, and they are already at 94% compared to pre-covid levels. Today, we are more efficient than when the crisis began, improving our sales per store. We have achieved four quarters of positive operating results while continuing to focus on opening new stores on the best streets and in the best shopping centres to boost our business and visibility.

What lessons has the pandemic brought to the fashion world and how do you apply those lessons learned during that time at Adolfo Domínguez?

We are used to change in the fashion world, but the pandemic has forced us to be even more flexible. In our case, we were coming from a period of deep transformation and we were already on the move. We are a fashion brand with the soul of a start-up. We try something and, if it works, we consolidate it. If not, we change it. This is the spirit that has allowed us to move forward in spite of the adverse global situation.

What is the commitment behind a sustainable collection?

We are a company with an environmental commitment that goes back decades. In the 1980s, we championed flax, which is recognised for requiring less water for its cultivation. In 2010, we developed our first Animal Manifesto and launched a collection of vegan bags, which is now among our best-selling products. Sustainability is a moving target. There is a lot of innovation. This year's best practice is not necessarily next year's best practice.

At Adolfo Dominguez we are on a journey to look after our raw materials. Organic or recycled cottons and linens, recycled synthetic fibres, or fabrics from closed circuits that do not pollute the environment. Ensuring traceability and having the right suppliers and partners to allow us to go down this path is a complex process.

In what way are you committed to innovation in your business?

Few brands have managed to remain in the market for more than four decades. To do so, one must continually reinvent oneself. Three years ago, we changed the way we design with the implementation of a new working method called Agora, which promotes the creativity and artistic freedom of our designers. And we relied on technological advances and artificial intelligence to launch the first online personal shopper for a fashion brand in Europe.

What challenges does the fashion sector face in Galicia? Has more progress been made in internationalisation or digitalisation? Are you placing more emphasis on points of sale or on online sales?

The main challenge we face as an industry and as a society is to reduce the negative impact our actions have on the environment. The advance of internationalisation and digitalisation are key to business growth, but we must also rethink the consumption model.

Luxury and premium fashion, which is where we stand, are in an excellent place to do exactly that: to take care of the qualities, finishes and designs with the intention of making things last in your wardrobe. And it is also a responsibility of society in general. The choices we make when it comes to consumption are a political act.

What are the advantages of living in Galicia?

In a world saturated with brands and products, it is essential not to lose connection with who we are. It is what makes us genuine. And that for us is Galicia.

In the fashion world we see women in important leadership roles. What has helped lead to more progress in terms of equality in this sector?

Fashion is a very advanced sector because it is full of creative, pioneering people who reinvent social codes. At Adolfo Domínguez, women make up the majority of the workforce, and we are at the forefront of management.

What are Adriana Domínguez's future plans?

When you know better, you do better. When you understand better, you do better. I want to keep learning and learning to do things better.