BOZIDARA: Contemporary Heritage, Crafted by Hand

There is a quiet confidence to Božidara Richterová’s work — a sense of calm that comes from memory, material and time rather than trends. Her knitwear is rooted in childhood recollections, in the rhythm of hands working with wool, in the atmosphere of slower days spent with her grandmother, where craft was part of everyday life, not a statement.

In this edition of Atelier Conversations, Božidara speaks about returning to simplicity, about Paris and Italy as endless sources of inspiration, but also about the English countryside — its muted palette, understated elegance and timeless sense of comfort that subtly echoes through her collections. “I’m drawn to pieces that last, that feel honest and grounded,” she says — and that philosophy runs through every knit she creates.

On a personal note, I’ve long been drawn to the way Božidara documents her everyday life alongside her creative work — moments with her family, quiet travels, details that often go unnoticed. We also share a love for Prague 6, its calm streets, gardens and villas, a part of the city where time seems to slow down. That balance between city life and retreat, between heritage and modern living, is exactly what makes her work feel so natural and timeless.

There is also an effortless charm to Božidara’s world — perhaps shaped by her background in French language and culture — that translates into a style that feels chic, understated and deeply personal. Her collections have been featured in Elle, Vogue etc. and on fashion runways during FW shows, yet they remain grounded, wearable and quietly confident. This conversation opens a window into her creative process, where tradition meets contemporary femininity and luxury is defined not by excess, but by comfort, touch and intention.

When was the last time something moved you so deeply that you thought: I need to transform this into my work?

It was when I discovered an extra batch of wool in a colour I had been searching for for years. I immediately knew what I wanted to create from it. It felt like a return to childhood — to my grandmother, to simple, classic silhouettes — reimagined as timeless pieces made from beautiful, luxurious materials.

Which colour or texture best describes your current mood — and why?

Chocolate brown. It’s a colour that might be trendy right now, but it’s also one I’ve loved for years. It’s the colour I used when I knitted my very first sweater for my brother when I was thirteen. And texture — cables, and more cables. My new collection is entirely built around them. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship and handwork.

,,Finding balance is something I’ve been working on my entire life. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t — and that’s part of the process we all go through in whatever we do.“

What helps you reconnect with yourself when you get lost in your own creative process?

I always do everything intensely and with passion, so when I’ve been deeply immersed in work for too long, stepping away for a moment can be difficult — but it’s absolutely essential. What helps me most are the people closest to me, especially time spent with my family.

What fascinates you at the moment — in life, in light, in people, in details?

Nature and the animals within it. As I get older, I notice more, I slow down. I no longer rush the way I used to. Sometimes I simply pause and absorb the beauty and the scents around me.

Is there a place you return to when you need to feel creative energy again?

Definitely Paris. Paris will always be close to my heart. Its effortless elegance, style, and the personalities I meet there are endlessly inspiring and energising for me. And although I’ve just returned from Venice — where I was surrounded by so much beauty that deeply inspired me — I’d say these two places resonate with me the most: Paris and Italy in general.

What does your creative chaos look like, and how do you keep balance within it?

My creative chaos is truly chaotic. It’s hard to describe — wool everywhere, needles, papers, sketches, samples. What helps me is changing my environment and putting everything down on paper, clarifying my thoughts, and then letting things rest for a while. Finding balance is something I’ve been working on my entire life. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t — and that’s part of the process we all go through in whatever we do. I don’t believe there’s a single formula. What works once might not work the next time. And even when I do find balance, there’s no guarantee how long it will last. I’m a natural extremist, so I often jump from one extreme to another — but sometimes I feel that’s the only way to eventually find that golden middle.

What does your ideal work-free Sunday look like?

Time spent with my family.

If you could exhibit only one piece that speaks for everything you do, which one would it be?

A turtleneck. I adore turtlenecks and wear them most often. It’s a piece from the new collection I’m currently working on, and I believe it represents me best — celebrating craftsmanship, handwork, and attention to detail.

What is your favourite ritual that has nothing to do with creating?

Taking a bath and allowing myself to pause for a moment.

How do you perceive being an artist today?

I think being an artist today is a beautiful thing. It feels like people are once again appreciating handcraft — things that take time to be made. There’s a growing interest in where materials come from, what stories stand behind them, and how things are created. I see this shift as something very positive.

About the Brand — BOZIDARA

Božidara Richterová founded BOZIDARA as a deeply personal fashion project — born from the need to create garments she couldn’t find, but instinctively felt she needed. Rooted in her lifelong passion for fashion, photography and cinema, the brand carries her given name, meaning a gift from God, a quiet reflection of how intimate and intentional her work is.

Growing up in a small village in Moravia, Božidara was shaped by memories of slower days and time spent with her grandmother, watching her knit. These moments form the emotional backbone of the brand: tradition translated into contemporary silhouettes, handcrafted knitwear and carefully chosen, luxurious materials.