Karin Dugasová: Creative Energy with a Clear Vision
A marketing student in Zlín and the driving force behind Fashion Event Dotek, Karin Dugasová is proof that fashion can be about much more than just the runway. Alongside her team, she bridges the gap between emerging talent and charitable causes, giving the world of design a deeper purpose. A lover of musical discovery and a firm believer in the power of collaboration, Karin pours her heart into everything she touches. She believes that to succeed in the creative industry, you have to truly live for it—and in her work, that passion clearly shines through.
You study Marketing Communications—what originally drew you to this field, and has it met your expectations?
After high school, I had no idea where to go. However, I always knew I wanted to do something creative and avoid a stereotypical job where I’d just be stuck behind a monitor. Then I came across the Faculty of Multimedia Communications (FMK) and specifically Marketing Communications, though at first, I didn't really know what that entailed. But in Zlín, the focus is primarily on hands-on practice and interdisciplinary cooperation, which I think was the deciding factor for me—the chance to try a bit of everything. I have to say, it has far exceeded my expectations, and I’ve never regretted the decision to come here.
What has been inspiring you lately—whether in fashion, music, or life in general?
It might sound like a cliché, but for me, the biggest inspiration comes from the people around me. I’m constantly learning from them—how to look at things from different perspectives or how to do things differently. I’m also inspired by music; I navigate through various genres daily, so every album or artistic work hits me in a different way. Lately, it’s been albums by Wolf Alice, but also Saul or Anna Vaverková.
Fashion Event Dotek combines fashion with a deeper purpose. How would you describe the project to someone hearing about it for the first time?
Fashion Event Dotek is an event with a strong charitable overlap. We strive not only to support young, promising designers by giving them a platform for self-presentation but also to connect them with the non-profit sector. The event features a fashion show followed by a benefit auction, with the proceeds going to the Alliance of Women with Breast Cancer. In cooperation with this organization, we also hold lectures at high schools to educate students about the importance of breast and testicular cancer prevention.
How do you select the designers or collections that are featured in the event?
Every year, we announce an Open Call for students and emerging fashion talents. The designers' collections must reflect the theme of that specific year—this year, for example, it was "Fragments." The selection happens on two levels. Student works from the UTB Fashion Design studio are created as part of their year-end assignments. Collections submitted through the Open Call are evaluated by a professional jury made up of fashion industry experts. This year, the jury included Tomáš Višňovský, Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Nora Grundová, Liz Ovcharenko, and Jana Patočková. They assess the aesthetics, craftsmanship, core concept, and other attributes of the collections.
In your opinion, how does Fashion Event Dotek differ from traditional fashion shows?
Dotek consists of several parts, each bringing something unique to the project. Personally, I see the added value in helping women fighting serious illness, in supporting young talent, and in creating an immersive atmosphere—whether through the collections, music, projections, or art installations. I mention this quite often, but I think the team plays a huge role. It’s run by students who are still learning through these projects, yet every year we try to push it to the next level and enrich the overall experience. For many of us, it’s a "heart project," and I think that really shows.
Is there a powerful story or moment from the preparations or the event itself that you’ll never forget?
During the three years I’ve been involved, there have been many. The preparations can be intense—things don’t always go according to plan—but you just have to power through. At the same time, it’s an incredible experience for which I’m personally grateful to the entire team. That realization that "we did this together" hit me both last year and this year after the show ended and we handed over the check with the auctioned amount. Both sums felt like a "fever dream" to me. Those moments of joy and wonder—not just from us but from the visitors—are what motivate us to keep doing better.
What does your ideal day look like when you’re not dealing with school or projects?
Honestly, I’m still learning the concept of work-life balance. I’d say these projects have become a part of who I am, but when I do take a break, I usually try to clear my head. Lately, I’m happiest behind the wheel, so I can imagine a drive home with music blasting, followed by an evening with friends, good tunes, and maybe a beer. Other times, I just enjoy a good coffee, read a book, or travel somewhere.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people who want to work in the creative industry, what would it be?
Working in the creative industry is quite demanding, and you have to accept that you won’t always be fully appreciated. You have to live for it a little bit. If you find something that fulfills you, you won’t mind investing your time and energy into it, because it will come back to you many times over. But if you aren’t fully convinced, it’s probably better to let it go.
