Swiss performance brand On has built its reputation by challenging the conventions of sportswear. Founded in 2010, the brand set out to change how running feels through a focus on innovation, design and technology, and has since grown into a global name operating at the intersection of performance, fashion and culture. With its original founders still closely involved, On continues to shape its own lane within the industry, pushing new ideas around how athletic wear can look, feel and function.

On Thursday night of Men’s Paris Fashion Week, On and Dazed came together to bring the thinking at the centre of the brand directly to the current generation of designers and talent. Designed to welcome creatives into the world of On, it created space to hear from people leading the brand today, offering real insight into their journeys, processes and perspectives, and leaving attendees with practical inspiration for what comes next.

From immersive installations and inspiring panel talks to chances to ask burning questions and network – below is everything that went down. 

THE SPACE WAS A REAL LOOK INTO ON’S WORLD

Located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, the event took place at La Ménagerie de Verre. A performing arts centre completely transformed by On, each room brought to life a different element or feeling integral to On’s storytelling. Before and after the talk, guests were free to mingle across the two floors and really take in the experience. Alongside installations with PAF and Sky High Farm Goods, upstairs, there were two rooms dedicated to the brand’s most prolific collaborations. In one room guests were transported to On’s work with singer FKA twigs. While in the other, Zendaya’s collaboration was brought to life in an immersive room covered in sand. 

GUESTS GOT A RARE INSIGHT INTO WHAT REALLY GOES DOWN AT SHOWROOMS

What felt so intentional about the event was On opening the doors of its showroom to the public. Most often, fashion week showrooms can feel like spaces you peek into but walk past, as they are usually reserved for buyers, press, and influencers, rather than the brand’s fans and customers. Offering a design-focused audience an exclusive preview of On's upcoming product line likely served as a source of inspiration. This level of transparency and access into the brand's design methodology is uncommon, highlighting On's modern strategy of evolving fashion through community interaction and openness, not just the products themselves.

THE TALK WAS THE MAIN EVENT...

Co-hosted by Dazed’s Branded Content Editor, Habi Diallo, and Dazed Studios’ Commercial Editorial Director Bryony Stone, the panel welcomed On’s Creative Director, Tim Coppens and On’s Senior Director of Product, Lucy Delacherois-Day. Together, they took over 60 Paris-based creatives through what typical work weeks look like, advice they wish they knew and much more. Delacherois-Day and Coppens shared insightful wisdom and engaging anecdotes, illustrating the factors behind their highly successful careers.

... FOLLOWED BY QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE 

Naturally, the audience members had their own more specific questions, so for the final quarter of the hour, questions were opened up to the audience. From undercover guests working at competitor brands to individuals seeking the real answers about what you really do when you encounter the days you want to give up and quit, the final segment was a nice reminder that, despite varying titles and career progression, we all face and overcome similar challenges. 

THERE WERE DRINKS AND MINGLING 

After the talk, guests stayed to make new friends, get some extra personalised bits of advice, and most of all enjoy being in community with other individuals on similar paths going through the same sort of obstacles, joys and journeys. 

COULD YOU BE UP NEXT? 

For those who missed out on the panel, one thing that was made clear was that On prioritises a work environment with a wide range of individuals. All that’s needed is determination, confidence and a genuine interest in what you do. If that rings true to you, make sure to keep an eye out here for current and upcoming vacancies on the product team at On. 

Head to the gallery above to check out images from the event by Szymon Stępniak.