SOFFA 10 / ETERNAL YOUTH, English edition by SOFFA

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SOFFA: JOY FROM THE HEART OF EUROPE Discover the best and most beautiful from the Czech Republic and Central Europe: exquisite design, inspirational stories, unknown interiors and amazing, hidden locations well worth visiting.

SOFFA

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people

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life

ISSUE THEME: ETERNAL YOUTH Issue 10 is all about youth: take a sip of our secret elixir concocted out of topics that will take you back to those carefree days of childhood and help you let your hair down!

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CONTENTS - VOLUME | 10

01 | SUMMER CAMP The Magic of Summer Camp

03 | ST MATTHEW’S FAIR Hold on to Your Hats!

EDITORIAL

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06 | SOFFA & PARTNERS Painted World 4

04 | EDITORS’ CHOICE Fountain of Youth

02 | CZECH CANDY Timeless Delectables

05 | RECIPES Raspberry Jam with Chocolate

07 | LIVING 86 08 | TRENDS An Old Schoolhouse as a Home Neon Pink

09 | DVOŘÁKOVA PRAHA On the Trail of Antonín Dvořák

107

11 | SOFFA & PARTNERS 133 12 | DIY PROJECTS Generation Z Pictures for Children and Adults

143

Inspired by Bollywood

116

10 | ILLUSTRATORS A World for Children

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13 | TRAVEL Two Days on the Otava River

W E D O U B L E DA R E YO U ! text and illustration: Adéla Kudrnová

Originally, the whole issue was to have been dedicated to children, but then we realised that there is a bit of a child in all of us and that it would be unfortunate not to bring out this hidden side of ourselves. So instead, we have decided to devote SOFFA 10 to eternal youth!

►

We are bringing you the elixir of life in the form of a cocktail of topics that will force you – at least we hope they do – to return to more carefree times, have fun and let loose. If you feel like fighting it, try overcoming your reticence, as playing is healthy and, most of all, fun, as some children convinced us during a two-day workshop where they created fairy-tale-like paintings for their ideal bedrooms. The photo story about the tradition of summer camps in the Czech Republic will surely take you back to your childhood. Did you also have the concept of honour badges and did have to learn to put together a survival kit? What was in yours? The cut-out dress-up doll and photo story from St Mathew’s Fair may elicit a bit of nostalgia. If you still feel too grown up after all that, we have something fool-proof up our sleeve: fresh bread, butter and raspberry jam with chocolate! We believe that a person can feel young thanks to new experiences, good humour and the smiling faces of the people around us, and so we have tips for a few activities that will guarantee all of that: going on a boating trip with friends, flipping through a cheerful picture book, listening to good music and experimenting with clothes. What are your childhood memories, and what is your idea of eternal youth? May you always have a carefree smile on your face! The entire SOFFA team

WAN TE D:

A YOUNG ILLUSTRATOR Do you do a lot of drawing at home with your kid s? Would you like to have your own SOFFA poster? Send us your creations and we will pick the best illustration and turn it into a poster for SHOP BY SOFFA! Please send your entries to info@soffamag.com, subject: YOUNG ILLUSTRATOR, or by post to: SOFFA, Drtinova 557/10, Prague 5, 150 00 The complete set of contest rules can be found on www.soffamag.com.

S U M M ER C A M P Challenges, tents and so on

THE M AGIC O F S UM M ER C A M P text: Martin Sova | styling: SOFFA | photo: Adéla Havelková illustrations: Lenka Hlaváčová

SPENDING DAYS IN THE WOODS, SWIMMING IN RIVERS, AND TAKING CHALLENGES THAT TEST, PERHAPS FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE LIMITS OF WHAT YOU CAN DO AND, WITH THE HELP OF OTHERS, HELP YOU PUSH PAST THEM. OR JUST SUCCUMBING FULLY TO THE POWERFUL MAGIC OF NATURE. SUMMER CAMPS ARE AMONG THE FIRST TRANSITIONAL RITUALS THAT WE PREDOMINANTLY CITY DWELLERS UNDERGO. THE FIRST STORIES THAT WE TELL COME FROM THERE, AND WE EVEN LIKE TO RECOUNT THEM AS ADULTS! One hundred and forty years ago, Walter Bion, a pastor from Appenzell, Switzerland, decided to take ailing children to the mountains in summer to improve their constitution and strengthen their character. This led to a tradition that he spread across the world. In the Czech Republic, summer camps have to a great degree been influenced by the Scout Movement, but most of all by the idyll portrayed by writer Jaroslav Foglar, himself a scoutmaster, in the 1930s. His book Hoši od Bobří řeky (The Boys of Beaver River) is a story about a group of city boys who, headed by the slightly older Rikitan, go off camping in the summer to a place called Sunny Cove and gradually undergo thirteen challenges. ► LEFT: Traditionally, two-person tents have been used in summer camps for sleeping. In many places, the traditional model has been replaced with a wooden base and a canvas top, which usually has to be built again each summer. Slightly more easy to assemble are tents with a metal construction and a wooden platform. A nightstand is a common piece of furniture in the tent by the bed.

M AP O F T H E N I G H T S K Y CONSTELLATIONS OFTEN STILL BEAR THE NAMES GIVEN TO THEM BY THE ANCIENT GREEKS – THEY RECOUNT AGE-OLD MYTHS AND LEGENDS. EVERY GOOD CAMPER SHOULD BE ABLE TO NAME AT LEAST SOME OF THE ALMOST NINETY THAT ARE OUT THERE. CAN YOU FIND THE BIG DIPPER? ALL IT TAKES IS A BIT OF PRACTICE. YOU’LL SEE.

These challenges are practically legendary in this country. Regardless of what form summer camps take these days, they all share at least these basic attributes: they are temporary, closed and remarkable ecosystems where everyone can become a better someone for a little while. What can no summer camp do without? Tents, traditionally with a timber base, like the ones Foglar’s scouts had, or with a steel construction; a campfire where the whole camp can meet, either for some improvised cooking or some minor rituals; and a camp theme, often based on a book, film or historical event – it is the thread that winds through the entire course of the camp. The children – individually or in groups – collect points, not only during sports, but also by demonstrating knowledge of nature. Of course, these challenges also form an integral part of summer camp: sometimes they can mean keeping watch at night, keeping hidden the whole day from the other campers, or making do with the food and drink allocated to you. ►

PREVIOUS PAGE: Sluneční zátoka (Sunny Cove) summer camp was established way back in the 1960s and has a seafarer theme. The evening roll-call of all campers under the watchful eyes of the “captains” and the “admiral” takes place in front of the bridge of a ship, and the ritual doffing of caps and their prescribed placement against the forearm is part of it. The big lake by which the camp is located is the “sea”. NEXT PAGE: The points received for cleaning up and other efforts can be exchanged for camp coins, which the sailors can use during the fair (which takes place once during the camp) or spend on raffle tickets: at every evening roll-call, there are quizzes, and each time a question is answered correctly, the “admiral” draws a lucky winner who get sweets or a small treasure.

The camp that we have shot for you in Vráž u Písku bears the name Sunny Cove, just like the location in Foglar’s novel. It has been in operation since the 1960s and has one of the longest traditions in the country. This camp is special, however, as it has a seafaring theme. Up to two hundred children attend this three-week camp. The youngest “midshipmen” sleep in huts; the older “shipmates” in huts with bunks; and the oldest “cadets” sleep in tents. Each crew is under the command of a “captain” and the entire camp is headed by the “admiral”, for whom everyone shows the proper respect. Breakfast is served after the morning warmup and shower. Everyone then has fifteen minutes to clean up. The level of tidiness is checked and points given out. In the morning, the camp members set out into the surrounding countryside to do some sports, learn camping skills, or do some activities related to the camp theme. After lunch and some afternoon downtime, the children get together for a short games session. Before supper, the entire camp meets for evening roll-call, which is announced by a ship siren. During roll-call, the “admiral” announces the next activities related to the camp theme. After dinner, the “midshipmen”, “shipmates” and “cadets” have two hours of free time when they can do almost anything within the confines of the camp. As the day comes to an end, the “captains” count down the minutes and start chanting to a drum beat. This is how they call on the children to get ready for bed. The bugle announces lightsout, everything goes quiet and the camp goes to sleep. ■

RIGHT: The camp offers a bit of excitement and adventure to the top echelons, too: the “admiral” and “captains” have to think up ways to keep up to two hundred children entertained on a daily basis. Events based on the camp theme help with this, but so can purely practical tools, such as schedules (in this case for using the sports facilities) and coloured labels (for identifying teams).

CHA L L EN G ES EVERY PROPER CAMPER HAS TO UNDERGO THIRTEEN CHALLENGES TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR ALL-ROUND ABILITIES AND MOVE A STEP CLOSER TO ADULTHOOD. THEY ORIGINALLY CAME FROM THE BOOK HOŠI OD BOBŘÍ ŘEKY (THE BOYS OF BEAVER RIVER).

FITNESS Running, high jumping and long jumping. To get this yellow badge, you have to demonstrate agility and speed. In the books, the times and distances changed according to age, like in school. For starters, try running through the woods, and jump over streams.

SWIMMING Every good camper has to be able to move through the forests as well as the water – as you know, the original adventure took place at Beaver River. The distance you have to swim to get your red badge is sixty metres. The style you choose is up to you.

AIM First you have to draw a 1 × 1 metre square on the ground. From a distance of 10 m, you then have to try to throw a rock, or some other item, into it. To get your green badge, you have to get the rock into the square eighty times out of a hundred tries. Practice makes perfect.

GOOD DEEDS Being as good a person as you can possibly be should be a matter of course for everyone, not just scouts. In order to show off your blue badge, you will have to do “one hundred good deeds” as Jaroslav Foglar writes in his book. Don’t worry, even small ones count.

FIRST AID To get a black badge, you should have your own small first-aid kit and know how to use it. You should know how to give artificial respiration, treat a wound or scratch and what to do if someone faints, throws up, or gets heatstroke or sunstroke.

COURAGE Part of a traditional camp is navigating a dark forest. Smaller children can often undergo the challenge with a flashlight; older ones have to buck up and rely only on their courage. You will have the right to wear a brown badge when you manage to overcome your fears.

BOTANY Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice to wander through flowering meadows, of course, but a good camper has to know their environment perfectly. You will have to learn fifty different kinds of flowers, trees and shrubs and identify them in their natural environment to get your dark green badge.

