My Story

About Alja Slemensek

Hi, I am Alja, fashion designer, mom to a boy and entrepreneur, owner of the fashion label Alja Slemensek.

Born and raised in Slovenia, perhaps the prettiest little country on the southern side of the Alps, I have always dreamt of being a fashion designer, ever since I was little (as kitschy as it may sound). I didn’t get into fashion to become famous, but I wanted to use my creativity to produce unique, sustainable apparel and make it affordable for everyone.

Education

As a student I have very much enjoyed the lessons at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, where I graduated in Fashion and Textile Design. Meanwhile, I did one year exchange at the Design School Kolding in Denmark. I am grateful that I had a chance to learn from Henrik Vibskov, the master of fashion design and affiliate professor at that time.

Let’s hear it for New York! Next to fashion design, I love to travel, so after the graduation it was a perfect opportunity to head overseas. My first internship was at KaufmanFranco in New York City, where I have got a first glimpse of business of fashion. Then it came the turning point of my life.

First Steps

I have started my own fashion brand Alja Slemensek. Soon, in 2010, I made it to Berlin Fashion Week as one of the six finalist for the Ramazzotti Runway Award. From then on, catwalk invitations just kept on coming. In 2011, I was selected to present new collection at Bitola Fashion Week in Macedonia. And in the same year in fall, I have pulled off another fashion show at A La Mode as part of the London Fashion Week.

My Vision

As you might imagine, fashion shows take a lot of energy. That’s why I decided to settle down and focus rather on handmade, top quality, ethical clothing. Now, I design and produce handmade items in my studio in Vienna, Austria. My speciality is women fashion and accessories (designer scarves). Of course, ever since I am a mum, I do kids items, too. Just check out one of my stylish and easy to wear fox scarves! Each fox scarf is one of a kind, handmade and made with love by myself. If you wish to own any special clothing items for kids, you are always welcome to contact me about it, I can make it specially for your kid.

Make sure to get in touch for more fashion designs by using the contact form.

If you need a custom-made dress for that night out or for special occasion (like wedding dress, prom dress, gall bown, …) I would be happy to make it for you, just let me know your wishes.

With the purchase of one of my designs you support sustainable fashion designers and small businesses like me, thank you for being awesome.

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for the latest fashion updates. Let’s stay connected.

If you have any questions or need further help, please get in touch anytime.

Love, Alja