The Flannel Phenomenon: Behind the Wardrobe of President Petr Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová (CNN Prima NEWS, January 2023)

The Story Behind the Wardrobe of President Petr Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová

In a feature for CNN Prima NEWS, I shared the behind-the-scenes details of how President Petr Pavel and Eva Pavlová chose their outfits — and the symbolism woven into each piece.

As the report noted:

“Until now, we could only wonder whether the checkered flannel shirt was a nostalgic nod to the 1990s — an era defined by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam — or a deliberate, strategic choice. One thing is certain: flannel shirts are set to become a global trend this year.”

The atmosphere following the election results was filled with euphoria and gratitude — and the flannel shirt, which became a visual symbol of the campaign, carried its own story. It wasn’t a prop; it was part of the President’s authentic wardrobe, something he genuinely enjoyed wearing.

By the end of the campaign, the shirt had become a phenomenon — sold out across the country, worn by supporters at rallies and meetings, a spontaneous expression of unity and shared values.

You can revisit the details in the video interview below.

Collage by TMBK for Seznam.cz
Photo: Facebook / Petr Pavel