STRENGTH If you show that you have enough physical strength to stand your own against nature, you will be able to wear a blue badge. If you want to do it the traditional way, do five pull-ups on a crossbar or tree branch.

SILENCE What may appear to be one of the easier tasks often proves to be the most difficult of all, even for the most seasoned participants. Campers often try to earn their orange badge from day one to increase their chances of success, as you cannot utter a single word for 24 hours.

HUNGER The light brown badge demands a bit of fasting. To earn it, you have to go without food for 24 hours and can only drink water. Younger campers have a certain respite and the period can be shorter. But take note: the time you spend sleeping does not count!

SOLITUDE Spending 10 hours alone, not being seen or seeing anyone, may seem like an easy task outside the city. But whoever has seen the efforts that other campers go to in order to find the one undergoing the challenge will know that this pink badge is one of the most valuable.

INTEGRITY There are some things that everyone should master: never swearing, always being courteous, never doing anything dishonourable, never lying, doing good and helping others and, last but not least, protecting those who are weaker than you. The badge of honour is white.

SKILL In the book, the badges were wooden buttons that the boys had to make themselves. And that is half of what the purple badge entails: carving out 13 circles, burning holes into them and painting them. The second? Create one other useful item and you will earn the badge.

SU RV I VA L K I T THE MOST EXPERIENCED CAMPERS ARE ABLE TO FIT THIS INTO A MATCHBOX. NO MATTER HOW EXTENSIVE, A SURVIVAL KIT, WHICH IS PART OF THE MANDATORY FIT-OUT AT MANY SCOUTING DIVISIONS, CONTAINS ITEMS THAT ARE NECESSARY FOR TREATING MINOR INJURIES AND STARTING A FIRE. If you have never tried to create your own survival kit, you cannot be considered a true camper. Luckily it is rarely needed, which is why selecting the contents and putting it all together is in itself so exciting. Today it is possible to buy complete survival kits that are very sophisticated and state-of-the-art and suitable for truly demanding trips. But for a hike in the woods, the one you make yourself at home will suffice. It always good to have matches and a striking surface. You should also have other items for making a fire even in damp situations – traditionally birch bark is used, but a fire-lighter, which should be wrapped to keep dry, may be more reliable. You should at least have an adhesive bandage, but it is good to have strip of gauze bandage as well – there is never any shortage of blisters, scrapes and scratches in the forest. Add some basic medicine and dextrose for quick energy. You should also not forget to have a sharp cutting instrument, such as a small knife or a razor blade. You would also do well to have some string, a piece of wire and some paper and a pencil. A non-lubricated condom is also useful, as a relatively large number of items can be put into it to keep them dry or it can be used to carry water. If space allows, also pack a small compass and mirror, which can be used to signal for help even over long distances. All of the above should be able to fit inside a durable, ideally waterproof, box. Done? Now you can set off. Adventure awaits you!

C ZEC H C A N DY Sweet childhood memories

TIME L E SS DEL EC TA B L ES text: Jaromír Šantrůček | styling: SOFFA | photo: Adéla Havelková

IT BEGAN WAY BACK IN THE STONE AGES. PEOPLE WOULD TEAR OFF A PIECE OF HONEYCOMB AND ENJOY THE STICKY SWEETNESS. IN THE MIDDLE AGES, FRENCH CHILDREN WOULD MUMBLE BON. BON. (GOOD. GOOD.) WHEN SUCKING ON CONFECTIONS, GIVING RISE TO THE CANDY SYNONYM BONBONS. AT THE TIME, ONLY THE NOBILITY AND THE BOURGEOISIE COULD AFFORD SWEETS. TODAY EVERYONE – YOUNG AND OLD – CAN SATISFY THEIR SWEET TOOTH. AND A TRULY WIDE SELECTION OF CONFECTIONERY IS AVAILABLE – YOU CAN GET CANDY THAT IS HARD, SOFT, JELLY-LIKE, CHOCOLATEY, FOAMY, SWEET, SALTY, SOUR, SPICY, AND CONTAINING A MULTITUDE OF GOOEY FILLINGS. ANYTHING YOU CAN PRACTICALLY IMAGINE. JUST TAKE YOUR PICK. A chunk of honeycomb is no longer the only choice of confection. We grew up on a plethora of sweets, many of which are still produced today. Such as the Czechoslovakian bubble-gum Pedro. It was so popular in the 1980s that the Canadian hockey team took a supply of it back home with them along with their silver medals from the world championships in Prague. Even though it would lose its flavour after the third chew. You say you don’t like gum and blowing bubbles? Try the mainstay of all generations: lollipops. The “modern” lollipop was invented by George Smith in 1908, who named it after his favourite horse Lolly Pop. Since then, lollipops have not changed much. In 2002, a two-tonne lollipop the size of a giraffe made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Whether we are speaking about honey straight from the comb or a huge piece of candy on a stick, children have loved sweets for millennia, and there is no sign of that changing any time soon. Enjoy! ■

ANTIPERLE Menthol candy that takes six long weeks to grow from a small sugar crystal.

SISINKY Traditional fruit-flavoured caramels.

SLAVIA BONBONY These chocolatepeppermint bonbons share the same name as the Central European football club. Fans of competing clubs would never dare buy this candy. LENTILKY In Central Europe, the designation Lentilky has been used for this special chocolate candy since 1907. The word stems from the Latin “lenticular”, which means lentils.

SOJOVÝ SUK In fact just the waste product from the production of soybean oil with some added sugar.

JAHŮDKY If you don’t have real ones, have some strawberry-shaped jellies with natural strawberry flavour. GUMOVÍ MEDVÍDCI (GUMMY BEARS) Soused in a concoction of one part water and two parts vodka, they create a sturdy, alcohol-imbued jelly after a couple of days.

LIPO The very popular “ammunition” for children’s candy dispensers. Named after the city of Liberec (Liberecké Poživatiny – Liberec Foodstuffs).

BESIPKY Circular candy with a hole in the middle inspired by lifebuoys on boats. They were supposed to give drivers a boost of energy on long trips.

LÉKORKY Sandwich-like liquorice-flavoured candy that can be taken apart and eaten layer by layer. LÍZÁTKO (LOLLIPOP) One of the most popular of all candies. July 20 is International Lollipop Day.

KYSELÁ VEXTA Sour, foamy candies that make your mouth pucker. KLOKANKY They were created in 1983 in honour of the Czech football club which has a kangaroo (klokanek) in its emblem.

BONPARI Find the green one! Compared to the other colours, the number of green candies in each bag were few and far between.

HAŠLERKY A liquorice mix invented in 1877 by a Hamburg pharmacist. In the Czech lands they were named after the singer Karel Hašler, as they allegedly helped him overcome hoarseness.

PEDRO First manufactured in 1968 and modelled after American bubble-gum. Contains transferrable fake tattoos for children. In the 1980s up to 180 million pieces were produced annually.

ATLASKY Candies of various shapes and colours. They have a chocolate-hazelnut filling. If sucked on too hard they can even chafe the roof of your mouth.

ST M AT T H EW â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S FA I R Carneys and their attractions

HO L D O N TO YO UR H AT S ! text: Helena Stiessová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Alžběta Jungrová

WHEN YOU SAY FAIR, THE WORLD SUDDENLY STARTS TO SPIN AS IF YOU WERE LOOKING INTO A VAT OF COLOURED COTTON-CANDY. AND ST MATHEW’S FAIR (MATĚJSKÁ POUŤ) IS THE KING OF FAIRS. THE CARNIVAL’S HISTORY DATES WAY BACK TO 1595, ALTHOUGH AT THE TIME IT WAS A RELIGIOUS AFFAIR. MERRY-GO-ROUNDS AND SCARY RIDES CAME MUCH LATER. BY THE WAY, WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU TASTED COTTON CANDY? The fair is named after St Matthew, as the gathering was originally held at the pilgrimage site of St Matthew’s Church in Dejvice (now a district of Prague). Being Prague’s first fair of the year, held in February to welcome spring, St Matthew’s Fair quickly became hugely popular and greatly renowned. Over the centuries, its entertainment aspect grew and the number of stands and visitors increased. It had to change locations in Prague numerous times to accommodate the ever-growing numbers of visitors. St Matthew’s fair has called its current location at the Holešovice Fair Grounds home since the early 1960s. The modern incarnation of St Matthew’s Fair still maintains tradition by opening its gates before the onset of spring. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors are attracted to its newest attractions. These will lift you sky high and take your breath away. We, however, were more interested in the lyrical side of St Matthew’s Fair and its motley assortment of traditional attractions and the people who operate them tirelessly. Everyone becomes a child again at a funfair. Suddenly we want to feel butterflies in our stomach, to scream and to feel terrified as we barrel down a rollercoaster. Hold on to your hats! We’re off! ■

COME IN, COME IN! DON’T BE AFRAID! THE BRIGHT GREEN FAÇADE MAY MAKE THE HAUNTED CASTLE LOOK INNOCUOUS, BUT INSIDE POISONOUS VINES WAIT TO WRAP THEMSELVES AROUND YOUR LEGS, OR SOMETHING MUCH WORSE MAY BE IN STORE…. THERE ARE BUGGIES AVAILABLE FOR THE FAINT-OF-HEART, BUT THERE’S NO AVOIDING THE SPOOKS INHABITING THE PITCH-BLACK ROOMS.

IT LOOKS LIKE AN UNFAIR FIGHT: GUNS VERSUS TEDDY-BEARS. BUT ABSOLUTE CONTRASTS ARE WHAT FAIRS ARE ALL ABOUT. YOU DO KNOW HOW TO SAVE THE BEARS FROM THE SHOOTING RANGE, DON’T YOU?

AS A CHILD YOU MAY HAVE WISHED TO RUN AWAY WITH THE CIRCUS. IF YOU HADN’T, AT LEAST HOP ON ONE OF THE BOATS AND LET YOURSELF BE CARRIED AWAY BY YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAMS.

CARS AND MERRY-GO-ROUNDS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF ANY PROPER FUNFAIR, AND ST MATTHEW’S IS SWARMING WITH STINGRAYS FOR TODDLERS. HERE YOU CAN GET BEHIND THE WHEEL WITHOUT A DRIVER’S LICENCE!

COTTON-CANDY MAY BE A SERIOUS NIGHTMARE FOR NUTRITIONISTS, BUT A FAIR WITHOUT ALL THOSE SWEET AND SALTY TREATS WOULD BE EXTREMELY BLAND. THE AIRY, PINK CLOUD WILL DISSIPATE INTO SWEET NOTHINGNESS THE MOMENT IT TOUCHES YOUR TONGUE.

