My fashion week month kicked off this September with a trip to Prague where I attended Mercedes-Benz Prague Fashion Weekend. The event was held for four days in the beautiful Charles University’s Faculty of Law, an impressive marble building that offers jaw-dropping views of Prague Castle. The venue was the perfect complement to a lineup of brilliant regional fashion designers that displayed their SS15 collection. Some were established, others were students, but regardless of experience everyone presented impressive designs and demonstrated creative mastery. The show was evidence that Prague is a city to take note of as an international fashion stop.
Petra Ptáčková was one of the most outstanding revelations on the Czech runways. Oriental influences mixed with sportswear details combine to make the collection fresh and provide a strong character. Hand painted silk playsuits, maxi dresses and multi-layered sheer pieces are boldly paired with Reebok sneakers and hand-made Asian-inspired headpieces and masks. The show was memorably wrapped by Petra making her way down the runway in a series of back flips. If the audience could have joined in they would have done the same to celebrate such a splashy ending.
Martina Špetlová SS15 collection is all about high craft, creativity and daring. Signature pieces highlight her talent for experimentation with patchwork, interweaved textiles and colors. Monochromatic long leather dresses; multicolored blazers and skirts combos make this collection unique and spunky without neglecting the attention to the details and mastery behind each piece.
There is no wonder why Jakub Polanka is considered one of the most promising young talents in the Czech fashion scene. The SS15 collection was sophisticated and captivating. Again the trend of blending eveningwear with sportswear was evident. Highly styled dresses are matched with high-top sneakers making the pieces more informal and interesting. Mini knitted dresses, sleeveless leather jackets with golden panels and more structured turtleneck dresses were some of the highlights.
Tereza Ledvinová designs are inspired by modern art, multimedia, and science. Her SS15 collection follows The Primitive Puppet Show multimedia project. It takes us to a childhood filled with surreal stories and dreams, and explores a friendship between a horse and an octopus. The pieces are colorful and among my favorites are a light-blue quilted bulky dress, stained yellow over light blue culottes and a sheer striped white long dress accessorized with a must-have plastic bag containing an octopus!
Odivi SS15 collection is the perfect balance between original design and comfortable materials. Clean lines interspersed with more structure give voice to a woman that is versatile and dynamic. These pieces work whether you are ready to hit the beach or have a stroll in the city. White, orange sunset and black are the prevalent colors.
After her studies at VŠVU in Bratislava, Markéta Martišková moved to Antwerp, Belgium, to begin studying at the Academy of Art. Antwerp is now her second home and primary source of inspiration for her work. As a designer, Marketa likes to communicate through symbols, typography and print. Marketa Martiskova presented a whimsical, expressive and playful SS15 collection. 3D floral details and an abundant use of blue in all its nuances are all features of a collection we won’t forget.
