The Language of Color: Designing Coats for First Lady Eva Pavlová

Designing for Strength and Grace: Coats for the First Lady

As an experienced designer, I was given an extraordinary opportunity — to create several bespoke coats for Mrs. Eva Pavlová, the current First Lady of the Czech Republic.

Together, we discussed the importance of color — how each shade can subtly communicate personality and presence. Toward the end of the presidential campaign, when it was essential for Mrs. Pavlová to stand beside her husband as a strong and equal partner, we agreed that color would become her most eloquent expression.

We chose red and pink — a pairing that not only reflected her strength as a woman but also symbolized her belief in equality and understanding.

The coats were crafted in my atelier from luxurious cashmere, a fabric that feels soothing against the skin and lends itself beautifully to bold colors. The result exceeded all expectations. Mrs. Pavlová looked radiant — a confidence that could be felt both in photographs and in the response across social media. It was deeply rewarding to see how the right colors can empower a woman and give visual form to her values.

For Mrs. Pavlová, red became a symbol of strength and determination — a color that speaks with quiet confidence. Pink, with its association to tenderness and compassion, created a compelling counterbalance — together expressing that strength and gentleness can exist side by side.

The red cashmere coat “Scarlett” later became part of Mrs. Pavlová’s styling for the formal luncheon preceding the inauguration of the President of the Czech Republic.

Photography: Michaela Szkanderová, Zuzana Bonisch