57 Ruthven Lane, off Byres Road, G12

Czech Designs will participate in
The Hannah Frank Experience - Sunday 26th November.

One of the most attractive shops to be found in the West End is Pavla Haylock's 'Czech Designs', which brings some continental flair and a little bit of Prague to Glasgow. All the stock is sourced from designers in the Czech Republic, some of whom are well known for their work with celebrities. Each garment is unique - so if you pick up something wonderful for a special event you can be sure that no-one else will turn up in the same outfit.

The shop is an absolute delight with garments and accessories thoughtfully displayed. There are some fabulous hand painted bags and hand crafted jewellelry and a range of interesting gifts plus a selection of clothes and toys for the children. However, the clothes are the main attraction.

The cut and the materials are lovely and the designs are stunning and different. The remarkable colours of some of the garments is achieved by designers using special techniques to obtain natural dyes from plants, flowers, leaves and roots. The shop is so stylish and the clothes so chic that the price tags come as a very pleasant surprise and there is a variety of sizes especially larger ones.

On my recent visit I was very tempted by a beautiful forest green top, a cotton turqoise sweater and a cool and classy taupe linen suit. I also have my eye on a wonderfully soft and snug black and cream jacket. However, I've not quite finished browsing.

Pavla makes you feel very welcome and is refreshingly enthusiastic about her venture. She has created a'relaxed and friendly Bohemian atmosphere' and is intent on offering originality. With 'something for everyone from the top designers'. I think that Czech Designs will prove to be every bit as popular with Glaswegians as those week-end breaks in the beautiful city of Prague.

Regular visits to Prague ensure that stock is frequently replenished and a range of events are planned including fashion shows in the Mews. Private jewellery displays can also be arranged. Pavla is putting a lot of energy and hard work into this venture but her granny taught her the old Czech saying:

'there is no treat without work'

Czech Designs is a real treat and well worth a stroll down Ruthven Lane,
Ruthven Mews
57 Ruthven Lane,
off Byres Road.
Telephone: 07742753200
Email:[email protected]

Photographs by Jim Byrne