The fashion house on Wenceslas Square replaced the First Republic salons

Prague - The House of Fashion on Wenceslas Square, opened with great fanfare and attended by crowds 65 years ago, on July 8, 1956, is built in the spirit of timeless architecture of sober modernism. At the time, it was a very high-quality neo-functionalist realization that downplayed the style of socialist architecture. Thanks to a wide range of fashion goods from leading companies, it quickly became synonymous with luxury fashion and replaced the prestigious pre-war salons. The building is characterized by a generous open sales area with travertine cladding and enormous windows. These ensure great views and an exceptional amount of light.

After the opening of the house, in addition to the shop for fabrics, meters, and wool clothing, luxury garments were also available here, including dresses, suits, formal wear, ball gowns, and various accessories for ladies, while men could find well-fitting suits, shirts, and ties. Gradually, special editions of shoes were produced in the former Baťa production plant in Zlín, as well as Czech costume jewelry, primarily from Jablonec. New collections were quickly snapped up by wealthier clientele, especially the wives of contemporary politicians and influential communists. Lavish banquets were also held here, associated with the showcase of new collections, exclusively for invited guests.

The previous building on the site of the current structure also had a commercial purpose. Once there was a house called U Kominíků, or also U Nigrinů. At the end of the nineteenth century, a café was located in its premises, which was frequented by famous personalities. However, at the beginning of the twentieth century, the significantly remodeled building no longer met standards and was therefore demolished. A representative apartment building in the Art Nouveau style was constructed in its place between 1913 and 1914. Its ground floor was designated for commercial purposes, while the upper floor again claimed a café business, which lasted until the end of the 1920s. Once again, famous and significant guests arrived, led by President T. G. Masaryk. Over time, the ground floor of the building was rented by the company Prokop and Čáp, which dealt with selling quality fabrics, woolen cloth, and linings. However, the joy of great business was soon overshadowed by war and a shortage of goods. During the Prague Uprising, the building was bombed during a German air raid, leaving only a wreck behind.

It was therefore decided to build a new house, designed by architect Josef Hrubý, the author of the main department store of the Brouk and Babka chain at Poříčí – the White Swan, and later also of the Laterna Magika in the Adria Palace. The House of Fashion was constructed from 1954 to 1956. Its architectural design was exceptional even at the time of its creation. Architect Hrubý took advantage of the slight social relaxation to break away from the dictates of socialist realism and return to the legacy of the interwar architectural avant-garde. He created a neoclassical building with elements of functionalism. The harmoniously balanced whole stood out in its time for its advanced technical equipment as well. The façade of the house is complemented by a sculpture by sculptor Vladimír Janoušek with textile motifs. The building has been monumentally protected since December 1992.

The House of Fashion recently underwent extensive reconstruction. In its six floors, luxury brands of German, Italian, French, and Czech fashion are presented (revival of the pre-war salon, Jablonex). Upstairs, just below the roof, is the administrative part of the building - offices associated with the operation of the building. In addition, there is a tailoring salon and to please the body, a café as in the old days. The client center also includes the travel agency Invia.