My work “Tricolor” depicts the transformation of the architectural scene in the first Czechoslovak Republic. This collection shows the metamorphosis not only chronologically, but also in terms of meaning. The Adria Palace represents life, the Nymburk crematorium represents death, and the monument represents memory. The heels used are domestically produced.
The right shoe depicts a strongly decorative rondocubism, which is typical of the early architecture of Czechoslovakia. I chose a specific object from this direction, the Adria Palace in Prague on Jungmann Square by the architect duo Josef Zasch and Pavel Janák. The decorative collar of the shoe recalls the dialogue of triangles and rolls on the facade of the palace. Two red embroidered circles on the insole point to the brass dial and the circular center of the building’s passage. The dark blue heel is a reminder of the dominant sculptural group of the allegory of Seafaring in the facade of the palace by Jan Štrusa. The black sole refers to the sacrifices of the Czechoslovak legionnaires, thanks to whom the republic was founded.
Bag of the collection is inspired by another architectural trend, purism. This trend is represented by the crematorium of Bedřich Feuerstein in Nymburk. The “crematorium” bag describes the ground plan of the building, combining it with the windows and columns in the facade. The strap, like the entire bag, combines the colors of the tricolor. On the inside of the flap there is a dark embroidered cross, which is the most prominent element of the building.
The left shoe refers to the last chapter of Czechoslovak interwar architecture, functionalism. From the numerous lines of this trend, I have chosen a one of a kind building, the Tomáš Baťa monument by F. L. Gahura. The white upper represents the white columns and the overall structure of the building, the lining is blue, as is the railing of the staircase, and the red floor is reflected in the insole. There are only two decorative elements on the shoe. One of them is the strap on the heel. It resembles a column, an omnipresent element of the Baťa building system. While the second decorative element on the shoe is the hand-embroidered initials of Tomáš Baťa. The symbolism is also visible in the black color of the heel and sole. The color, in addition to the mournful meaning, may resemble the landing gear of the Junkers F-13 aircraft, which became fatal for Mr. Baťa.
