Code:Mode 2010 Prague-Free Fashion Weekend

Luckily for counterculture fashionistas, Code:Mode 2010 Prague-Free Fashion Weekend is bringing many of them together under one, architecturally-appealing roof. From November 26-28 the Bubenská (Bubenská 1) exhibition space, the same venue that recently housed Designblok, is hosting this alternative fashion expo, which has blossomed from an unassuming 2006 gathering at the NoD experimental space above the Roxy nightclub, into an unprecedented success with 10,000 people attending 2009’s Code:Mode at Karlín Hall.

Says Jovanka Vlckova, DAMU student, production manager at Roxy/NoD and Code:Mode founder, “The main idea is to showcase fashion designers, jewelers and retailers who share an interest in original creation. It allows them to present and sell their products which include everything from crazy dresses and skirts to street sportswear, a large selection of jewelry in a variety of materials and a rich assortment of shoes, hats and bags.” Favorite indie boutiques Tribo, Flamingo Park, Le Femme Mimi, Pour Pour and Parazit will be present as will fresh new labels from Czech and Slovak designers.

But why Prague-Free? “We are not commercial [or dictating trends] in any way. Everyone should wear what suits them and their personality and mood regardless of trends,” she says. For those designers looking to sell their wares at the next event, tentatively slated for spring, Code:Mode organizers encourage you to submit your application; though cuts are necessary due to limited space. “Anyone who is self-designing or making clothes or jewelry and accessories and who has a real or internet shop, is free to apply. Our main criteria are originality and wide-ranging appeal for visitors.” (To see this year’s surplus go here.)

The day is also built for socializing, building community and, most of all, cultural enrichment. “It’s primarily a cultural event focused on original fashion, with a diverse program,” adds Vlckova. Fashions shows, day-long DJs, video performances, hairstylists, book stalls and a chill-out WiFi lounge set up to encourage networking, brainstorming and relaxing, hold up her culture-event promise. A kid’s corner with textiles workshops for wee hands, puppet theater, a playground and cafe lend family-friendly appeal.

Bags, Shoes, Accessories
Ether‘s leather belts and headbands in high-voltage pinks and yellows showcase the spring/summer 2011 trends of dynamic colors and high-sheen fabrics. Check out Jane Bond for the name alone; stick around to browse quirky hair doodads and hats. Hezuč’s slouchy satchels, messenger bags and wallets are made from all manner of recycled materials. Slovak label Kiki Bike‘s clasped clutches and big bags in retro-patterned fabrics and pastel floral prints with chunky wooden handles are mildly reminiscent of the Anthropolgie store aesthetic. For guys, messenger bags from PlayBag (with plastic-coated black-and-white photo flap) or Animaler (accented with funky prints) make for your perfect European carryall. Stacked-heeled and sorbet-colored sneakers from Prestige traditional Czech shoes are anything but.

Jewelry
Bee Sting‘s pendants take their cues from vintage picture frames and old photos with quirky add-ons like tutu fabric. Elegant, shimmery metallic necklaces and earrings from Michaela Gorcová take the form of delicate wings. The ropey fabric strands from Blanq are somewhere between a necklace and a scarf. Samo and Sato make Pop-Art brooches from recycled trash mags. Unisex jewelry from Honza showcases chunky cuffs, chokers and lariats. Zazu Laka crafts modern geometric styles including elegant silver rings.