Designing for the Inauguration: The Creation of Mrs. Eva Pavlová’s Ensemble (Feb 15 – Mar 9, 2023)

The Inauguration Dress: Crafting a Modern Symbol of Elegance

The presidential inauguration is an occasion that calls for dignity — and representation. It’s a moment when every detail matters, from the ceremony itself to what the president and his wife wear.

Traditionally, the men’s dress code follows formal conventions: a dark suit, white shirt, and tie — all in a discreet, dignified tone. The women’s dress code allows slightly more room for interpretation, yet it remains guided by elegance, formality, and taste.

These are the established “rules.” But as we know, our new presidential couple is progressive — and my experience from the campaign opened the door to refining the details and visual language of the inaugural attire, creating a distinctive image for this historic day.

Collaboration at the Core

No success comes without collaboration. Designing the inaugural outfit for First Lady Eva Pavlová was a process rooted in partnership — between the designer and the woman herself. Together, we explored what flatters her most, what feels natural, and what allows her to embody the grace of the role while remaining authentic.

Our research drew from the style of European and international first ladies. We explored fabric textures, color symbolism, and the atmosphere of the various ceremonial spaces — from Vladislav Hall and the Castle balcony to the Spanish Hall — as well as the season and weather.

The goal was simple yet demanding: to create an ensemble that would not only blend seamlessly with the occasion, but would allow Mrs. Pavlová to feel entirely herself throughout the day.

A Contemporary Take on Tradition

Through our dialogue, we created a look that fulfilled every formal requirement while capturing Mrs. Pavlová’s personal poise. The result became a quiet statement of elegance — admired not only during the ceremony but across media and public spaces. In many ways, it echoed the refined spirit of Hana Benešová, whom Mrs. Pavlová herself often cites as an inspiration.

When I began sketching, I wrote down three words:
Modern elegance. Timelessness. Craftsmanship.

For me, modern elegance is a harmony between tradition and the present — a dialogue of clean lines, pure cuts, and exceptional materials enriched with an unconventional touch. It celebrates minimalism without losing intrigue or expression. Precision and material quality are its foundations. The aim was to create something both luxurious and enduring, with a discreet nod to the craft of classic tailoring.

This lineage goes back centuries — long before sewing machines — when fabrics were torn by hand to ensure perfectly straight edges. I explored this ancient technique in my 2000 diploma work at UMPRUM, and it remains a recurring motif in my collections. For the inauguration jacket, I incorporated it again: the edges are raw, and a pleated strip of fabric forms a sculptural peplum detail.

I ultimately chose wool crepe, a fabric of exceptional quality — firm yet soft, holding its shape while gently skimming the body. Its brilliance lies in color: capable of both luminous vibrancy and delicate subtlety. Christian Dior himself favored wool crepe for precisely these reasons.

A Collective Work of Art

Mrs. Pavlová was my closest collaborator, but the project soon grew into a creative constellation of remarkable Czech talents. Each detail required complete focus, precision, and trust.

The message was clear: this was a rare opportunity for Czech designers and artisans to come together.

We had the perfect conditions — an inspiring personality and the creative freedom to build something meaningful. What we lacked was time and numbers. In three weeks, we needed to create not a single outfit but a miniature couture collection. It required efficiency, humility, and full devotion to the process.

Only the best could handle such pressure — those with experience, reliability, and heart. It’s my honor to introduce them.

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The Collaborators

Zuzana Kubíčková created a signature bouclé dress in deep blue for the formal lunch preceding the inauguration. Tailored to perfection, it reflected her unmistakable aesthetic and received well-deserved praise from the media upon Mrs. Pavlová’s arrival at Prague Castle.
zuzanakubickova.com