THE CYKLON ROLLERCOASTER IS LIKE A PLACE WHERE TIME HAS STOOD STILL. THIS ATTRACTION IS ONE OF THE BEST-KNOWN AT THE FAIR, AND ITS RESPECTABLE AGE GIVES IT A VENEER THAT NONE OF THE HIGH-TECH ATTRACTIONS CAN MATCH.

ST MATTHEW’S FAIR IS LIKE A WILD, FEROCIOUS ZOO IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ORDERLY CITY. AT THE END OF APRIL, THE ROARS OF THE LIONS WILL DIE DOWN AND THE MERRY-GO-ROUNDS WILL GO STILL, BUT ONLY UNTIL NEXT SPRING. THE FAIR FOLLOWS THE WONDROUS CYCLE OF NATURE.

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E DI TO R S â&#x20AC;&#x2122; C H O I C E Necessities for all ages

F O U NTA I N O F YO U T H text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: companies‘ archives

WE BELIEVE THAT LAUGHTER, GOOD SPIRITS AND NOT TAKING THINGS TOO SERIOUSLY ARE THE INGREDIENTS TO IMMORTALITY. WE HAVE TAKEN THE TIME TO COMPILE SOME ITEMS THAT WE THINK WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT ON YOU AS THE ELIXIR OF LIFE. WOODEN ZEBRA Kay Bojesen www.finnishdesignshop.com € 85

WOODEN YO YO ASSORTED www.kikkerland.com | $ 6

PATTERNED SOCKS Kay Bojesen www.freshlabels.cz | CZK 219

BAINES & FRICKER CAT CUSHION www.urbanoutfitters.com | £ 50 THE CIRCUS BOOK www.taschen.com € 49,99 44

TRANCOSO WOODEN BEACH BAT AND BALL SET Frescobol Carioca www.mrporter.com | € 180

VISO CHESS, CHECKERS & CARD GAME SET Fornasetti www.barneys.com | $ 1.085

FANTASY CARAFE Sagaform www.naoko.cz | CZK 475

DIANA INDUSTRIAL LAMP www.delightfull.eu Price upon request

COTTON BLOCK FLAG CREW Gant | CZK 5 799

RUBIK’S CUBE www.zontikgames.com | $ 295

FIAT 500 VINTAGE ’57 EDITION www.fiat.cz Price upon request

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND NOTEBOOK www.moleskine.cz | CZK 339

TELL A TALE GAME www.designtorget.se SEK 150 45

INT R OD U CI N G

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INT E RI OR D E S I G N WE CREATE AND DECORATE YOUR HOMES our experienced team offers you full design services: consulting or full architecture - help from the first step to realisation

WO R KS H OPS WE TEACH DIY, ST YLING, INTERIOR DESIGN want to learn how to style, decorate, design and create in SOFFA style? we are happy to show you.

CONTACT www.soffamag.com info@soffamag.com +420 777 623 346

R EC I PES How do you make jam?

R A SP BE R RY JA M W I T H C H O CO L AT E recipe: Lenka Ovčačíková / Marmelaada | text: Adéla Kudrnová styling: SOFFA | photo: Lina Németh

AS IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN ALL KINDS OF FRUIT ARE RIPENING, WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO TRY TO DO SOMETHING WITH IT ALL. WE ASKED LENKA OVČAČÍKOVÁ, WHO MAKES AND SELLS HER OWN MARMALADES AND JAMS UNDER THE MARMELAADA LABEL, TO PREPARE FOR YOU HER RASPBERRY JAM WITH CHOCOLATE – A TREAT FOR ALL AGES AND QUITE HANDY TO HAVE AROUND IN BOTH SUMMER AND WINTER. PREPARATION TIME: about 60 min. (+ time to pick the raspberries) ENOUGH FOR: 3 kg of jam (14 jars) INGREDIENTS: 2 kg fresh raspberries 1 kg caster sugar 1 lemon 40 g bittersweet chocolate (72%) 20 g natural pectin

When we first tried Marmelaada jam by Lenka Ovčačíková, we thought we were dreaming. It was immediately clear to us that we had to share the experience with you, so we asked Lenka to teach you one of her recipes. We chose raspberries because they are readily available both in the shops and in many gardens at this time. Lenka also provided her own hand-made labels in a stylish black-and-white design. Making homemade jam is a wonderful summer activity. Spread some on some fresh bread with real butter and you and your children will be smacking your lips (trust us on this one)! DIRECTIONS: First gently rinse the raspberries under cold running water and put into a large pot. ►

Lenka uses a big, copper one that won’t burn the mixture and allows her to mix it easily. In a bowl, mix the sugar and the pectin together well and then add the mixture to the raspberries. To help the sugar dissolve, you can add a very small amount of water (optional). Turn on the stove to high and let the raspberry mixture come to a full boil. Heating releases the juice from the raspberries and the sugar will dissolve. Leave the raspberry mixture to bubble heavily for about 3 – 5 minutes, but no more. Remember to stir the fruit gently with a wooden spoon to prevent it from burning and sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to help it set better and, at the very end, pieces of bittersweet chocolate for flavour perfection. It’s up to you how chocolatey you want your jam to be. Finally, ladle the hot jam into jars, filling them up almost to the brim. Put on the lids, turn upside down and leave to cool. If you are interested in Lenka Ovčačíková’s other magical combinations, visit www.marmelaada.cz NOW YOU CAN ALSO BUY RASPBERRY JAM WITH CHOCOLATE (AS WELL AS OTHER MARMELAADA PRODUCTS) ON SHOP BY SOFFA: SHOP.SOFFAMAG.COM! ■

We would like to thank Tančící kuchyně for lending us their space to do the photoshoot. The apron and other kitchen textiles were kindly lent to us by Butlers.

MUSIC TO COOK TO

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TANČÍCÍ KUCHYNĚ and record label JON KENNEDY FEDERATION present “MUSIC TO COOK TO”. You are cordially invited to download the first 3 tracks entirely free by entering “0” in the “BUY NOW name your price” box HERE https://jonkennedy.bandcamp. com/album/music-to-cook-to

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SO F FA & PA R T N ER S Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workshop with IKEA

PAINT ED WO R L D article partner: IKEA | text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: Janka Murínová photo: Adéla Havelková

IN THIS ISSUE DEVOTED TO YOUTH, WE WANTED TO GIVE ABSOLUTE FREEDOM TO CHILDREN TO BE CREATIVE. WE WERE INTERESTED IN HOW CHILDREN WOULD ENVISAGE THEIR OWN BEDROOM AND THEN DESIGN AND DECORATE IT. WE THEREFORE ORGANISED A TWO-DAY CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP AND INVITED IKEA TO HELP US. FIRST THE CHILDREN CHOSE THE THINGS THEY WANTED TO HAVE IN THEIR ROOMS AND THEN, UNDER OUR TUTELAGE, THEY PAINTED WHOLE STORIES TO GO ON THE WALL! Every child has their own dream world, favourite story, or just a motif or colour. In connection with our work at the SOFFA studio, where we sometimes even design children’s rooms, we have found that parents often attempt to impose their adult visions on their children’s space. We have therefore decided to show you, with the help of IKEA, that the reverse is possible, i.e., to base a design on a child’s imagination. We chose four children of different ages and spent two days with them choosing furnishings for their rooms but mainly making paintings for their rooms according to their own ideas and fantasies. So, on some manila paper and under the guidance of stylist Janka Murínová, some incredibly beautiful scenes were created, with protagonists ranging from magical creatures and animals to computer game heroes. Of course, we did not know a few of them! We then put the final paintings up and added the items that the children chose from IKEA and the ideal bedrooms came to be. May they be an inspiration to you when designing a room for your child. The simple rule applies: ask your kids what they want and what they like and you will never go wrong. ■ We would like to thank the National Gallery in Prague/Veletržní palác (Trade Fair Palace) for providing the space for the photo shoot.

ROZÁRKA (8) : CIRCUS WITH PARROTS Rozárka enthusiastically told us all about her recent visit to the circus, where she saw lots of trained parrots, so when it came time to paint she decided to paint her dream aviary full of the multi-coloured birds. The biggest parakeet decided to perch on her hand. Färgton paper decorations; Framställa striped tape; all IKEA

AMÁLKA (11) : MAGIC FOREST Amálka loves animals and knows a lot about them. She also reads a lot and is very witty. Naturally she was smitten by the porcupine and dog pillows, and so she drew a forest for them so they could hide and play in it. Soon we were privileged to hear many stories. Thorine dog and Porcupine pillows; Framställa striped tape; all IKEA

VÍTEK (6) : STAR WARS Vítek loves Star Wars, so when he saw the glowing LED strip at IKEA, he knew exactly what he would do! His painting shows a light sabre battle, a scene he enjoyed demonstrating to us in reality during the photo shoot. A favourite film is the ideal motif for a children’s room! Sundvik chair; Spöka LED nightlights; Ledberg LED strip; Framställa tape; all IKEA

VIOLKA (4) : FLOWER MEADOW Because Violka wants to be a dancer when she grows up, she felt like a fish in water on the balancing beam during and after the photo shoot. She even made sure her shorts matched! IKEA PS 2014 balancing beam; Fjärdermoln pillow; felt flowers from the Duktig set; Framställa tape; all IKEA

22. – 27. 10. Designblok

17. year Prague Design and Fashion Week www.designblok.cz Designblok is supported by following institutions: městská část Praha 7, Velvyslanectví Nizozemského království, Vlámské zastoupení, CzechTourism, Česká centra, EUNIC, Francouzský institut v Praze, Polský institut v Praze, Rakouské kulturní fórum v Praze Official suppliers: AMBIENTE RESTAURACE, fusion hotel prague, Heineken, Parfumerie Douglas, SONBERK, Veuve Clicquot, XEROX Czech Republic Support of exhibition Designblok Diploma Selection / Czech Section: T-Mobile Czech Republic Media partners: Architekt, Art+Antiques, CzECHDESIgN., Design&Home, Dolce vita, Dotyk, EARCH., elle.cz, ERA21, ELLE Decoration, Flash Art, H.O.M.i.E., iconiq.cz, lidovky.cz, Marianne Bydlení, MAUDhomme, Radio1, SOFFA, Travel Fever International media partners: Atrium, Designum, H.O.M.E., Flash Art, H.O.M.i.E Partners:

