Meet the Maker

Kateřina Handlova

Designer

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A pioneer of design!

As a designer born into a family with a rich tradition of glass-making and mentored by Rony Plesl, Kateřina is far from a newcomer in the industry. Her inaugural collection as the first female Creative Director of Rückl, the Hero.ine Collection, draws inspiration from formidable female figures. It’s impossible not to be captivated by the meticulous hand-cut details, elegant shapes, and evocative names that narrate the tales of strong women – heroines who have profoundly influenced art, culture, or society, celebrating their unparalleled inner strength.

EXHIBITIONS:

2015 “Pop up Glass!”, Ziba gallery, Prague, CZ
2016 "Kateřina Handlová and Tereza Švolíková", Gulzan Concept Store, Prague, CZ
2017: "And we" Museum of glass and jewelry, Jablonec nad Nisou, CZ
2018: “Transparency Nation”, London Design week, London, UK
COMPETITIONS:

2009 Czech Glass Intensive, figure drawing assistant, Kamenický Senov, CZE
2011 Workshop Holzgarten Baum(100) und Gebäude(100), Pforzheim, GER
2024 Czech Grand Design, nomination in category "The producer of the Year" + "The designer of the Year", CZE
Kateřina Handlova life's big questions Read more
Kateřina Handlova questions image 1 Kateřina Handlova questions image 2

Big life questions

WHAT WOULD THE TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY BE?

Spirit of inquiry.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON?

Brunch and cultural events or trips with people I like.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE PERSON TO SHOW YOU THEIR ARTISTIC SKILLS (in any art, music, painting, glass, pottery, architectural…)WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Alexander McQueen, for his combination of strong storytelling and sense of detail, precise craftsmanship, timelessness, and creativity. Because he was fearless. Among living personalities, it would be Tokujin Yoshioka. I admire how he can infuse a strong emotion into very clean and simple forms, which seem so natural - as if they have always existed.

WHAT OR WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU RECENTLY AND WHY?

The texts and creations of Eva Kmentová. For their strength, incredible sensitivity, courage, and powerful ideas.

WHAT MUSIC OR BOOKS ARE YOU LISTENING TO/ READING THESE DAYS? WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS?

In recent years, I always look forward to each new book by Kateřina Tučková. Among my lifelong favorite authors is Gabriel García Márquez. In music, I enjoy genre diversity, listening to everything from Russian Circles to Sevdaliza, Amenra, Bonobo, and, for example, Chuck Ragan.

WHAT ALBUM OR SONG WOULD YOU CHOOSE AS YOUR PERSONAL SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR LIFE OR TO YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?

"Crystalline" by Pg.lost.

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR CRAFTING/DESIGNING ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR EMOTIONS THAT COME BACK TO YOUR MIND?

Curiosity, joy, and occasionally a bit of pain when facing obstacles in production, unwanted compromises, or the creative search/wandering.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES (not only in CZ)?

I like places such as CAMP, Grebovka, or Edison Cinema in Prague, the Ajeto glassworks in Lindava, and the Lasvit HQ in Nový Bor. In general, I love visiting glassworks and factories/production sites. Outside the Czech Republic, I enjoy Tuscany, the Alps, and Beirut in Lebanon.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION AND WHY? 

Wherever I go, I love the combination of an interesting city, culture and architecture, and beautiful nature, whether it's mountains, jungles, or the sea/ocean... so any destination that offers this combination.