Young and Talented
Young Designers You Should Know - Alexandra Gnidiak, Tomáš Němec, Hana Valtová
They are young, talented, and refreshingly original. Each possesses a distinct creative signature, yet all share an extraordinary ability to capture the essence of the female form, transforming their collections into celebrations of femininity. As alumni of UMPRUM, they regularly showcase their work at Mercedes-Benz Prague Fashion Week and have earned recognition through nominations in the prestigious VAN GRAAF Junior Talent competition for emerging fashion designers. Their creations come to life in a shared studio on Hybernská Street, where mutual support and collaboration fuel their success. The acclaim surrounding their collections speaks for itself.
Alexandra Gnidiak
A designer inspired by theater and stage design, Alexandra Gnidiak infuses her collections with the spirit of heroines from forgotten eras. Through her designs, she retells their stories, inviting audiences on a journey into their lives.
Her latest collection “Toy”
is dedicated to the Czech-French painter Toyen, whisking viewers away to a smoke-filled Parisian café. Alexandra delves into the minds of her muses, crafting pieces that reflect how they might dress in real life—whether for a rainy walk through Paris or a train journey. Her creative process, as showcased at the most recent Mercedes-Benz Prague Fashion Week, brings the everyday moments of her muses to life on the runway.
Alexandra’s presentations go beyond mere fashion shows; they verge on theatrical performances, captivating the audience with their narratives. Her contrasts—such as silk satin in powdery hues paired with wool and mohair knits—create a sophisticated, effortlessly elegant aesthetic. Masculine silhouettes of blazers and coats blend seamlessly with delicate lingerie, exuding a refined and seductive femininity.
Tomáš Němec
Tomáš Němec masterfully sculpts the female silhouette, often wrapping it in corsetry akin to the finest silk. His collections, deeply influenced by cinema, aim to evoke a unique atmosphere, presenting each piece as a work of art.
Tomáš’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in his recent designs. Even when covering models from head to toe, his pieces never lose their provocative allure. He plays with transparency, maintaining a balance between sensuality and sophistication. Each model in his designs commands respect, radiating an almost ethereal charm.
For his AW25 collection, showcased at the September Mercedes-Benz Prague Fashion Week, Tomáš created an atmosphere reminiscent of a nocturnal Prague bar. The collection told the story of a woman who finds solace in this intimate setting, offering the audience a glimpse into her world. From the play of light and materials to the silhouette and styling of wigs on each model, Tomáš’s show immersed spectators in a captivating narrative that lingered long after the runway lights dimmed.
Hana Valtová
Hana Valtová’s designs are a blend of nostalgia and modernity. She specializes in applying historical fashion research to contemporary clothing, producing collections rich in femininity and elegance. Her signature silhouettes and commitment to traditional craftsmanship set her apart.
Drawing inspiration from historical periods, Hana explores tailoring techniques and incorporates them into her designs. Previous collections have featured elements of Renaissance and early Baroque fashion or the phenomenon of dandyism, yet her pieces remain relevant to today’s wardrobes.
Intricately crafted corsets with opulent details are Hana’s hallmark. In September, she debuted as an independent designer at Mercedes-Benz Prague Fashion Week, thanks to her victory in the VAN GRAAF Junior Talent competition. Her *Allure* collection, inspired by the Art Deco era and French painter Louis Icart, exudes romance and sophistication. The collection’s delicate palette of gray, brown, black, and beige evokes timelessness, while its materials and craftsmanship reflect the period’s aesthetic.
Watching her show feels like peeking into the intimate world of a boudoir. The dreamy femininity of her designs draws you in, leaving you entranced as though gazing through a keyhole, unable to look away.