Deloitte Výstaviště Praha Holešovice

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DESIGN BY CHIL DR EN F O R C H I L DR EN text: Adéla Kudrnová | article partner: IKEA | styling: Lenka Hlaváčová

CHILDREN’S HEROES COME TO LIFE THANKS TO IKEA! CHILDREN’S FANTASIES KNOW NO BOUNDS AND IKEA HAS DECIDED TO SHOW ITS APPRECIATION FOR THIS IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY: BRINGING DRAWINGS MADE BY CHILDREN TO LIFE. THE FIRST ACTUAL SOFT TOYS BASED ON TEN DESIGNS BY CHILD DESIGNERS ARE IN PRODUCTION AND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT IKEA IN THE AUTUMN. HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST DESIGNS! IKEA is already hard at work preparing its 14th annual soft toys campaign. Last year, IKEA asked children themselves to design a limited edition of toys for the campaign. Who else but children should know how to create the best soft toys? Children from all over the world have taken part in the contest for young toy designers. IKEA has received thousands of fantastic designs, and the panel of judges have chosen ten winners aged 4 to 10. Visit the IKEA website (www.ikea.com/cz/cs/pages/softtoys.html) to see a cute Martian from the Netherlands and other winning designs from the international round. You will also find out how much money IKEA will be contributing from the proceeds from the sale of the toys to the education of children who desperately need it. You say you missed the contest? Don’t despair! Next year’s competition begins in just a few months’ time. ■ Our sample comprises these children’s designs for IKEA: Ameri the Deer, Nora K., IKEA Zličín, Czech Republic; Cat Viki, Monika C., IKEA Zličín, Czech Republic; Bat, Albert, IKEA Romania

A WHOLE WORLD CAN BE HIDDEN IN A SINGLE GARDEN! We are working to transform school gardens in the Czech Republic into inspirational spaces for children, supporting efforts to bring children closer to nature and to have them freely interact with it, and helping to introduce children to architecture and landscape design. Proměny Foundation and the Playful Garden Program. www.nadace-promeny.cz | www.promenyproskoly.cz

LIVING School â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the foundation for life

A N O L D SCHO OL H O U S E A S A H O M E text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: Lenka Hlaváčová | photo: Lina Németh

WE AT SOFFA BELIEVE THAT NOTHING HAPPENS BY ACCIDENT. AND THIS BELIEF WAS CONFIRMED WHEN WE WERE LOOKING FOR AN INTERIOR THAT WE COULD PRESENT IN THIS “CHILDREN’S” ISSUE. RESTAURATEUR JANA HAVRÁNKOVÁ CALLED US UP ONE DAY AND INVITED US TO HER HOME. GUESS WHERE! TO A FORMER SCHOOLHOUSE IN VEHLOVICE NEAR MĚLNÍK! Welcome to a building that simply emanates eternal youth – both due to its former function as an elementary school, and primarily thanks to the efforts of Jana Havránková, who has been living here for 12 years and works as a restaurateur, giving old pieces of furniture back their shine and original appearance. The building was built in 1876 and served as a two-classroom school until 1965. It then remained neglected for many years and was only used ► BUILDING ENTRANCE (RIGHT): Students used to enter the former schoolhouse (built in 1876) through the big wooden doors, which have been preserved almost in their original state. Today they are partially covered in vines growing up the school façade. A garden surrounds the building and is reminiscent of the overgrown secret corners that appeared in the books by Jiří Trnka. Here the trees provide sufficient shade for respite from the blazing summer sun. ENTRANCE HALL AND WORKSHOP (NEXT TWO PAGES): You enter Jana Havránková’s workshop directly from the entrance hall on the ground floor of the building with its original stone floor. The hall also leads to other rooms. Old stairs then lead up to the former classrooms that now serve as the living area.

as storage for civil defence purposes. When the former schoolhouse was bought by Jana’s husband, restaurateur Jan Havránek (who, by the way, renovated all of the inlaid doors in Wallenstein Palace) in 2000, it was full of bric-a-brac. For many years he and Jana, who moved in a little later, spent time putting things in order. In the end they managed to preserve all of the original, valuable elements, creating a unique kind of harmony. “The magic of this place is powerful. I feel connected to this building in a special way and I cannot imagine leaving it or ceasing to care for it,” explains Jana, who, before meeting her husband, preferred modern furniture. She changed her preference, however, because of her husband’s restoration work. Following his death, she then began restoring antiquities herself. “The early days were very hard. My husband’s customers were calling me and I was forced to accept a few orders. After a few set-backs, I finally learned the trade. I took a course from the National Heritage Institute and obtained a restoration licence,” recounts Jana with vigour and enthusiasm. ►

WORKSHOP (PREVIOUS TWO PAGES): Jana has all she needs in her workshop to restore furniture. Some pieces that are already finished are waiting to be handed over to their owners; others are in the process of transformation. The windows on the ground floor still have grates on them from the time that the building was used as civil defence storage. HALL ON THE FIRST FLOOR (LEFT): You enter the bedroom and living room, which used to be classrooms, and the kitchen, which used to be the staff room, from the residential hall on the first floor. The doors to the rooms are not from here originally: the Havráneks saved them from a nearby villa owned by Dr. Rašín.

Today Jana devotes all her time to her profession. Her favourite pieces – generally and for restoration – are in Biedermeier style. She can, however, also repair a “Halabala”, Baroque furniture and other gems. She specialises in surfaces polished only with shellac varnish. She likes to work with the local craftsmen. For example, she only has praise for upholsterer Josef Bukač. Furniture and other items that have regained their lost youth can be seen throughout her home. Living in the former schoolhouse does, however, have its darker side: heating the entire building in winter to a pleasant temperature is difficult with just a fireplace. Paradoxically, because of its position on top of a hill Vehlovice was not hit by the floods in 2000, but also does not have a sewerage system or natural gas connection. The old schoolhouse, due to its size and location, is ideal for further renovation. Jana Havránková would eventually like to open a multifunctional space to serve as a gallery and café. All that’s needed is the right investor! You can learn more on: www.restaurovani-starozitnosti.cz ■ KITCHEN TABLE (LEFT): Old photos and articles about the history of the local school are spread out on the historical kitchen table. The view of landscape around Mělník is wonderful from here. A part of the kitchen that the Havráneks built themselves can be seen peeking out on the left. LIVING ROOMS AND BEDROOM (NEXT TWO PAGES): Because of their generous size, the former classrooms now create a nice living area. The biggest room has an ottoman and a fireplace, which stands in the place of the former school furnace. There is also a reading zone with a custom-built library made from medium-density fireboards. The armchairs and footstools with their striped upholstery, like the rest of the furniture, were made by the owner of the house, restaurateur Jan Havránek.

BATHROOM (PREVIOUS PAGE LEFT): The bathroom on the mezzanine retains the character of the old schoolhouse, which is not usual for such rooms. At the same time, however, it provides all of the comforts of a modern home, including a shower bath. NOOKS AND CRANNIES (PREVIOUS PAGE RIGHT): When walking through the house, Mrs Havránek showed us the countless nooks and crannies that conceal treasures past and present. Pieces of furniture, paintings and other items are waiting here until their time comes. There isn’t a room in the house that hasn’t been touched in some way by the skilled hands of restaurateur Jana.

N E W P O ST E R BY AN T I M U LT I VI TAM I N AT SH O P BY SO F FA.

The illustration Mister-bear Hurvin and Lady-bear Pingla was created by Jan Vajda (Antimultivitamin) exclusively for SOFFA. YOU CAN PURCHASE THE ILLUSTRATION IN THE FORM OF A POSTER AT SHOP BY SOFFA.

S H O P. S O F FA M A G .C O M

opera PRESENTED AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE

STRAVINSKY

THE NIGHTINGALE /

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TCHAIKOVSKY

CONDUCTOR: JAN LATHAM-KOENIG STAGE DIRECTOR: DOMINIK BENEŠ PREMIERE: 22. & 23. 10. 2015

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SOFFA 10 IS PRINTED! DO YOU LIKE THE ONLINE VERSION OF SOFFA? NOW, YOU CAN HAVE THE VOLUME IN PAPER AS WELL. BUY IT IN OUR NEW SHOP BY SOFFA: SHOP.SOFFAMAG.COM

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T R EN DS Playful, colourful and bold

NEO N PI N K text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: Janka Murínová and Lenka Hlaváčová photo: companies‘ archives

SO YOU THINK BRIGHT NEON COLOURS ARE FOR CHILDREN? WRONG! YOU CAN ENJOY PHOSPHORESCENT PIECES OF CLOTHING OR HOME ACCESSORIES AT ANY AGE!

STARBOARD SUNGLASSES Nectar | www.nectarsunglasses.com $ 20

TIME BANDIT CLOCK Zuiver | www.wonenmetlef.nl € 139 PATTERN PAPER NAPKINS Bloomingville | www.nordicday.cz CZK 219

PLUS 9 THROW Hay | www.stockist.cz CZK 6440

CAP TABLE LAMP www.normann-copenhagen.com € 350

FIGURE NO. 1 PRINT www.etsy.com/stevenbeckly CZK 889

DIP DYE TEA LIGHT HOLDER Lime Lace www.notonthehighstreet.com £ 6.95 87

INSP IR E D BY B O L LY WO O D text and styling: Adéla Kudrnová | photo: companies‘ archives

THE ATMOSPHERE OF A COLONIAL HACIENDA THAT YOU’D LIKE TO HOLIDAY IN CAN BE ENJOYED YEAR ROUND. JUST BUY PATTERNED TILES AND MULTI-COLOURED WALLPAPER WITH A MOTIF REMINISCENT OF A BOLLYWOOD FILM.

