We are returning to a collaboration that brings colour, vibrancy, and energy to our clothing. Introducing our new PosterLad art collection, based on the "Purple Glow" graphics by digital artist Vratislav Pecka, aka PosterLad. His signature style is once again unmistakable – colourful minimalism, simple geometric shapes, and compositions that feel lively and harmonious.
Vratislav has been illustrating for many years and his distinctive style grew out of a fascination with simple shapes. "I remember how excited I was in kindergarten to have four squares in my locker as my distinguishing mark," he recalls with a smile. This fascination with simplicity has carried over into his work, which he defines as "a balance of colours and shapes." It is this balance that is the key to why his minimalist compositions never seem dull.
The new collection is based on his earlier work "Purple Glow" — a composition he created six years ago, and which has now been given a new lease of life in the form of cycling clothing. "The collection is based on a relatively simple and geometrically balanced composition, complemented by other small graphic elements. It is dominated by striking colour transitions, with purple playing the leading role. Newly added semicircles with transitions have been added to the left sleeve and the hem of the left leg, but they fit well into the overall design." The result is a design that appears clean yet artistically rich.
When choosing colours for his illustrations, Vratislav relies primarily on his intuition and experience. "When it comes to colours, I mainly follow my intuition. It took me some time to learn which colours go well together and which don't. Which shade of a given colour works well—at least in my opinion—and which doesn't. Simply put, I gradually figured out what works and what doesn't through a process of elimination."
The first time Vratislav saw his graphic design from last year transformed into a cycling jersey, it left a strong impression on him. "When I saw the finished jersey with my graphic design for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked. The Kalas team did a great job – not only in transferring the graphics, but also in coordinating them with other elements such as shorts and accessories. I think that was key to its success," says Vratislav. He was surprised by the fan response to the previous collection: "Friends sent me photos of cyclists wearing the jersey, people tagged me on Instagram in stories, posts, and reels. It was really cool."
The collaboration with Kalas also led to other professional opportunities. "Other sports brands started contacting me, and I'm currently finishing the graphics for ski goggles and preparing a design for a golf bag," he reveals. The connection between art and fashion is nothing new to him, but sportswear offers completely new possibilities for the Czech designer.
Purple Glow is a collection characterized by colourfulness and individuality in both men's and women's designs. It includes short and long sleeve jerseys, gilets (vests), shorts, skinsuits, and other stylish accessories that together are both visually striking and functional.
