Velta Puriņa received an Atmoda-era gift also made for Sweden's queen
Former TV announcer Velta Puriņa told the magazine “IEVA” about a crocheted collar made by a craftswoman from Ilūkste municipality, an identical piece of which was given to Sweden's Queen Silvia. The interview also touched on her personal style and views on fame.
Former Latvian television announcer Velta Puriņa, long recognized for her elegant image and distinctive voice, spoke to the magazine “IEVA” about her career, personal style, and a memorable gift she once received from a viewer.
A gift from a craftswoman
One of Puriņa's fondest memories dates back to the Awakening period (Atmoda), when television personalities regularly received gifts from viewers. A craftswoman from Ilūkste municipality, who did crochet work at the time, made a white lace collar and sent it to Puriņa. The same craftswoman reportedly made an identical piece for Sweden's Queen Silvia. In total, Puriņa received around six or seven crocheted collars from viewers during that period. Their popularity was reinforced by television footage from the barricades era, showing Puriņa wearing such a collar while interviewing government representatives outside the Cabinet of Ministers.
A style without strict rules
Puriņa recalls that appearance was not given as much attention in the early days of television as it is today, though she personally always cared about looking presentable. At work she mostly wore business-style clothing — jackets, blouses and sweaters — without following any fixed style, while in everyday life she prefers black, white, brown and green tones.
A relaxed attitude toward fame
Although many people still recognize Puriņa, sometimes even by her voice alone in everyday situations such as at a shop, she says fame has never weighed on her. She tends to avoid large public events, preferring quiet time spent with family, away from the spotlight.