RETRO PLYWOOD CHAIR Pagholz www.bomdesignfurniture.com | € 75

"SVATÁ KATEŘINA" PAINTING ON GLASS Vlasta Mikundová www.luta.cz | CZK 825

AMALIA & MONTPELLIER CEMENT TILES www.cementtileshop.com $ 6.80/ pc 88

URCHIN FLOOR LAMP Ay Illuminate www.lepatio.cz | CZK 10.900

DINING TABLE Jitona | www.retrofactory.cz CZK 7865

Life Tree wallpaper from the captivating collection, design Catalina Estrada, CoordonnĂŠ You can find it on www.lavthem.cz | photo: CoordonnĂŠ

DVO Ř Á KOVA PR A H A The festival’s young faces

ON T HE T R AIL O F A N TO N Í N DVO Ř Á K text: Bára Perglová, Helena Stiessová | styling and playlist: SOFFA hair: Lukáš Vyhnálek and Lenka Florianová/Bomton Studia | photo: Lina Németh

AT THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER, PRAGUE WILL RESONATE WITH TONES THAT ARE FAMILIAR THE WORLD OVER. THIS YEAR THE MUSIC FESTIVAL, NAMED FOR THE CZECH COMPOSER ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK, WILL OPEN ITS IMAGINARY DOORS FOR THE EIGHTH TIME. ACTUALLY, EIGHT YEARS IN THE LIFE OF A FESTIVAL IS RATHER A SHORT TIME. DESPITE ITS YOUTH, DVOŘÁKOVA PRAHA IS A MUSICAL FEAST EXTRAORDINAIRE. IT EMBODIES THE PERFECT UNITY OF CLASSICAL TONES AND A YOUTHFUL SPIRIT. AND THREE MUSICIANS, WHO FOR US HAVE BECOME THE FESTIVAL’S FACES THIS YEAR, ARE JUST THAT: YOUNG. LET’S UNCOVER SOME CZECH MUSICAL GEMS UNDER THEIR GUIDANCE! The Dvořákova Praha International Music Festival is a celebration of that phenomenal composer’s life works. It offers a rich three-week programme that includes many musical classics. Prominent orchestras take up their scores under the leadership of famous conductors, and internationally renowned soloists and performers come together for this event in Prague. Lovers of orchestral concerts, opera and chamber music will all have a field day. The festival is also mindful of families with children: there’s classical music for all generations! If you daydream, you may already be hearing both tender and thunderous tones from the violins or the piano. But we were more interested in finding out exactly who will be taking up these beautiful instruments. Who will play the music written by our most famous composer? We chatted with the three young and talented musicians, violinist Jan Mráček and pianists Ivo Kahánek and Lukáš Klánský, who will now share with you their rapport with Antonín Dvořák and with music.

We have also prepared a short playlist of examples of Antonín Dvořák’s works. It was put together for us by Jan Mráček, Ivo Kahánek and Lukáš Klánský, who selected their favourite compositions. You can listen to the playlist at DVORAKOVAPRAHA.SOFFAMAG.COM. We wish you pleasant listening! We would like to thank Bomton Studia for hair styling.

►

PLAYLIST: FAVOURITE DVOŘÁK BY YOUNG ARTISTS FOR SOFFA

Piano Trio No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 90 “Dumky” (chosen by Lukáš Klánský)

Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104 (chosen by Lukáš Klánský and Jan Mráček)

Piano Trio No. 3 in F minor, Op. 65 (chosen by Ivo Kahánek)

Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 81 (chosen by Ivo Kahánek)

Mazurek in E minor, Op. 49 (chosen by Jan Mráček)

Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88 “English” (chosen by all three)

The festival programme may be found at: www.dvorakovapraha.cz

LU K Á Š K L Á N S K Ý pianist

LUKÁŠ KLÁNSKÝ IS ONE OF THE MOST IN-DEMAND PIANISTS OF THE YOUNG GENERATION. AS THE SON OF INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED PIANIST AND TEACHER IVAN KLÁNSKÝ, HE IS CONTINUING THE FAMILY TRADITION. HIS OUTSTANDING TALENT AND MUSICAL INTELLIGENCE HAVE MADE THIS GRADUATE OF HAMU (MUSIC AND DANCE FACULTY OF THE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS IN PRAGUE) A SOUGHT-AFTER SOLOIST AND CHAMBER PLAYER. HE PERFORMS AT CONCERTS WITH PROMINENT CZECH ORCHESTRAS AND CONDUCTORS. YOU MAY HAVE HEARD HIS PIANO PERFORMANCES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC AT THE PRAGUE SPRING FESTIVAL, THE VÁCLAV HUDEČEK MUSIC FESTIVAL, IN THE CZECH CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OR AS A MEMBER OF THE LOBKOWICZ TRIO ALONGSIDE VIOLINIST JAN MRÁČEK AND CELLIST IVAN VOKÁČ. HE ALSO ACCOMPANIES THE VIOLIN VIRTUOSO VÁCLAV HUDEČEK AT HIS CONCERTS, AND TEACHES PIANO AT BOTH THE MUSIC HIGH SCHOOL IN PRAGUE AND AT THE CONSERVATORY IN PLZEŇ. LUKÁŠ KLÁNSKÝ HAS ALREADY PLAYED AT A THOUSAND CONCERTS DESPITE BEING, HE HOPES, AT THE MERE BEGINNING OF HIS MUSICAL CAREER.

Antonín Dvořák: Piano Trio No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 90 “Dumky”, publisher: Simrock Volksausgabe, no. 145 Lukáš Klánský’s “providential” composition, wherein he tracks his musical progress.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? It’s very hard to give preference to any one achievement. Those that can be quantified definitely include the Lobkowicz Trio winning at the International Johannes Brahms Competition in Pörtschach in September last year. Nonetheless, it often happens that when I play in a small town, someone from the audience comes up to me after the concert to tell me how they enjoyed my playing and that it’s helped them to forget some or other problem. Those are indescribably powerful moments! That’s why it is very hard for me to evaluate success objectively using the same yardstick. Instead, it’s a collection of experiences and abilities that, combined, give me a sense of doing something meaningful. WHAT IS YOUR RAPPORT WITH ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK? Antonín Dvořák is remarkable for his musical language, which is usually so easy to distinguish even in the case of his lesser known works, and he is definitely one of those composers whose music embodies the innermost message. I love the colourfulness of his symphonies; his orchestration is an asset to both solo and chamber music, which I personally like the most. Of his piano trios, I have been very fond of playing his Piano Trio No. 4 in E Minor “Dumky”, for example, since I was fourteen. It’s one composition in which I can see my performing progress most clearly. There is a big difference between how I played “Dumky” ten years ago and how I play it now. HOW ARE YOU PREPARING FOR DVOŘÁKOVA PRAHA? Although it is of course an extraordinarily prestigious festival, I am preparing for it in the same way as for any other performance. I’ve worked out a preparation style that I try to stick to. However, my colleagues and I have agreed that Prague performances are the hardest, and this is logical: to disgrace oneself on one’s home ground would clearly be unpleasant :). ►

JAN M R ÁČ EK violinist

JAN MRÁČEK IS ONE OF OUR GREATEST AND MOST PROMISING MUSICAL TALENTS. HE GATHERS ACHIEVEMENTS LIKE THE ICING ON THE CAKE. IN 2010 HE CAME SECOND IN THE INTERNATIONAL PRAGUE SPRING COMPETITION AND BECAME THE YOUNGEST SOLOIST IN THE HISTORY OF THE CZECH RADIO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA. HIS MOST RECENT GREAT TRIUMPH WAS IN VIENNA IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, WHEN HE WON FIRST PLACE AT THE EIGHTH FRITZ KREISLER INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION. ON TOP OF THAT, HE, LUKÁŠ KLÁNSKÝ AND IVAN VOKÁČ, WHO MAKE UP THE LOBKOWICZ TRIO, TOOK FIRST PLACE LAST YEAR AT THE INTERNATIONAL JOHANNES BRAHMS COMPETITION IN PÖRTSCHACH, AUSTRIA. IN SHORT, JAN IS IN AND HIS ACHIEVEMENTS ARE COUNTLESS! ON D-DAY (DEBUT DAY) AT THIS YEAR’S DVOŘÁKOVA PRAHA YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LISTEN TO HIS EXQUISITE PERFORMANCE OF DVOŘÁK’S MAZUREK, OP. 49 AND ROMANCE, OP. 11.

Antonín Dvořák: Romance, Op. 11, publisher: Edwin F. Kalmus & Co. Jan Mráček’s favourite composition, which he will play at this year’s Dvořákova Praha as part of the D-Day programme.

HOW DID YOU START PLAYING THE VIOLIN, AND WHAT MADE YOU DEVOTE YOURSELF TO IT PROFESSIONALLY? I come from a musical family – both my parents are violinists – so playing an instrument just came naturally to me. I studied at the Prague Conservatory under Jiří Fišer. There, aged thirteen, I was given many excellent opportunities to play alongside masters such as Josef Suk or Václav Hudeček, a great friend. What made me stick with the music were, on the one hand, the successes – that feeling when I know it’s going somewhere – and, on the other hand, the failures too, because they push me to do things better. WHAT IS KEEPING YOU BUSIEST AT THE MOMENT? TO WHAT, BESIDES DVOŘÁKOVA PRAHA, ARE YOU DEVOTING YOUR TIME? Right now I’m preparing to lead the whole European Youth Orchestra as concertmaster. We’ll be playing Mahler’s 5th Symphony and Tchaikovsky’s Hamlet-Overture, for example. Among other things, it will be my task to make the bow markings on 16 violinists’ sheet music. It’s a lot of work, and I like work to be done properly. Preparation is very important. When a performer plays, he should put his thoughts into his playing, and seek the essence and beauty of the compositions before he even goes onstage. Once there, he must simply play it as well as he can. IN WHAT WAY DOES ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK INSPIRE YOU? I consider Antonín Dvořák a true musical genius. I am a great patriot and I love Dvořák, if only because he’s a Czech composer. Antonín Dvořák had an exceptional feel for combining virtuosic technique and talent; moreover, he had the rare quality of being able to express happiness through music. Close your eyes while listening to his compositions, and a story will unfold before you. And whatever compositions he put his hand to, his orchestra was imbued with a special radiance; this is a signature that really distinguishes him from other artists. ►

100

IVO K A H Á N EK pianist

PIANIST IVO KAHÁNEK HAS EARNED THE REPUTATION OF BEING ONE OF THE MOST COMPELLING ARTISTS OF HIS GENERATION. A GRADUATE OF THE JANÁČEK CONSERVATORY IN OSTRAVA AND THE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS IN PRAGUE, HE HAS RECEIVED MANY SIGNIFICANT AWARDS AT INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS AND HAS PERFORMED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS BOTH IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND ABROAD, GIVING MASTERFUL RENDITIONS OF CZECH AND FOREIGN COMPOSERS AT CONCERTS WITH THE BERLIN PHILHARMONIC UNDER SIR SIMON RATTLE, THE CZECH PHILHARMONIC UNDER JIŘÍ BĚLOHLÁVEK, AND MANY OTHERS. HE IS EVEN CONSIDERED TO BE AN EXPERT IN RECITAL OF CZECH COMPOSERS. HE IS CURRENTLY FOCUSSING ON SOLO PLAYING. BESIDES THIS, HE ALSO TEACHES AT THE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS IN PRAGUE. IVO KAHÁNEK IS CURATOR OF THE ENTIRE CHAMBER SERIES AT THIS YEAR’S DVOŘÁKOVA PRAHA FESTIVAL. HIS SOLO REPERTOIRE TENDS TOWARDS MUSIC FROM THE ROMANTIC PERIOD. HE WILL PERFORM DVOŘÁK’S PIANO PIECES, OP. 52 AND POETIC MOODS, OP. 85.

