In this exclusive interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Emese Antal, the visionary CEO and Founder of Daquïni, an independent, female-founded activewear label dedicated to creating chic, confident, and sustainable garments designed to empower women worldwide.

By Katerina Leroy

L’O: Can you share with us the inspiration behind starting Daquïni and how it evolved over the twelve years?

EA: It all started at a hot yoga session when I noticed that my outfit kept me from fully focusing on my practice. Soon I realized that the yoga wear I envisioned was not available on the market, so I made it my mission to create a label explicitly tailored to women’s needs. A collection that blends timeless elegance with cutting-edge technical features that flatter the female body and boost confidence and performance. Over the years, the brand evolved into a capsule wardrobe filled with sophisticated, feminine activewear that transcends seasons and activities and adapts to our lifestyle.

L’O: As the CEO and Founder of Daquïni, how do you reflect on the brand’s journey and the impact it has had on inspiring women worldwide?

EA: Witnessing Daquïni grow from a simple concept to a global brand has been an incredible journey that has filled me with awe and gratitude. It has shown me that we can achieve anything we set our minds to with hard work and dedication. I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of the amazing women I have connected with over the years. Seeing them confidently wear our pieces and radiate inner strength reminds me of why I started the brand in the first place.

L’O: With the decision to discontinue Daquïni as a brand, could you tell us more about your new journey of transformation and how you plan to carry over the know-how and spirit of Daquïni?

EA: While this decision wasn’t easy, I’m excited to embark on a new journey where I can utilize my skills and expertise and support female entrepreneurs to create extraordinary brands that “move the world.” My goal is to be a steadfast partner in their journey, providing mentorship, strategic guidance, and a supportive network to help them realize their vision and bring unique brands to life.

L’O: Sustainability and ethical production processes are integral to Daquïni’s philosophy. Can you explain how the brand ensures consistent quality and ethical practices in producing its collections?

EA: I believe that sustainability begins with quality. Making timeless, long-lasting products has always been at the heart of our philosophy. We partnered with prestigious French and Italian fabric mills and European manufacturing facilities to ensure that every Daquïni piece is expertly crafted using ethical and sustainable practices. Keeping the production local has enabled us to establish close relationships with our partners, oversee every aspect of the process, and maintain consistent quality. This decision has also allowed us to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to local communities.

L’O: The name “Daquïni” holds a meaningful concept related to empowerment and enlightenment. How has this concept influenced the brand’s mission and values?

EA: Our brand values are deeply tied to the origin of our brand name, which comes from Buddhist thinking and stands for the enlightened feminine in human or divine form. We can feel the dakinis’ presence when we muster the strength to overcome challenges, transcending limitations, or in the connections we form – the supportive conversations that uplift us, the acts of kindness that fuel our spirits. They inspire us to push boundaries, seek growth, and find solace in our own resilience. At Daquïni, our mission is to extend this inspiration to women worldwide, forging a community and crafting not just a wardrobe but a powerful statement that ignites her confident femininity, sparks inspiration, and fuels her every move.

L’O: Moving the world through physical and mental strength is a core belief of Daquïni. Could you elaborate on how the brand has encouraged women to transcend limitations and embrace empowerment through its activewear?

EA: Embracing an active, fit lifestyle goes far beyond the physical benefits. It helps us to build discipline, stay focused, and nurture our belief that we can move the world. The brand’s core essence is the idea of empowering women to transcend limitations and embrace their own strength with confidence. Daquïni is more than just activewear; it’s a symbol of resilience and empowerment. It is the uniform of women who are catalysts for change, who move the world through their actions and illuminate the path for others.

L’O: What are your main goals for the next five years?

EA: Daquïni taught me that life is an ongoing journey of evolution and transformation. Wherever my path takes me, I am dedicated to using my expertise and experience to empower women and celebrate their achievements.