Katka & Glare
Katka is a creative soul – though she doesn't make art herself, you'll find her in galleries fairly often.
24. February 2025, Author: Barbara Garaj, Photo: Jakub Čaprnka, Archive: Katarína Barloková
She comes from a small village below the Tatras, where she loves returning not just for family but also for Slovakia's beautiful nature. And it was there that her love of art began to take shape, eventually leading her to the capital.
Her relationship with art deepened thanks to her older sister Zuzana. They visited galleries together and keep up this tradition to this day. Katka originally studied Slovak and English. After school she worked in private kindergartens teaching the youngest children English, but after a while she realized the job didn't quite fulfill her and she needed a break from teaching. So she spent last year traveling.
Through a happy coincidence she ended up in Texas on an invitation from painter Katarína Janečková. The two Katkas hit it off immediately and became close friends. Travel is Katka's passion, but staying with a talented artist expanded her horizons so much that by the time she came home, she knew what she wanted to devote herself to fully.
Katka found herself as assistant to the director at the Slovak Design Centre. Beyond administration, she gets to develop creatively while contributing to shaping Bratislava's cultural scene.
At work, she's fulfilled by meetings with recognized experts from design, art and culture, who always give her a big dose of inspiration. In a few months Katka will try out new professional challenges – she'll become PR manager for the National Design Award and a specialist in design and multimedia.
What she loves about travel
When traveling, she loves just wandering through cities, visiting local galleries, discovering architecture and nice spots with good coffee or tasty food. From her trips she brings back experiences and developed film from her analog camera. From the moment she got it as a gift from Katka Janečková, it became her faithful companion.
"I'd wanted to start shooting on film for a very long time and last year I finally managed it. But I'm just a beginner and I'm learning. I really enjoy it and I try to always have it with me so I can capture the beauty of a given moment. Whatever that may be."
On her beloved camera she captures the joys and little things of ordinary days. She loves shooting architecture most, and people – friends and strangers she notices on the street or just sitting in a café. Katka's dream is to travel to the Nordic countries, discover Japan's magic, and let herself get swept up in New York's rush. With a camera in hand, it all goes easier.
"What brings me the most joy in life is the power of everyday little things, which can always be very precious and beautiful to me. I mean good coffee, food, a gripping book, music, theater, film, concerts, festivals, gallery exhibitions. Simply art of any kind, or sweet gatherings with family or friends. That always puts a smile on my face."
Fashion as self-expression
Part of Katka's character is also a positive relationship with fashion. She's not afraid to experiment and puts care into every outfit, which we got to experience during the shoot. She came to the Medical Garden in a quilted orange kimono, completed by a square frame from Italian brand Glare – her first catch from ZITA.
Fashion isn't just about clothes for her, it's also a way of self-expression. By combining different materials and colors she lets her creativity and uniqueness fully show. In her closet you'll find original pieces from local and international designer brands. She draws inspiration not only from galleries but also from fashion shows.
This art lover was drawn to us by social media and recommendations from her circle. One day the nosepad on Katka's old glasses broke, so it was decided – she had to come to ZITA.
Her first ZITA moment
At the optician's on Živnostenská she discovered that square frames suit her better than round ones. The individual and professional approach of our opticians combined into a unique experience for Katka. Today she's happy wearing a dark blue frame from the workshop of elegant atelier Glare. She sees it as a fashion accessory that completes her personality. So the Valentino model can easily combine with her colorful wardrobe.
"I enjoy the looks, kind words and compliments on the frame from (unknown) people I meet at home and abroad. A lot of sweet stories are connected to it, because I tend to do the same thing – when I see people with a nice and interesting frame, I compliment them on it and we always end up finding out it's also from ZITA. I find that very sweet. ZITA is simply love."