Antonín Dvořák: Humoresques, Op. 101, publisher Christian Mondrup Another of Ivo Kahánek’s favourite compositions: he is a great admirer of Antonín Dvořák.

102

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Anton Dvoˇ r´ ak Op 101, No. 7

ffi ˇ ˇˇ` ˇ ˇ ˇ ˇˇ ( 3ˇ ˇ( ˇ 6ˇ ˇ 2 Ä ÄÁÁ Ä Ä Ĺ sfz ˇ ˇ ( 6ˇ ˇˇ ˇ 2ˇ ˇ ˇ ˇ rit.

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WHICH EXPERIENCES IN A MUSICIAN’S CAREER DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE MOST VALUABLE? There exist opportunities that almost automatically open doors for you and greatly facilitate your career, and then there are moments that you don’t consider successes at the time but that, with hindsight, you realise taught you something new. The Prague Spring Festival, at which I was the overall winner eleven years ago, was of course a major experience for me; another was performing at the oldest international festival, The BBC Proms in Royal Albert Hall, or more recently with the Berlin Philharmonic. These were immensely strong, intense experiences that teach you a lot. You even learn something about yourself. You perform with the world’s best orchestras and you find out how you respond to pressure. WHAT DOES ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK MEAN TO YOU? Antonín Dvořák has extensive piano work that is not played very often, so I am trying to use this opportunity to rehabilitate certain parts of that work and reveal them in the best possible light. What is formidable about Antonín Dvořák, I think, is that despite building a truly international career, he remained Czech and never abandoned his values. In this day and age, that is most unusual and of high value. Antonín Dvořák was very spontaneous in his works and a great melodist, and brought truly admirable melodic creativity. WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT THIS YEAR’S DVOŘÁKOVA PRAHA FESTIVAL? I was offered the opportunity to curate the chamber series, which means that I put together the dramaturgy and invite numerous artists. I will also perform a number of times during the festival as their chamber partner and as a soloist. I am also responsible for some matters unrelated to music, ranging from textual matter to brochures to media representation. I consider this a most interesting experience, and I’m very much looking forward to September. ■

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ILLUSTRATORS GALLERY For children and adults

A WO R L D F O R C H I L DR EN text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | illustrations: illustrators’ archive

CHILDREN LOVE PICTURES. SINCE CHILDHOOD WE HAVE LOVED TO PERUSE PICTURE BOOKS. WE BROWSE THROUGH STORYBOOKS AND KNOW EXACTLY WHAT PAGE OUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER IS ON. WE ALSO DRAW FIGURES AND HOUSES AS SOON AS WE HAVE A PENCIL IN OUR HAND. AND SOME OF US NEVER MANAGED TO LET PENCIL AND PAPER GO. Get to know some of today’s young artists who create illustrations for children and even adults. We have chosen the most interesting illustrators from around the world. It is clear from their work that a reader’s age is irrelevant: open eyes and an open mind are all that is required. A poetic fantasy world will open up, one that is a beautiful reflection of our seemingly ordinary world. It doesn’t even really matter where the person comes from. The search for talented illustrators will take you to Canada, Russia, Japan and Holland, and when your feet get tired you can head back home and continue the search there. The language that illustrations speak is universal, however: children everywhere are amused by humorous scenes, illustrations burst with colour in all corners of the world or, conversely, emulate children’s work, making do with a few strokes of a pen. In the field of illustration, everything is possible, but under one condition: it has to possess childlike eagerness and comparable enthusiasm for everything that surrounds us. ■

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KATIE PONDER | GREAT BRITAIN | WWW.KATIEPONDER.COM Illustration Titania and Bottom, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream | illustrator: Katie Ponder | www.facebook.com/katieponderart

NIKOLA LOGOSOVÁ | THE CZECH REPUBLIC | NIKKOLETALOGOSOVA.TUMBLR.COM From Tramvaj 22 | author & illustrator: Nikola Logosová publishing house: Běžíliška, beziliska.cz

CATARINA GOMES | PORTUGAL | CATARINAGOMES.PROSITE.COM From Livro (de actividades) para Massajar a Imaginação (Activity Book For Massaging Imagination) | author & illustrator: Catarina Gomes | publishing house: Edition Lidu

JOANNA GROCHOCKA | POLAND | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/IDEYKA From Banzai. Japan for the investigative book | author: Zofia Fabjanowska-Micyk illustrator: Joanna Grochocka | publishing house: Wydawnictwo Dwie Siostry

VLADIMIR RADUNSKY | ITALIA & USA | WWW.VLADIMIRRADUNSKY.COM From Advice to Little Girls book | author: Mark Twain | illustrator: Vladimir Radunsky publishing house: Enchanted Lion Books, www.enchantedlionbooks.com

MARIJKE BUURLAGE | THE NETHERLANDS | WWW.MARIJKEBUURLAGE.COM An underwater world illustration from a personal project â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a planned picture book illustrator: Marijke Buurlage | www.facebook.com/marijkeillustration

JAN VAJDA | ANTIMULTIVITAMIN | THE CZECH REPUBLIC | WWW.ANTIMULTIVITAMIN.CZ

Illustration: Mister-bear Hurvin and Lady-bear Pingla - an unexpected love story illustrator: Jan Vajda | www.facebook.com/antimultivitaminstudio

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SO F FA & PA R T N ER S Fashion with ZOOT

GE N ER AT I O N Z article partner: ZOOT | text: Bára Perglová styling: Michaela Roubínková & SOFFA | make-up: Pavlína Štěpanovská hair: Klára Doležalová/Bomton Studia | photo: Adéla Havelková

IN THIS ISSUE DEVOTED TO YOUTH, WE GOT TOGETHER WITH ZOOT TO GIVE YOU AN INSIGHT INTO THE SEVEN FASHION WORLDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE BORN AFTER 1989. HOW DO THEY DRESS? WHAT DO THEY ENJOY ABOUT FASHION AND WHERE DO THEY LOOK FOR INFORMATION? COME WITH US TO DISCOVER WHAT THE CURRENT GENERATION IS WEARING AND WHY! We talked to seven young people who grew up in the 1990s and documented their own unique style and their take on fashion. Although each of them live in entirely different environments, they all agree that with clothing you can become someone else, at least for a while. The way we dress is influenced by the community that we hang out with, and our clothes express our opinion or mood. Fashion characterises us and sometimes even changes the way we behave. Women in high heels feel more self-confident; men in suits are more cultivated in their behaviour. Even changing your outfit is a way to boost your confidence and better present yourself. The only task given to the models before the photoshoot was a simple one: bring one piece of clothing that you like to wear the most. Then, with the help of talented stylist Míša Roubínková, they chose clothes and accessories in their own style from ZOOT.cz. Generation Z have guts and style! See for yourself! Go to WWW.SOFFAMAG.COM/YOUTUBE to see a video from the photo shoot and the actual process of selecting the clothing. Don’t miss the unique combination of fashion, fun and style as presented by generation Z! ■ We would like to thank Mount Capital company and Bomton Studia.

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K ARO L Í N A ( 1 9 9 5 ) ENERG E TIC UNICO RN ALTHOUGH KÁJA CHOSE A SKIRT FOR HER OUTFIT, SHE SEES HER STYLE RATHER AS BOYISH. SHE HAS A WEAKNESS FOR UNICORNS AND COLOURED SOCKS. SHE LIKES COMBINING BLACK WITH WHITE AND PINK. KÁJA IS VERY ENERGETIC AND CHEERFUL, SO SHE WAS IN HER ELEMENT IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA. AS SHE IS ALWAYS ON THE GO, SHE PREFERS LOOSE-FITTING ITEMS IN ORDER TO FEEL COMFORTABLE. SHE HAS TRIED OUT VARIOUS STYLES SINCE PUBERTY: FROM EMO AND HIP-HOP TO WHAT SHE WEARS NOW (FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS). WHAT SHE ENJOYS MOST ABOUT FASHION IS HOW TRENDS MAKE A COMEBACK AND CLOTHES CAN BE RECYCLED. TODAY SHE CAN TAKE SOME OLDER ITEMS FROM HER MOTHER AND STILL LOOK STUNNING.

Sweatshirt, Mr. Gugu & Miss Go, CZK 1469; skirt, Vero Moda, CZK 829; socks, Happy Socks, CZK 159; sneakers, Skechers, CZK 1469 – all ZOOT.cz Unicorn head, her own

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HO N ZA ( 1 9 9 4 ) FUN E LEGANCE HONZA IS A GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND PHOTOGRAPHER, AND JUST LIKE HIS WORK, HIS CLOTHES ARE MINIMALIST. HE BELIEVES THAT EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN STYLE WHICH REFLECTS NOT ONLY THEIR PERCEPTION OF THE WORLD BUT ALSO THE WAY THEY DRESS. HE WOULD EVEN SAY THAT FASHION CHARACTERISES A PERSON, AND IN HIS SPECIFIC T-SHIRTS AND SIMPLE TROUSERS OF VARIOUS COLOURS, HE IS EASILY DISTINGUISHABLE AMONG HIS FRIENDS. EVEN THE COMBINATION OF CLOTHES HE HAS CHOSEN DESCRIBE HIM TO A TEE: A SIMPLE WHITE SHIRT WITH A PRINT, ELEGANT TROUSERS, COMFORTABLE SHOES AND A JACKET THAT GIVES THE ENTIRE OUTFIT A DASH OF ELEGANCE. WHAT HONZA ENJOYS MOST ABOUT FASHION IS ITS DIVERSITY. IN A BLAZER HE IS “CLEAN CUT” AND IN SNEAKERS A “REBEL”.

