Sobje ball
When a Berlin party meets a Viennese ball
Iva Burkertová - the founder of fashion brand ODIVI, Sobje and Sobje Ball is talking to us about the most popular masquerade party in Prague.
What inspired you to organize Sobje ball in Prague?
It was somewhere around 2017. We wanted to make an event tailored to our needs, to dance and be able to invite our own alter ego for a great event.
One that will be inclusive and full of creatives from different backgrounds.
bubbles, full of surprises and with an inseparable dress code, which we invite to be part of the scenography. It's creative for me at times to the point of an experimental platform. It gives me the opportunity to meet those who I enjoy across a wide range of scopes and presents the chance to discuss alternative approaches.
Can you describe the concept and the initial idea behind it all?
Simply put, the Sobje Ball is a masquerade party but the idea is much more complex.
We take the best from all directions. That's why we sometimes say that we are a cross between a Berlin party and a Viennese ball.
Under the backdrop of interesting architectural locations around Prague and amongst the history of the Czech Republic we are mainly based on collaborations across closed circles focusing on the creative expression of both participants and visitors.
What are some of the unique elements or themes incorporated into Sobje Ball that evoke a sense of decadence? Your favorite one from the past few years...
I would say that every year we experiment with the topic and try to touch a different part of your personality and complexity each time.
In the first year we were looking for our alter egos, the year before last we were playful, then last year we had discussions with the inner heroism and its meaning.
This year we were coming back to your former self. It is often seen how these themes lead to relaxation within the framework of sexuality and self-expression. They motivate to reveal completely or vice versa total veiling. Personally, I enjoyed it when we touched on the topic
unisexism.
What challenges did you face in organizing such an extravagant event, and
how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is always to communicate the complexity of the topic to the public in such a way that can be understood.
The topics are always very deep and sensitive for us, but naturally everyone interprets them in their own way.
The hardest thing is to keep an eye on the action so we do not slip into superficiality, which we would like to avoid.
Are there any specific dress codes or attire recommendations? Is a mask compulsory?
It depends on the interpretation.
It's not a classic physical face mask, or mask (we try to avoid that) it's more about the costume overall.
The way you express the topic can be different. We want to motivate you to see something new, fresh and, above all, yours.
We love DIY costumes.
How does the venue selection contribute to the overall ambiance and
Grandeur of the Decadent Ball?
Personally, I'm a big fan of architecture, it's one of the most important pieces of the event.
I like to take the participants to places where they go and maybe they just don't get in, or we invite architects, designers, or
other artists and try to support or change the space so that the experience of it becomes unconventional.
In Martinic Palace, the MH architects built into the old halls scaffolding, and so there was a different view from above.
Can you provide any hints or teasers about what attendees can look forward to in the upcoming edition of the ball?
Our next theme is "The Game" we want to draw visitors even more into the the program itself. We want to awaken playfulness and disrupt even more the classic idea you have of a party or ball.
