Prague – Nela Slováková, the Slovak model and partner of Oktagon fighter Radek Roušal, is navigating the complexities of public image and personal style with a refreshingly direct approach. With over 600,000 followers on Instagram, Slováková doesn’t identify as an influencer in the traditional sense, having recently curated her online presence to filter out negativity. However, she readily embraces attention, particularly when supporting Roušal at Oktagon events and isn’t shy about showcasing her physique.
Slováková recounted an experience at her first Oktagon event, where she opted for a more conservative outfit, only to be met with criticism. “I thought I’d chosen something moderate,” she said, “but immediately received hate for it. So I decided next time, I’d really show them!” This anecdote encapsulates her willingness to challenge expectations and embrace self-expression, even in the face of scrutiny.
While she doesn’t shy away from revealing looks, Slováková emphasizes a distinction between confidence and vulgarity. “I don’t like to dress vulgarly. That doesn’t appeal to me. I don’t mind showing skin or wearing something extravagant,” she explained, highlighting her desire to strike a balance between boldness and sophistication. She carefully considers the overall aesthetic, ensuring that all elements – makeup, hair, and clothing – complement each other. “Everything has to come together. If I’m showing cleavage, I want a long train or sleeves. Everything must be connected.”
Slováková’s views on body image are equally candid. She acknowledges receiving positive comments about her figure but doesn’t hesitate to offer a critical perspective on societal standards. “It’s silly when a girl who is obese wears mini shorts. It’s about a certain amount of judgment,” she stated, suggesting a level of self-awareness is crucial. She further contends that women with larger bodies often dress more provocatively than she does.
This observation leads her to a broader critique of societal attitudes towards obesity and anorexia. “It seems inappropriate to me. People say everyone should love themselves as they are, but that’s a lie and a deception of obese people. Obesity is a disease, just like anorexia. People condemn anorexia, but not obesity? It’s strange,” she mused, raising a point about the inconsistent application of societal judgment.
Despite her willingness to make a statement with her style, Slováková maintains a pragmatic approach to fashion. She openly discussed her financial stability, referencing her appearance on the reality show Výměna manželek (Wife Swap), but clarified that she doesn’t simply accumulate expensive designer items. “I dress normally. One of my favorite brands is Zara. And I won’t lie, I have some clothes from collaborations, but I choose them because I refuse to do advertising just for the money; I have to like it,” she said.
While she’s often seen in striking designs for public appearances, Slováková prioritizes comfort in her downtime. Interestingly, she struggles to find jeans she likes. “I’d love to wear them, but I can’t find any that I like. When I was a teenager, we wore short dresses, wanting to show off our figures, but now it seems like girls dress like vagabonds. Oversize doesn’t bother me, but what’s being sold now is shapeless, stretched out, and overcomplicated,” she explained, expressing a dissatisfaction with current denim trends.
Choosing an outfit, she admits, is often a struggle. “Even though it might not look like it, choosing clothes is the worst thing for me. It’s torture,” Slováková confessed. She also doesn’t place a strong emphasis on makeup.
Slováková favors colorful clothing, noting that people are often hesitant to embrace color but respond positively when she does. “Sometimes all it takes is a colorful jacket to brighten up the whole space,” she observed. Her “guilty pleasure,” however, lies in shoes and handbags, possessing a substantial collection, including a bag valued in the six-figure range. “I don’t need crocodile skin or a Hermès bag,” she clarified with a smile.
When she tires of an item, Slováková doesn’t let it go to waste. She donates clothes to friends or charity shops, or sells them on Instagram. “I have so much clothing and I’m desperate to sort it out, but I can’t seem to do it,” she admitted, acknowledging the challenges of managing a large wardrobe. Her approach to style, is about finding a balance between self-expression, comfort, and a touch of playful defiance.
