Valentina NÍZKÁ

ELLE Czech Republic Launched in 1994

What was happening in your country?

“It was four years after the fall of communism and a year after the establishment of the independent Czech Republic. The Czechs were now able to travel, do business, openly express their opinions and discover the possibilities [that come with] a democracy. As well, women could focus more on their careers—in whichever field [they chose].”

What were the fashion and beauty trends at the time?

“It was very confusing because you could still feel the reverberations of the communist era, but at the same time, international brands were already available. Today we would probably call [the styles that resulted] ‘eclectic.’ I noticed that my mother’s beauty products and perfumes, which I’d seen on the pages of ELLE, started to multiply. And, of course, I always had to try them!”

What do you think ELLE has brought to the Czech Republic?

“I am convinced that it’s thanks to ELLE that Czech women have learned about the countless possibilities that fashion has to offer and that fashion does not have fixed rules but is in fact about freedom of expression. I became the editor-in-chief in October 2019, and my biggest challenges are to keep up with the expectations of others and bring inspiration and joy as well as to talk about topics that need to be talked about. I want to create relevant content that evokes emotions; I want to be close to our readers and respond to their needs and desires.”