From forks to fashion, Czech designers turn the everyday into extraordinary

In a ceremony at Prague’s Estates Theatre on Monday, the Academy of Czech Design (Akademie designu ČR) announced the winners of the 19th Czech Grand Design Awards, spotlighting the nation’s top creative talents and celebrating the legacy of Czech design.

The highlight of the evening was the crowning of fashion designer Jan Černý as the Grand Designer of the Year 2024. Černý earned the prestigious title for his innovative collection for the Czech Olympic and Paralympic teams.

Černý's work transformed a powerful artistic vision into a contemporary streetwear collection that made Czech athletes stand out.

“Jan Černý turned a strong creative vision into a unisex outfit that boldly displays the national tricolor, elevated by his signature Rorschach print inspired by Vladimír Boudník,” said Andrea Březinová, curator at the Moravian Gallery in Brno and a member of the expert jury.

The collection, which seamlessly combined functionality with elegance and infused subtle hints of nostalgia and national tradition, has already garnered significant international acclaim.

In addition to Černý’s triumph, the ceremony honored photography legend Libuše Jarcovjáková by inducting her into the Czech Design Hall of Fame. Jarcovjáková, one of the most influential photographers in the Czech Republic and abroad, is celebrated for her fearless approach and groundbreaking work capturing underrepresented communities and cultural landmarks.

Her induction marks a historic first for the awards, underscoring the growing recognition of photography as an integral facet of design.

The awards, judged by 67 prominent figures from the realms of curatorship, gallery management, journalism, and design theory, also recognized excellence across eight categories. Each winner received a distinctive crystal cake, a symbolic creation designed by Jan Plecháč, the artistic director of Moser glassworks.

Crafted from the purest crystal and divided into 11 segments forming a flawless circle, the cake embodies the unity and precision of Czech design, said organizers.

Among the other honorees, designer and artistic director Kateřina Handlová of Rückl glassworks was named Designer of the Year by the Ministry of Culture. Handlová was lauded for her visionary collections—including the Unreality vases for Rückl, Flare lamps for Bomma, and specially designed medals for the Ice Hockey World Championship 2024.

Rounding out the night’s accolades, young talent Magdalena Šťastníková was recognized as Jewelry Designer of the Year for her collections for cruise24, while Projekt Identita by studio Mowshe garnered praise in graphic design. In illustration, Michal Bačák’s exceptional intarsia work for bar Forbína impressed the jury, and photographer Lena Knappová was honored as Photographer of the Year for her compelling editorial and backstage imagery.

The Discovery of the Year accolade went to designer Natálie Navrátilová, whose innovative stainless steel cutlery and office collection have marked her as a rising star.

The complete list of nominees, finalists, and expert commentary can be found on the Czech Grand Design website; an exhibition of the finalists is currently running at Kunsthalle until Monday, March 10.