Chvíle: A Boutique of Bouquets and Books
What comes to mind when you hear “the perfect home accessory”? For me, it’s definitely plants — ideally a hand-tied bouquet. My personal favorite? All kinds of wildflower-style arrangements. Amid the rush of city life, a vase on your window sill or table holds a little piece of nature — something we so often neglect. But where can you get such a bouquet made?
CHVÍLE
We’re starting our floral series a bit unconventionally — not in Prague, but in industrial Zlín, where Chvíle brings a sense of ease and lightness. My recommendation comes straight from the heart: the founder and owner, Verča, is absolutely wonderful. You’ll see that for yourself in her answers throughout this article.
This flower boutique is beautifully complemented by books — and what’s a better combination than that, right? The selection is carefully curated: not mainstream novels, but thoughtful, high-quality literature, often from local publishers like INCIPIT, which released books such as Taková je Sarah. From time to time, Verča even hosts author talks centered on a selected book.
That’s actually how I first stumbled upon Chvíle — at a discussion on On Fashion by Adéla Šponerová. The atmosphere matched Verča’s work perfectly: warm, thoughtful, and heartfelt. The Chvíle space has also served as a venue for the supporting program of the fashion event DOTEK.
Can you remember the first moment you said to yourself:
“This is it — I want to work with flowers”?
Hi Anička, first of all, thank you so much for thinking of me. That means a lot! :)
As for your question — I don’t think there was one particular moment. The whole concept of my flower shop evolved gradually. I spent a few years arranging flowers at home while on parental leave. Total DIY vibes in a tiny Baťa-style half-house — but I loved it. I also loved meeting people. Eventually, I really needed a proper workspace, more room. And with my return to work approaching, I thought: Okay, it’s now or never. That’s how Chvíle came to be — a brick-and-mortar flower shop, and also home to my beloved books. It’s my oasis, and I truly hope everyone who visits feels that too.
Do you have a favorite flower this season — one you’d love to put in every bouquet? What makes it special to you?
Definitely wild carrot. It’s technically a herb — kind of a weed, really — you see it everywhere in summer, by roads and fields. And I just adore it. It’s gorgeous even in autumn when it dries out. It turns brown, and you might still spot it in the snow come winter. You can use it in wreaths, and in summer it adds character to any bouquet. It’s unique. Completely exceptional and unusual.
Which flower do you think best captures this summer? Do you work with local growers?
For me, summer always means zinnias. My dad has a garden full of them. They’re tough, long-lasting blooms. They make the world more colorful and beautiful — all the way until October. For me, they’re the essence of hot summer: full of light and warmth. I love them.
I work with my dad, and I also get flowers from my grandpa’s garden. Then I forage gently around the local area — grasses, wild plants, twigs. I like choosing things that sort of “get in the way,” that stick out, or are overly abundant. Or branches that would otherwise be cut down. It makes me happy when something like that can be put to use.
I also source flowers from the Netherlands — I mix it up. But during the season, and even outside of it, I try to stay as local as possible. I’m in touch with and deeply value the friendly collaborations I have with Barunka (Tu máš kytku) and Kačka (Kytica).
What does this kind of collaboration look like, and why is it important to you?
The women I just mentioned are a huge inspiration and support. Just the fact that they exist, that I can turn to them for advice, that we can share things — it means the world. There’s no rivalry between us. We genuinely root for one another. And that’s the most important thing in any kind of work.
I truly admire how they grow their own flowers and pour themselves into what they do. And I love supporting them in return. It creates a kind of support network. We all need that. I’m really grateful for them.
Where do you usually look for inspiration for new arrangements — in nature, fashion, art…?
Outdoors. In nature, without a doubt. That’s where I find the most inspiration.
Also from the girls at Tu máš kytku, Kytica, and SAD. Honestly, from everywhere — from places, from people.
When I do wedding flowers, for example, I try — beyond listening to the bride’s wishes — to get a feel for who the person is. What kind of energy they give off. I want the bouquet to be in harmony with them. That’s really important to me, and I believe it shows in the flowers.
Those are special moments. They matter.
How do flowers connect to a slower lifestyle, in your opinion?
Try going outside. Look around — consciously. Pick what’s growing near you at that exact moment. Notice the changes from month to month, from season to season…
Then go home and put your flowers in a vase. Care for them. Give them clean water, again and again. Take out what’s wilting. The bouquet will keep changing — and stay beautiful in new ways.