With a solid base in the home market and a growing international presence, DANTE6 is taking the next step in its European growth strategy. By collaborating with the renowned agency The Other Agency, the Rotterdam label is clearly positioning itself in the premium contemporary segment of the German and Austrian markets. FashionUnited spoke to Bernadette Saarloos, International Sales Manager at DANTE6, and Hannah Meyer, founder of The Other Agency, about the synergy of both partners, the specific requirements of German-speaking customers and their vision for the coming seasons.
While retail is rapidly redefining itself, DANTE6 is relying on a strategy of qualitative growth and local relevance. The German market has been the brand’s most important driver for online growth outside the Netherlands for some time and now occupies a strong second position among the target group. In order to translate this momentum into stationary premium retail, a partner was needed who understood the nuances of the local market without losing sight of Rotterdam’s distinctive DNA. Since January 1st, The Other Agency has acted as a strategic interface to the German and Austrian markets.
Synergy from ‘Powerful Femininity’
For Hannah Meyer, including DANTE6 in her portfolio was a conscious decision. “The deciding factor for us was DANTE6’s clear, independent signature. The brand manages to combine feminine silhouettes with a modern, self-confident attitude without appearing arbitrary,” she explains. The balance between zeitgeist and longevity stands out, especially in the current market environment: “DANTE6 does not stand for short-term trends, but for a well-thought-out wardrobe with aspiration.”
Bernadette Saarloos emphasizes that this synergy goes far beyond the product: “Even though the German market is currently challenging, we are convinced that together we can unlock the brand’s full potential.” The concept of “Powerful Femininity” provides the decisive added value, both for the agency’s portfolio and for the range of German premium retailers. DANTE6’s international experience, combined with a multichannel approach and 360-degree communication, serves as a strategic guideline.
Northern European aesthetics as a quality feature
The German and Austrian market is known for its high standards of quality and workmanship. According to Meyer, DANTE6’s Northern European design approach fits the current zeitgeist exactly: “Customers are looking for clarity, quality and subtle modernity. That’s exactly what DANTE6 embodies very authentically.” It’s less about volume and more about a clear attitude.
In order to further strengthen this positioning, DANTE6 is relying on an integrated 360-degree marketing strategy over the next 24 months: From the showrooms in Düsseldorf and Munich, brand awareness will be specifically expanded among retail partners, with a focus on direct exchange and long-term relationships. The internal brand book serves as a clear basis for precisely translating the brand identity into the local context.
Collection focus: Development towards autumn/winter 2026
The fall/winter 2026 collection acts as a creative lever for expansion. With a self-confident and international orientation, DANTE6 focuses on signature looks that give the wearer a striking charisma. Statement silhouettes with emphasized shoulders create a contemporary dynamic, while classic pieces are given a modern interpretation through new proportions.
Saarloos describes knitwear and outerwear as key investment pieces of the season: “The color palette is warm, rich and commercially strong, with shades such as Moss Olive, Espresso Brown and Roasted Pumpkin.” This versatility is essential to the “day-to-night” concept, which forms the core of the brand DNA and enables an effortless styling transition from day to evening.
Controlled, qualitative expansion
The shared ambition of both partners is to build sustainable brand values. For The Other Agency, this means a curated, long-term approach: “We see ourselves not just as a sales partner, but as a strategic interface between brand and market,” says Meyer. “We select our partners consciously, build targeted relationships with the right retailers and develop the brand step by step in the market.” Consistency in distribution and brand perception as well as building trust and continuity is particularly important.
With this step, DANTE6 underlines that sustainable growth is inextricably linked to local relevance. “We believe that with this shared energy we can optimally exploit the potential of DANTE6 in the German market,” concludes Saarloos. “Together we create real added value for retailers and end customers.”