Opening of KVIFF 2026: Geislerová inspired brides, Švandová defied age, Nesvačilová was overwhelmed by her own dress
Before the ceremonial opening, the weather played in favor of the celebrities. Compared to the tropical conditions of last weekend, much more pleasant temperatures prevailed in Karlovy Vary, so the ladies could shine without fear of smudged makeup or flushed faces. And there was indeed much to see. The red carpet turned into a showcase of stunning gowns, and the first evening of this year's edition hinted that the fashion bar would be exceptionally high.
Móda proti proudu
Názor PROTI PROUDU: Denisa Zajíčková
Aňa Geislerová as a Charming Bride
We usually get annoyed with those who find inspiration for the red carpet in a bridal salon. But actress Aňa Geislerová (50) embodied a goddess at the opening of the film festival in Karlovy Vary, and if you're planning a wedding soon, here's some inspiration. The cream-white dress with exposed shoulders, prominent puffed sleeves, and long flowing ribbons appeared romantic yet incredibly elegant. The silhouette was simple but impeccably crafted, which allowed the actress to shine through. Gentle waves in her hair, a subtle diamond necklace, and natural makeup only enhanced the overall elegance. Aňa clearly showed that she doesn't need ostentatious necklines or glittering stones from head to toe. She opted for purity, femininity, and a timeless style, creating a fairytale-like presence on the red carpet. One of the most beautiful ensembles of the evening and clear evidence that less can truly be more.
Jana Švandová is not bothered by age
She is among our most beautiful actresses, and it seems she does not age at all. Actress Jana Švandová (79) looks fantastic, and alongside her husband, developer Pavel Satoria, she shone on the red carpet. She has proven she knows how to work with her beauty years ago when she posed for a men's magazine. She was 46 years old, and the photos were among the best print media had seen. Such charm has always been with Švandová.
At the festival opening, she opted for a bright red gown with prominently shaped shoulders and delicate pleating in the waist area, beautifully sculpting the silhouette. Long sleeves and minimalist accessories allowed the dress to shine, while red lipstick perfectly matched the overall styling. Next to her elegant husband, she appeared noble and perfectly coordinated. Švandová once again confirmed that elegance is not about revealing skin but about perfect tailoring, confident demeanor, and the ability to wear the outfit with natural ease. This is exactly how a lady looks who found her style a long time ago and doesn't need to chase trends at all costs. On the red carpet, she was undoubtedly one of the most striking women of the evening.
Andrea Bezděková and Sebastian as a Dream Couple
The naysayers, who recently claimed that model Andrea Bezděková (31) and singer Sebastian Navrátil (34) were breaking up, got a clear answer from this couple in Vary. They arrived on the red carpet hand in hand, spreading smiles all around and appearing as a perfectly matched couple. Andrea opted for a royal blue satin gown with a daring slit that highlighted her long legs. Yet the design didn't come across as cheap or clichéd. On the contrary. Thanks to the simple cut, sleek hairstyle, and modest jewelry, the elegance and striking color of the dress stood out. Sebastian chose a classic black tuxedo with a velvet jacket and bow tie, which complemented his partner's striking dress flawlessly. Together, they were considered one of the best-coordinated couples of the evening. Natural chemistry, smiles, and perfectly chosen outfits were all it took. This is exactly how elegance and love should look on the red carpet.
Berenika Kohoutová looked like a goddess
In recent days, actress Berenika Kohoutová (35) has been recording voiceovers for the reality show Are You The One?, so there's plenty of love and passion around her. It seems she took a piece for herself as well because she was unmissable on the red carpet. She usually performs at her concerts in extravagant outfits, which garner sharp criticism. However, in Vary, she showed what a great lady she truly is. And perhaps we're repeating ourselves from previous years, but red simply suits Berenika perfectly.
The striking jumpsuit with wide-leg trousers complemented by a long chiffon train was bold yet very sophisticated. The lightweight fabric beautifully rippled as she walked, adding something extra to the look. It didn't come across as overdone - it was just right. Minimalist jewelry, a simple hairstyle, and natural makeup allowed the outfit to fully stand out. This time, she got everything right. The color, the cut, and the overall styling. She rightfully ranked among the best-dressed women at the gala opening.