Blazer, Selected, CZK 2199; t-shirt, Zoot original, CZK 429; trousers, Selected, CZK 1249; socks, Oddsocks, CZK 499/set of 6 pieces; shoes, ALDO, CZK 1749 – all ZOOT.cz Glasses and bag, his own

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JU L I E ( 1 9 9 5) R ID ING THE RE TRO WAVE JULIE WEARS VERY FEMININE FASHION. SHE LIKES HIGHLIGHTING HER FIGURE AND EMPHASISING HER HIPS AND WAIST. BEFORE ARRIVING AT HER CURRENT STYLE, SHE WENT THROUGH A SPORTS AND OUTDOOR CLOTHING PHASE, BEING AN AVID GIRL SCOUT. AT THAT TIME, WEARING SKIRTS FOR A WEEK WAS A MAJOR CHALLENGE FOR HER. BUT ONCE, SHE ENDED UP WEARING THEM FOR A WHOLE MONTH AND REALISED SHE LIKED DOING SO. TO HER PENCHANT FOR EMPHASISING HER FEMININITY SHE RECENTLY ADDED RETRO AND PIN-UP STYLING. ON TOP OF THAT, SHE DANCES SWING, AND THANKS TO THIS PASTIME, SHE IS SURROUNDED BY A COMMUNITY WITH A SIMILAR FASHION SENSE. JULIE FEELS THAT THERE IS A STRONG LINK BETWEEN FASHION AND PSYCHOLOGY. SHE SEES IT AS A WAY OF BEING ABLE TO BECOME SOMEONE DIFFERENT JUST BY CHANGING HER OUTFIT.

Dress, Fever London, CZK 1679; pumps, Mel, CZK 1769; handbag, Zatchels, CZK 1099 – all ZOOT.cz Beads, bow and bracelet, her own

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SE BAS T I A N ( 1 9 9 3 ) NEW-AGE GE NTLE MAN THE COMBINATION CHOSEN BY SEBASTIAN IS PROVOCATIVE COLOUR-WISE AND AT THE SAME TIME CULTIVATED THANKS TO THE SHIRT. SEBASTIAN REALLY LIKES WEARING FORMAL DRESS AS HE FEELS VERY FEW PEOPLE THESE DAYS TRY TO DRESS NICELY. HE HAS HAD THIS PREFERENCE EVER SINCE HE STARTED HAVING TO DON FORMAL ATTIRE. HE GRADUALLY MADE IT PART OF HIS DAY-TO-DAY WEAR, AS HE FINDS IT COMFORTABLE. AT ONE TIME HAS WAS AN AVID READER OF MAGAZINES SUCH AS VOGUE AND WOULD PAY ATTENTION TO EVERY DETAIL OF HIS OUTFIT, INCLUDING THE COLOUR OF HIS SOCKS AND ACCESSORIES, BUT THEN HE BEGAN STUDYING SCULPTURE. HE QUICKLY REALISED HOW RESTRICTING FASHION WAS AND STOPPED SEEING THE SENSE IN IT. NOW HE DEVOTES ALMOST ALL OF HIS TIME TO HIS ART.

Shirt, Bellfield, CZK 399; sunglasses, Komono, CZK 1189; trousers, Selected, CZK 1399; watch, Diesel, CZK 6639 – all ZOOT.cz Shoes; his own

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T E REZA ( 1 9 9 4 ) FRU G AL MINIMALISM TERKA FEELS BEST IN MINIMALIST CLOTHES. SHE CHOSE THE GREY “SHIRTDRESS” WITH A LONGER COAT BECAUSE OF THE SIMPLE CUT. SHE PREFERS GREY, BLACK AND BROWN, NO PRINTS AND SIMPLE CUTS THAT ARE NEVER FITTED. SHE WEARS THE WATCH AND THE RINGS BECAUSE OF THEIR SENTIMENTAL VALUE. ALTHOUGH SHE LIKES FASHION MAGAZINES AND FOLLOWS INSTAGRAM PROFILES, TEREZA DOES NOT POINTEDLY SET OUT TO LOOK FOR FASHION INSPIRATION. SHE EXPRESSES HER PERSONALITY AND IDEAS BY WHAT SHE WEARS, BUT IT IS NOT HER LIFE STANCE. SHE DOES WANT TO CONFORM TO FASHION TRENDS, TO EXPERIMENT OR TO SPEND TIME THINKING UP COMBINATIONS. FOR TERKA, FASHION IS SOMETHING TO FEEL GOOD IN. SHE DOES NOT EXPECT HER STYLE TO CHANGE RADICALLY, JUST BECOME SIMPLER.

Dress, Noisy May, CZK 699; sneakers, Toms, CZK 2049; bracelet, YVON, CZK 339; handbag, LYDC, CZK 1299 – all ZOOT.cz Trench coat, her own

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VO J TA ( 1 9 9 7 ) CALC U L ATE D CARE LE SSNE SS VOJTA PLAYS IN A HARD-CORE BAND AND REGULARLY WEARS A FIVE-PANEL CAP AND CAMOUFLAGE T-SHIRT. BOTH BELONG TO THE STYLE OF THE HARD-CORE COMMUNITY IN WHICH HE HANGS AROUND. FASHION AFFECTS HIM TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, BUT HE IS NOT VERY INTERESTED IN IT AND WEARS WHATEVER HE COMES UP WITH OR DRESSES FOR THE OCCASION, WHEN HE HAS TO LOOK RESPECTABLE. HE DOES NOT SET OUT TO LOOK FOR INSPIRATION, BUT SOMETIMES SOMETHING CATCHES HIS EYE ON INSTAGRAM OR HE NOTICES WHAT PEOPLE IN OTHER BANDS ARE WEARING. WHEN HE USED TO LIVE IN FRANCE, HE PREFERRED DISCO STYLE WITH TIGHT WHITE TROUSERS, BUT HAS BEEN DRESSING SIMILARLY TO THE WAY HE DOES NOW FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS. HE DOES NOT LIKE BEING A SLAVE TO FASHION TRENDS, BUT DOES NOT EXPRESSLY REJECT THEM. HE DRESSES NATURALLY AND WEARS WHATEVER HE HAPPENS TO LIKE AT THAT MOMENT.

Cap, Adidas, CZK 729; t-shirt, Brixton, CZK 899; jeans, D-Struct, CZK 749; backpack, Herschel, CZK 2999 – all ZOOT.cz Socks and sneakers, his own

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MÍ Š A ( 1 9 9 0 ) COU R AGEO US CHAME LEON MÍŠA DOES NOT REMEMBER A SINGLE DAY WHERE SHE DID NOT THINK ABOUT WHAT SHE WAS GOING TO WEAR. IT HAS BEEN A DAILY RITUAL SINCE CHILDHOOD. VERY EARLY ON SHE BEGAN TO SEE FASHION AS A WAY TO EXPRESS HER OPINIONS OR FEELINGS. COLOURS CHARACTERISE HER: RED IS TYPICAL FOR HER, BRIGHT COLOURS EXPRESS HAPPINESS AND BLACK IS A COLOUR SHE NO LONGER WEARS. HER PASSION FOR FASHION HAS LED HER TO BECOME A FASHION STYLIST, WHICH IS A PROFESSION WHERE SHE CAN APPLY HER EXCELLENT SENSE FOR DETAIL AND PLAYFULNESS. MÍŠA IS A CHAMELEON AND IS NOT AFRAID TO TRY NEW THINGS AND EVEN DIFFERENT STYLES, AND SO SHE IS IN NO WAY DEFINED. THANKS TO THIS, SHE GARNERS EXPERIENCE AND CAN ADVISE HER CLIENTS AS TO WHAT WORKS AND WHAT THEY MAY FEEL GOOD IN. SHE, HOWEVER, LIKES IT WHEN FASHION IS SUBTLE AND MAKES PEOPLE THINK, WHEN IT IS ORIGINAL AND AT THE SAME TIME EASILY RECOGNISABLE.

Neckerchief, Fraas, CZK 259; t-shirt, Cheap Monday, CZK 549; blazer, Closet, CZK 1599; skirt, Closet, CZK 969; pumps, Ruby Shoo, CZK 1269 – all ZOOT.cz Hat and glasses, her own

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Sneakers ADIDAS ORIGINALS, 1929 CZK Jacket NEW LOOK, 1449 CZK Dress VERO MODA, 999 CZK

Sneakers ADIDAS ORIGINALS, 1999 CZK Jeans SHINE ORIGINAL, 1499 CZK Cardigan SELECTED, 1399 CZK T-shirt WESC, 989 CZK

D I Y PRO J EC T S Cut-out doll

PICTURES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Adéla Havelková

SHE LOVES LAUGHTER, FUN, HER FAMILY, CHILDREN, PATTERNS AND TRYING NEW THINGS – ALL OF THESE THINGS CHARACTERISE NADIA CHAIR TIRADO, THE ILLUSTRATOR WHO CALLS HERSELF NIÑASILLA AND WHO HAS CREATED A CUT-OUT DOLL AND ORIGINAL “CATCH YOUR DREAMS” TOTE BAG FOR SOFFA. GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER! In Spanish, “Niña” means girl and “silla” means chair. Nadia Chair Tirado, hailing from Barcelona, Spain, used these two words to create her own pseudonym that so well describes her work. Everything that Nadia creates – from stylised figures of known artists to clothing patterns – has a playful, innocent, childlike spirit that conjures up a smile on the faces of both children and adults. Nadia came to Prague in 2010 due to the economic crisis in Spain. In addition to other jobs, she also earned extra money caring for children, who she began drawing, and that’s how the successful collection of posters of stylised figures “The Littles” came to be. In addition to this, Nadia designs brooches and makes illustrations on commission. Now she is preparing a collection of scarves called Cuerpecitomio together with her friend Vane and working on a book for adults called Ludmila and the Dear Child Object. Every one of us has a dream, and it is important to keep reminding yourself of yours. Niñasilla has therefore designed the CATCH YOUR DREAMS tote bag for SOFFA. You can get it only at SHOP BY SOFFA! More on: www.ninasilla.com and www.fler.cz/ninasilla ■

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CU T- O U T DR ES S -U P DO L L concept and illustrations: Niñasilla for SOFFA

WHY FEEL YOU HAVE TO COME UP WITH SOMETHING COMPLICATED AND DIFFERENT AT ANY PRICE WHEN CLASSIC, TRIED-AND-TRUE TOYS ARE THE BEST ANYWAY? THAT IS WHY WE PLACED OUR BETS ON A PAPER DRESS-UP DOLL DESIGNED FOR US BY NIÑASILLA! DIFFICULTY: very easy TIME: 20 min. WHAT YOU NEED: doll template scissors paper for mounting (optional) glue (optional)

Niñasilla has created the SOFFA girl especially for you, so the doll accessories include items that no proper SOFFA subscriber can do without: the latest issue of the magazine, a laptop and a water bottle. You can cut out the doll with your children, and they can play with it for the rest of the summer. Or, you can cut it out just for yourself when stressed out at work as a form of therapy! DIRECTIONS: It’s extremely simple – just cut out the doll along the dotted lines. As the doll is relatively big, we recommend gluing it to another piece of paper to make it easier to play with. Then just cut out the accessories. ■

LEFT: The Little Artists poster collection is quite extensive and contains well-known artists and personalities. Nadia likes to call them “The Littles”. She makes the figures to order, so if you want your own portrait in Niñasilla’s signature style, it can be yours!

