A fashion collection by Barbora Procházková, honouring the 100th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia, served as a stepping stone for the authors of the ‘LOST AND FOUND HERITAGE’ creative concept.
The Czechitas collection came to life under the Power of Identity project and pays homage to traditional Czech and Slovak folk costumes and related accessories. Barbora approached the collection intending to create art objects, kinds of folklore memorials, that took the form of richly decorated and striking headpieces, resembling flower crowns or wreaths. Each of those statement pieces is accompanied by a plain outfit element made of burlap, which creates a direct contrast to the headdresses’ opulence.
Head stylist Kateřina Hynková and concept co-author and art director Markéta Kosinová transformed Barbora’s collection into their perception of the word ‘heritage’, which they intended to “dematerialize”. What if we, as a species, truly conquered and inhabited another planet? Would we remember our heritage and take it with us? The authors say yes but it would need to undergo essential changes and become a part of a new upended folklore subculture, enriched by futuristic elements.
What we see is an interpretation and projection of a possible future. Inhabitants of glorious dripstone kingdoms, probably forced underground by the decay of their home planet, with a surviving sense of own passed-down ancient heritage. The honouring of traditions, Slavic folklore and legacy is still present but transfigured by and for the youngest generation of designers, and the “old” and “new” naturally bleed into one another.
Barbora’s headpieces already contain modern and “inauthentic” materials or technology such as sewn-in headphones and ‘LOST AND FOUND HERITAGE’ pushes it all further into the futuristic plane. Where is the line between preserving and innovating, warping and deforming? Are traditional crafts, such as embroidery or bobbin lacemaking, enriched by adding new, artificial elements? Rigorous gatekeeping of “that’s the way it’s always been” has now and again proved not to be the right approach to keep things alive. Almost paradoxically, traditions not contemporarily resuscitated or made more relatable are destined to slowly die out. Glass, cotton, wool, linen, paper or lace gets complemented by plastic, rubber and latex, our natural nails are no longer long enough and lace gets 3D printed.
However, as long as the original ideas and lore are honoured, celebrated and lovingly followed without abuse, degradation or appropriation, they’re way better off on a new, augmented path than disappearing completely.
CREDITS
TEAM
Art Director / Markéta Kosinová
Photography / Iurii Ladutko
Concept / Markéta Kosinová & Kateřina Hynková
Text / Františka Blažková
Styling / Kateřina Hynková
Hair / Michael Remo Birrer
MUA / Diana Vitikačová
Stylist Assistant / Františka Blažková
Models / Tereza F. & Barbora H. from Pure Models Management
Location / Solná Jeskyně Praha 10
Production / SWARM MAG
DESIGNERS
Clothes / Barbora Procházková
Shoes / Shoedaism
Accessories / Naut, Lume
Jewellery / Maria Kobelová
Glass elements / Frantisek Jungvirt