Názor PROTI PROUDU: Anděla Vostrá
Táňa Pauhofová Didn't Want to Be Noticed
She is among the most beautiful actresses of today and usually draws attention the moment she enters a room. This time, however, Táňa Pauhofová (42) seemingly opted for understatement. How else to explain the choice of a dress that, while elegant and perfectly fitting her slim figure, simply blended in beside the striking gowns of other ladies? The cream-white satin design with an asymmetric neckline and subtle pleating appeared pure and sophisticated, but it lacked an element of surprise. Neither the interestingly designed strap nor the flowing silhouette could create a lasting impression. The actress also chose very understated accessories and natural makeup, leaving the entire styling safe... and a bit dull. Sometimes less is truly more, but this time the minimalism might have worked against her. Táňa looked as beautiful as ever, but her outfit lacked a more pronounced fashion statement. On a red carpet full of breathtaking designs, she thus remained more in the background this time.
Petra Nesvačilová fought a losing battle
Actress and director Petra Nesvačilová (40) is among the women who are not afraid of fashion and enjoy trying unconventional cuts. However, this time, the risk did not pay off. She wore a romantic gown in a powder shade on the red carpet, which initially appeared delicate and airy, but the cut was not flattering to her figure. The low-set bodice disrupted the proportions visually and instead of accentuating her charming neckline, it drew attention to areas where the dress didn't fit well. The flowing sleeves of the outfit also did not add the needed elegance, and the overall impression was not good at all.
During interviews, it was also apparent that the dress was unpleasantly wrinkled in the bust area, giving the impression that it was a size too small for the actress. This is a shame because Petra belongs to the women who can shine even in simpler outfits and has natural charisma. It would have been enough to choose a better-fitting cut and a more pronounced silhouette, and the outcome could have been completely different. Instead, a daring choice turned into an outfit that rather harmed the actress. Throughout the evening, numerous opinions emerged on social media suggesting that Petra Nesvačilová did not manage to win the fashion battle at the film festival's opening and opted for a model that failed to showcase her assets. Gabriela Boučková, the wife of moderator Libor Bouček, received similar criticism. She tried to make an impression with a piece that had highlighted hips and resembled dresses from bygone eras. However, even for the beautiful brunette, it did not fit well. The ladies may have realized that sometimes less is more.
Jitka Čvančarová held back
We are used to the fact that actress Jitka Čvančarová (48) is one of the most striking faces of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. But this year, it seems she toned it down. The sparkling silver gown was undoubtedly beautiful, flattering her figure and accentuating her feminine curves. However, from Jitka, we usually expect something that literally takes everyone's breath away on the red carpet. The fitted design with off-the-shoulder and a long, flowing cape appeared very elegant and Hollywood-like. The dress also beautifully accentuated her décolletage, which the actress wears with grace, and the sparkling material gave the outfit a festive touch. Delicate jewelry and a clutch nicely complemented the entire outfit without drawing attention to themselves.
That might be exactly where the problem lies. Čvančarová is a fashion queen from whom the public expects a wow effect. This year, she offered a safer choice. She certainly didn't offend, in fact, she looked stunning, but this time we all missed that moment everyone would still be talking about the next day.
Tereza Ramba and the Black Dullness
On the red carpet, actress Tereza Ramba (37) is usually a fashion safe bet. Her outfits are typically thought out to the last detail, and she rarely makes a mistake. However, this year she took a route that was a bit too safe. After all, she herself revealed in one of the interviews that she simply didn't have much time for preparation. Still, it should have been clear that the eyes of those present would be on her. In recent months, she shone in the series Monyová and has become one of the most talented actresses of the present. The black satin one-shoulder dress beautifully hugged her figure, and thanks to the asymmetrical cut, it appeared elegant and timeless. The luxurious ruby-diamond necklace added a touch of glamour to the whole outfit and matched perfectly with the delicate earrings. Even her husband Matyáš Ramba, in a well-fitting tuxedo, made a selection that didn't offend.
But from Tereza, we expect more than just flawless classics. The result is elegant and tasteful, but we secretly admit that we were waiting for something that would take our breath away. Maybe next time, surely she hasn't visited the red carpet for the last time...
