Fashion Missteps at KVIFF: When Elegance Turns into a Beach Model and Trends into Cruella de Vil
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival annually attracts the attention of not only film fans but also fashion lovers. The 60th anniversary was no exception and offered a range of standout fashion moments over several festival days. In our previous article, we focused on the outfits that impressed us. This time, we shone a light on the models that lacked a greater dose of elegance, originality, or properly chosen styling. Who played it too safe this time, and which looks did not utilize their full potential?
Zorka Kepková Hejdová: Unexpected or Unwelcome Change
Zorka Hejdová has long been one of the best-dressed Czech presenters, and because of this, one automatically expects something interesting from her. However, at the KVIFF Progresus Party, she opted for brown dresses with silver details, which unfortunately didn't quite convince me.
Zorka usually shines in bolder colors that beautifully highlight her energy and personality. That's why this combination seemed a bit bland and unnecessarily subdued. The brown color itself isn't necessarily a problem, but in this case, it lacked the lightness and flair that we expect from a festival outfit. Even the silver details couldn't give the entire look the necessary spark. It's not a downright unsuccessful outfit, but compared to her more striking fashion moments of the past, this look seemed more like a step aside.
Gabriela Heclová: Comfort triumphed over festival elegance
Influencer and presenter KVIFF.TV, Gabriela Heclová, who is part of the festival events, opted for a brown pleated model with loose trousers and minimalist accessories for the formal red carpet this year.
An outfit that we would otherwise label as effortless and contemporary simply does not suit the formal opening of the most prestigious film event in the Czech Republic. It lacks some flair and the necessary dose of glamour. The set appears crumpled, the construction completely suppresses the presenter's silhouette, and overall it looks more like something you would pull out for a dinner on vacation rather than for the red carpet.
The absence of more pronounced styling didn't add much, either. Minimalist accessories and a simple hairstyle do align with the current trend of understated elegance, but when paired with an overly modest model, it creates a visually uninteresting look.
It's not an outright unsuccessful model, but rather an illustration that an outfit suitable for a social event may not automatically fare well on the red carpet of a film festival. There, greater emphasis is expected on the cut, luxurious materials, and an effect that stands out in dozens of photographs. In this regard, Gabriela Heclová remained in the safe zone this time.
Martina Formanová: Cruella de Vil (Czech version)
Martina Formanová arrived at KVIFF in an outfit that at first glance seems to include almost every current trend. Polka dots, ballerinas with contrasting tips, bold square glasses, and gold accessories are very trendy at the moment, but the problem arises when all these elements are combined.
The white coat with black polka dots combined with simple black dresses slightly evokes the iconic Cruella de Vil, which gives the whole look a costume-like vibe. The individual pieces themselves are not bad, but the resulting combination looks more like a mixture of different inspirations rather than a thought-out festival outfit.
Martina undoubtedly has her unique style and clearly isn't afraid of fashion or bolder pieces. This time, however, she might have tried to fit too many interesting elements into one outfit. For next time, it's clear that sometimes less is more.
Lenka Limberská: an expert on elegance
Lenka Limberská arrived in asymmetrical cocktail dresses that combine classic black elegance with a silver glitter effect. The contrast itself might seem interesting at first glance, but the final impression unfortunately leans more towards ostentation than refined glamour.
Silver sequins, bold jewelry, embellished pumps, and a metallic clutch create a very festive ensemble that lacks a bit of lightness and sophistication. Instead of enhancing overall elegance, the outfit comes across as somewhat heavy and unnecessarily overemphasizing the effect.
Especially for Lenka Limberská, who often focuses on the theme of female elegance and style on Instagram, this choice is somewhat surprising. This look is still quite far from the sophistication she often showcases.
Adam Mišík: When a Casual Style Isn't Enough for a Festival Atmosphere
Adam Mišík at the KVIFF 2026 Illuminate Party opted for a modern men's classic look with a black suede jacket, wide khaki pants, and chunky shoes. Each piece works well on its own, the outfit feels contemporary and aligns with the trend of more relaxed men's fashion. However, in the context of the festival event, it falls slightly short of expectations.
Next to Miss Universe Slovakia 2026 Anna Ličková and Miss Universe Czech Republic 2026 Sophie Marie Osako in striking elegant gowns, Adam's look appears more like a stylish outfit for a regular evening. While the surrounding outfits play with effect, materials, and festive atmosphere, his styling remains very understated, or perhaps more accurately, nonexistent.
Adam undoubtedly usually demonstrates a sense for current trends, but this time he chose a too safe path. Such opportunities, however, give men the space to show greater creativity and personality. A more striking element or more festive styling could make this look a much more interesting fashion moment.
Sources: author's text, editorial team, Instagram, KVIFF.tv, missuniverse.com