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S OF FA GIRL SOFFA by Niñasilla 2015

DRESS HER UP S O F F A BY NIÑASILLA 2015 138

S O F F A BY NIÑASILLA 2015

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O RIGINAL TOTE B AG

CATCH YOUR DREAMS designed by Ni単asilla for SOFFA

S H OP. S O F FAM AG .CO M

UNIQUE HERITAGE PROPERTIES FOR RENT PRAGA SITE – PRAGUE – CZECH REPUBLIC

It will hold on to You. A jewel by Adéla Pečlová.

MOUNT CAPITAL, s.r.o. T: +420 266 315 944 E: dkosata@mountcap.com

WWW.ADELAPECLOVA.CZ

EXCURSION! Does the word conjure up an image of sore feet and lots of sweat? We have an elegant solution. Take a boat trip. Discover the amazing landscape around the Sázava, Otava, Lužnice and Morava Rivers with SAMBA boat rentals.

Send your answer to the following question to info@soffamag.com (subject: KUSKOVU): The works of what designer appearing at KusKovu gallery are closest to your heart, and why? WWW.KUSKOVU.CZ

WWW.PUJCOVNA-LODI.CZ

WIN A RING FROM KUSKOVU GALLERY!

The complete rules: www.soffamag.com.

WIN A SHOWROOM. VOUCHER WORTH CZK 500! Write to us at info@soffamag.com (subject: Showroom.) and tell us which of the designers whose work is showcased in our new SHOWROOM. is dearest to your heart, and why. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.showroomdot.cz at the same time, and stand a chance to win a voucher worth CZK 500 that can be applied to your next SHOWROOM. purchase. For the complete contest rules, go to www.soffamag.com.

SHOWROOM. | Klimentskรก 3 | Prague 1 www.facebook.com/ShowroomPrague

T R AV EL Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go boating!

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T WO DAY S O N T H E OTAVA R I V ER text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Lina Németh

TO REMIND OURSELVES HOW WE MOST PREFERRED SPENDING THE SUMMER AS CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS, WE HEADED OFF TO GO BOATING DOWN A RIVER. TWO DAYS ON THE WATER BRING PEOPLE CLOSER TOGETHER AND GIVE YOU A LOT OF MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOR A LIFETIME. AND YOU STILL DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THE REST OF SUMMER? HOPEFULLY YOU’LL BE INSPIRED TO GO CANOEING DOWN ONE OF OUR BEAUTIFUL RIVERS. TAKE ONLY THE BARE NECESSITIES WITH YOU: GOOD SPIRITS, GOOD FRIENDS, A SWIMSUIT AND SOMETHING TO WARM YOUR TOES! In the last week of June, we packed our tents and sleeping bags and set off to navigate the Otava River. We chose the section between Sušice and Katovice, which is most appropriate for a two-day trip. If you would prefer just a daytrip or, conversely, a whole week, the best itineraries can be found here: www.pujcovna-lodi.cz. The plan for day one was the 16-km route from the boaters’ camp in Sušice, where we rented our canoe from Samba rentals (www.pujcovna-lodi.cz), to the camp in Horažďovice. We paddled down a wide valley with beautiful views of the landscape and Rabí castle, where turbulent sections were interspersed with calm ones. A 12-km run to Katovice was in store for us the ►

RIGHT: Some sections of the Otava River between Sušice and Katovice are quite low. This is especially true of the section known as “na voleji” – here canoers have to work a little harder, but the view from the water is well worth the effort. Striped bikini, blue bikini, white hat, flower for the hair, all H&M

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next day. There were a lot of weirs along the way. We navigated some of them; in other cases we opted to carry our boats. Do you feel like experiencing a similar river adventure? Believe us when we tell you it is suitable even for beginners! If still in doubt, have a look at the video from the trip on www.soffamag.com/youtube. HOW TO BEHAVE ON THE WATER: Have you never been canoeing? We have some basic information and terms that can be applied to any river. In the Czech Republic, communication between boaters is informal and the most common greeting is ahoj (pronounced ahoy). Other than the canoe itself, the basic equipment includes a paddle, life vest, and a dry barrel for storing things. Take only old things. If you need to take certain documents or valuables with you, wrap them in plastic bags. The stern paddler, who sits in the back and steers the canoe, gets in first, with the person who will sit in the bow holding the canoe in place. The bow paddler notifies the stern paddler about all approaching rocks and other obstacles. There are two primary commands you should know: contra (reverse, paddle backwards) and lego (stop paddling, put the paddle on your lap). The most important boating rule is this: don’t take any unnecessary risks. ► PREVIOUS PAGE: Before heading off downstream, take an hour or two to explore Sušice, nicknamed the Gate to the Šumava Mountains. Its historical centre, which is a heritage zone, conceals a host of architecturally valuable buildings. Rozacín House (an old pharmacy) with its Renaissance gable and sgraffito façade is well worth seeing. White dress with blue embroidery and short hippy-style overalls, both H&M RIGHT: Experiencing carefree, romantic days on the water means doing and getting everything yourself, as there are no amenities around, save some tiny kiosks. Roasting sausages and potatoes over an open fire was our dining experience.

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WHAT TO VISIT ALONG THE OTAVA RIVER: The two-day trip was both physically demanding and time-consuming. Nevertheless, you should make time and get out of the canoe to enjoy the surrounding landscape and monuments. At the starting point is Sušice, a former royal town that is situated on both banks of the goldladen Otava River. It population exceeds 11 000 and the highlight is the square with its Gothic and Renaissance houses. Sušice lies at the foot of the Šumava Mountains on the crossroads of the hiking trails and the edge of Šumava National Park. It is therefore the perfect starting point for a lot of trips. Sušice is generally well known for its matches, which used to be manufactured by the company SOLO from 1839 to 2008. A must is a visit to Rabí castle, the biggest castle ruin in the Czech Republic. The castle was built in the 13th century and its primary role was to defend the trade route connecting Sušice and Horažďovice and the rich gold-panning sites along the Otava River. In June 1421, the castle, which used to belong to the Rýzmberk family, was conquered by the Hussites. During the siege, the famous one-eyed warrior Jan Žižka from Trocnov lost his other eye. During the Thirty Years’ War the castle was looted and pillaged and, in the 18th century, burned down. ► LEFT AND NEXT TWO PAGES: One of the mandatory stops en route from Sušice to Katovice is Rabí castle and the village of the same name lying at the foot of the ruin. Before making your way to the steep castle walls, stop for some authentic Czech soft ice-cream and admire the beautiful Rural Baroque gables on the square. Perched above the Otava River, Rabí castle (elevation: 540 m.) is a national cultural monument and the largest historical ruin in the country. It boasts one of the most advanced defence systems of its time in Europe, and it is famous for the Hussite siege of June 1421, during which Jan Žižka from Trocnov lost his second eye. Black-and-white straw hat, white lace tunic, striped bikini, white dress with blue embroidery, all H&M

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The Battle at Horažďovice – have you heard of it? On 12 October 1420, the Hussite army, under the command of Jan Žižka, defeated the united armies of the Rožmberks and the South Bohemian and West Bohemian nobilities. About 100 years earlier, in 1307, the Bohemian king Rudolph of Habsburg died of dysentery in Horažďovice. An important historical role was played by the nearby Prácheň castle, whose ruins hidden in the nearby forests have quite a haunted feel. WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK: Prepare proper supplies, including water and snacks. It’s important to supplement your energy. You will run across various refreshment stands for canoeists along the river, where you can always get something to eat. But be prepared for the Czech classics, such as fried cheese, French fries, goulash, sausages and the like. Nothing for people on a diet! ►

LEFT: Only some of the weirs between Sušice and Katovice are negotiable. The boat rental agency will give you a map that shows which ones are open to boaters. Don’t forget to put on a life vest each time you get in the canoe (unless you’ve already decided not take it off at any time). Weirs are dangerous and it’s important to be careful and not to take risks. If you are not an experienced boater, portaging is the better option in all cases. It is always best to land your canoe a safe distance from the weir and survey the obstacle from the shore. NEXT TWO PAGES: The next stop on the journey was the town of Horažďovice, with its historical core and the nearby ruin of Prácheň. We also recommend visiting the local Černý kafe café, which blew us away with its clean design, imaginative interior and excellent coffee. Striped bikini, blue bikini, white hat, flower for the hair, all H&M

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WHERE TO SLEEP: Camping goes hand-in-hand with canoeing, so forget about sleeping in a hotel. A mat, a sleeping bag and warm clothes are what you need. During high season, it is best to reserve a camping spot to be sure to have a place to sleep. We slept at the Rosenauerův mlýn (Rosenaur Mill) camp in Horažďovice, and we highly recommend it. WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT MISS IN THE VICINITY: If you have more than two days available, don’t hesitate to explore the surroundings more thoroughly. The vernacular architecture in Rural Baroque style in Střelské Hoštice and Katovice are very much worth seeing. Near Prácheň castle you can find an exposition of vernacular architecture in Chanovice. Strakonice castle and the Svatobor lookout tower and lodge are also interesting destinations. WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN SEEING THE SOFFA TEAM ACTUALLY BOATING DOWN A RIVER? THEN GO TO WWW.SOFFAMAG.COM/ YOUTUBE. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: www.pujcovna-lodi.cz, rosenauer.unas.cz, www.sumavanet.cz/horazdovice, www.mestosusice.cz/susice, www.hrad-rabi.eu ■ We would like to thank Samba for renting the canoes, H&M for the clothes, and Biofilms Rental for lending us the photography and video equipment.

RIGHT AND THE NEXT TWO PAGES: Our dog Avatar was always impatient for our next stop. You will run across a lot of refreshment stands and campsites along the Otava. The scene is always the same: tents, a stand with fried cheese, sausages and beer, a lifejacket stand and lots of canoes. White hat, white lace tunic, striped bikini, short hippy-style overalls, all H&M

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