Klára Nademlýnská: Life as a Gift

Staying true to oneself – this is how one could summarize the approach of designer Klára Nademlýnská to her craft. She has been nurturing and refining her brand for more than twenty-five years, remaining feminine, delicate, free of extravagance, yet with a strong message. With sensitivity and emotion, she carefully selects the people she collaborates with. For instance, she was one of the first to offer bird-shaped brooches by the then-emerging jewelry designer Janja Prokić in her fashion boutique.

How does your creative process unfold?

Ideas come to me in two states – in motion and in calm. Often, all it takes is for me to be driving. When someone sits in my car, they immediately notice the pile of parking tickets in the compartment by the gear shift. They mustn’t be thrown away because they’re filled with notes I jot down, often when I’m stopped at a red light, as something comes to mind during my drive. Other times, it’s in the evening, when I lie down, and my body begins to rest; that’s when ideas start swirling. Similarly, they arise during moments of peace, such as when I’m in the studio.

What inspires you?

I love exhibitions. I don’t need anything specific; just seeing paintings or contemporary art puts me in a creative mood. Collaborations with other people are also a major inspiration. I enjoy connecting with other craft disciplines. Recently, we created a collection of accessories with designer Roman Šedina, who made organic ceramic components. I had these set into wide leather belts and bracelets. Additionally, I love observing the work of others; for instance, Janja’s creations are both inspiring and relatable to me. I admire how she works, how her pieces convey that they come straight from her – it’s true authorial work.

What jewelry by Janja do you wear?

Most of my jewelry is in black – whether it’s the Šiška ring with a black stone, the snake ring, or the Jiskra necklace. I wear a piece by Janja every day; they’ve become my amulets, which I never take off.

Your current collection features an intriguing lip motif. Who designed it?

My son Natan. I truly enjoy collaborating with him. It’s not the first time he’s created something for me. In the previous collection, he contributed animals and little creatures; in this one, it’s crossed lips, which at first glance look like flowers. He focuses more on programming and IT, but this is a different world for him. I think he enjoys seeing how an idea can be brought to life – how his drawing turns into something someone wears.

Do you learn new things from each other?

He’s open to my generation, and I’m open to his. It’s not just about parents and children; in general, we should be tolerant of different generations, or at least not judgmental. I’m very grateful for intergenerational connections because they expand my perspective on the world.

Symbols play a key role in your work. How do you choose them?

Throughout my life, I keep returning to two themes. The first is skulls, which I use in various forms in my collections. For me, a skull isn’t a symbol of death or something frightening; on the contrary, it represents transformation and rebirth. It shows that sometimes things must end and pass on to make way for something new. We experience small deaths and rebirths throughout life – whether in our personal, professional, or spiritual journeys. The second theme I love is church motifs. I’ve always been drawn to religious embroidery, accessories, details from priestly robes, or small altars with halos, doves, or burning hearts, like those seen with Jesuses and Virgin Marys. This has fascinated me since I was a child.

Is this connected to religion for you?

I’m not a practicing believer; I return to these symbols more for their visual appeal, although I do perceive a certain spiritual message in them. I believe there’s something greater between heaven and earth.

What does spirituality mean to you?

To me, spirituality is faith in life. It’s a lifelong journey. I think people must constantly work on themselves. Whenever we feel like we’ve arrived somewhere, things start to fall apart, and we have to rebuild them. I see life as a gift, and it saddens me when someone throws it away, in any form. Bad things happen to teach us something or to help us realize something. I have my own moments of struggle when I don’t feel good, but then I can tell myself: “Get up, move on, and find another path forward.” I feel that giving up is both too easy and deeply sad.

What spiritual paths do you currently enjoy walking?

I find peace in silence and solitude. I feel most rested when I’m alone. I light incense, sometimes play meditation music, and simply be. Group therapies used to help me, but now I prefer being by myself.

What is most important to you in life?

Relationships. Those I share with the people closest to me, with whom I have mutual understanding and respect. Having a circle of close friends has proven to be essential.