Prague Fashion Week sashays into town

Prague Fashion Week is now underway. This annual event aims to raise the profile of the Czech fashion industry and showcase talented designers, who will be parading their work at various venues throughout the city.

Prague Fashion Week sashays into town

Fashion Point, photo: CTK

Since its inception four years ago, Prague Fashion Week has become firmly established on the city's calendar. From young design students getting their first shot to established designers like Helena Fejkova, the residents of the capital city will have a chance to see what the Czech fashion industry has to offer. Jan Chudoba, one of the event's organisers, thinks it is only right that a major city like Prague should be hosting an event like this:

"This sort of event is nothing new or special. Events like this take place all over the world. But there was nothing like this in Prague. We think that Prague should be like a European or 'world' city, and have events like this, because the potential of the people here is very high."

Mr Chudoba thinks that Prague Fashion Week gives Czechs a chance to see what their own designers are capable of. He believes it is a perfect opportunity for them to show that they can hold their own against top international fashion houses:

"On the one hand there are many international companies, which have their place on the market all over the world. On the other hand, local people are looking for something different from the standard market offer. They are seeking something based on Czech traditions. They are looking for some alternatives. We don't all have to dress the same. Fashion is about difference and people want to be different, and they are always looking for something."

Fashion Point, photo: CTK

The fact that over 6000 people are expected to attend the event shows that there is no lack of interest in fashion here. Nevertheless, although there are a lot of top Czech models working internationally, no Czech fashion designer has hit the big time abroad. I asked Mr Chudoba if believes things would improve for Czech fashion in the future:

"Czech 'fashion' is an interesting expression. I am not sure if it exists, but there are definitely Czech designers. I think Czech designers have a chance to be good and not get lost in the framework of international competition. Some of the designers have already entered the international market. Step by step, it's getting better and better."

Anyone interested in finding out more about Czech designers and Prague Fashion Week can visit www.fashion-point.cz