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Brno, Czech Republic

Šimon Knotek & Natalie Perkof

Vladimir Prochazka
Bag maker

Carbon fibre designed for elegance

  • Vladimir Prochazka is two people under one name: Šimon and Natalie
  • They formed their innovative production process from scratch
  • They made pieces for Grand Prix Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi

Šimon Knotek and Natalie Perkof are the duo behind the brand Vladimir Prochazka luggage. It is not merely functional gear. Unquestionably, it serves its purpose perfectly – but each piece is also a design masterpiece. Every aspect of the design has been carefully considered, benefiting from the creators' artistic background: Natalie Perkof's training as a sculptor informs her approach to design, the artisan Šimon Knotek offers a sophisticated play of form made of carbon fibre and leather. The unique combination of materials makes their products outstanding in terms of both design and functionality. "Our luggage is exceptionally lightweight yet very resistant. After all, carbon fibre is broadly used in the aircraft and automotive industry." Nevertheless, the modern tech application is intertwined with traditional craft as Šimon picks up the thread of his great-grandfather's business.


Interview

©Šimon Knotek&Natalie Perkof
©Šimon Knotek&Natalie Perkof
How did your carbon fibre passion start?
Šimon: Natalie searched for a material for her sculptures, something modern yet capable of expressing her African heritage. I suggested carbon fibre. She tried it and when we saw these pieces of pitch-black but shiny material, we both fell for it!
What made you decide to make luggage?
Šimon: I inherited some old luggage of my great-grandfather Vladimír Procházka, who himself had been a successful businessman in the 1930s. His business was selling elegant black suitcases with brown leather highlights. The ones I inherited were in great shape. And I saw it as a sign.
So you restored the family business?
Šimon: Tradition is crucial for us; we recreated the brand based on archive sources and artefacts. The logo had been first registered at the patent office in 1930. And the company operated in the same city as we do now. We respect the legacy of high craftsmanship.
How are you open to innovation?
We combine many disciplines: traditional bag making and leatherworking, sculpturing, engineering –and more! Besides classic manual work, we employ 3D methods, animation and visualisation. It‘s a blend of meticulous craft and new tech, always ensuring high quality.
Šimon Knotek & Natalie Perkof are expert artisans: they began their career in 2013 and they started teaching in 2021

Where


Šimon Knotek & Natalie Perkof

Address: Purkyňova 99, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
Hours: By appointment only
Phone: +420 604327768
Languages: Czech, English
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