The History of Delikatessen: 15 Years of Craftsmanship and Commitment

The creative process at Delikatessen is a blend of artistic vision and technical expertise. Andre recalls his early fascination with fabrics: “When I was seven, I already had my collection of materials. I visited tailors and seamstresses in my hometown who gave me fabric scraps. I cut them into pieces, curated them, combined patterns, and collected them in a special box. I created a real collection.”

The commitment to quality extends here beyond aesthetics. All garments are made in Poland under EU standards, ensuring good working conditions (ISO 9001), fair wages, and a clean and safe working environment. The fabrics are sourced exclusively from the EU and Japan, with more organic or recycled materials added each season. These materials are certified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, guaranteeing the absence of toxic substances in all stages of production.

“Our curated fabrics are, of course, half of our success,” Andre says. “I also put a lot of attention to both the form and construction of our clothes.” Delikatessen garments are designed to outlive fashion trends. Produced in small series, each garment is created to feel unique and cherished over time. “We don’t want to add just another garment to the current overproduction. Through our longtime expertise in finding and selecting our unique fabrics, we can make a real difference,” Andre emphasizes.

early spring raspberries from our garden

delikatessen founders, ANDRE LISOWSKI and Stephen Hartog

“Our curated fabrics are, of course, half of our success,” Andre says. “I also put a lot of attention to both the form and construction of our clothes.” Delikatessen garments are designed to outlive fashion trends. Produced in small series, each garment is created to feel unique and cherished over time. “We don’t want to add just another garment to the current overproduction. Through our longtime expertise in finding and selecting our unique fabrics, we can make a real difference,” Andre emphasizes.

This early passion for fabrics has only grown stronger over the years. Andre’s profound knowledge of materials is evident in every piece he designs. “I can describe every material we have at Delikatessen. I know the exact compositions, the structure, how the fabric behaves, how it folds, how it washes, and so on,” he says.

Stephen adds, “Living in Burgundy allows us to find balance and inspiration in the simplicity of daily life. The tranquillity of our surroundings and the beauty of nature significantly influence our creative process.”

Living a balanced life between work and leisure is fundamental for Andre and Stephen. Their rural lifestyle in Burgundy, complete with a vegetable garden and chickens, provides a serene backdrop for their creative endeavours. “We had some chickens, which we pampered for four years,” Andre shares. “Recently, we bought five new hens of different interesting breeds, then we bought four more. We get up early with them and let them out. Then we drink coffee and start our workday.”

Stephen adds, “We live in the countryside, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, but neighbours often drop by for coffee or wine. It’s such a custom here in Burgundy. One neighbour comes regularly on Tuesdays and Fridays, drinking coffee in the morning or wine in the afternoon.”

Delikatessen stands for something special and sophisticated. In a world of overproduction, it makes a conscious effort to minimise its environmental footprint by producing quality garments in small quantities. “Our designs are here to stay and outlive fashion trends. Produced in small series, each garment feels unique and cherished over time,” says Andre.

Delikatessen’s logo is to us not just our brand’s symbol, but is based on a piece of art with its own story. It is originally a painting by Polish artist Małgorzata Jastrzębska, known for her abstract art. Andre discovered the painting by chance at an art gallery in Warsaw. Andre was captivated by its beauty and symbolism. “The painting resembles the letter D,” Andre explains. “It’s a perfect representation of our brand – simple, elegant, and meaningful. While the original painting was already sold, the artist allowed us to use her painting as our logo. And as a surprise, made us a replica. It holds great emotional value for me, as it symbolizes the deep connection to our roots and inspirations.”

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of the production process. From the careful selection of fabrics to the meticulous attention to detail in construction, we ensure that each piece is made to last. “We wash all our shirts and blouses to minimise potential shrinkage during the first home wash. We also use various specialised technologies, such as partially washing out the dye while simultaneously fixing it,” Andre explains.

Maintaining high-quality and ethical production in today’s market is not without its obstacles. “One of the main challenges is finding the right partners who share our commitment to quality and ethics,” says Andre. “We are fortunate to work with manufacturers in Poland and fabric suppliers in the EU and Japan who meet our high standards.”

Stephen's background as a curator brings an additional layer of depth to the brand. “We always travel together to fairs in Paris and Milan, searching for new fabrics and inspiration. My knowledge and experience in art are helpful for us,” he says.

Looking ahead, Andre and Stephen have exciting plans for Delikatessen, aiming to grow the brand and introduce new lines, such as knitwear and accessories. “With knitwear, you can really go wild with imagination, combining any threads in any weaves and styles. It’s a big field for creativity and surprising effects,” Andre says.

Andre’s approach to design is deeply personal. “I always choose what I like and the colour palettes that captivate me. I like shapes and fabrics to subtly surprise. They bring something new, something subtly unobtrusive.”