Author: Design & Culture by Ed

Prague

| Design & Culture by Ed

Prague is the perfect weekend destination. The capital city of Czech Republic is breathing history, whether we’re speaking of the Jewish district, called Jozefov, or the streets that evidently went through the long and exhausting period of the Communist regime. The city is diverse, and that’s why it has that one-off charm. We started our sightseeing at the Strahov Monastery to see the gorgeous Strahov Library with its impressive book collection and taxidermy display (but first, took a moment to appreciate the view at the nearby vineyards and the entire city). If you’re into the cabinet des curiosités vibes, this place is a must-visit.

After a nearly one-hour-long walk down the cobblestone streets (and one trdelnik later), we reached the Jewish district that is one of Prague’s most beautiful and mystic places. First, the Old-New Synagogue, which is one of the oldest surviving synagogues in Europe and has been the main synagogue of the Prague Jewish community for more than 700 year. Then, the vast Old Jewish Cementary that leaves you feel astounded. During the more than three centuries in which it was in active use, the cemetery continually struggled with the lack of space. The Jewish community was allowed to purchase grounds to expand the cemetery rarely and many times it had to gain space in other ways; if necessary, a new layer of soil was heaped up on the available area. For this reason, there are places where as many as twelve layers now exist. Thanks to this solution the older graves themselves remained intact. However, as new levels were added it was necessary either to lay over the gravestones associated with the older (and lower) graves to protect them, or else to elevate the stones to the new, higher surface. This explains the dense forest of gravestones that one sees today; many of them commemorate an individual who is buried several layers further down. The autumn trees that surround the place add up to the aura of this landmark. Our last stop in the Jewish district (note that there are other places worth visiting, but we were pressed for time) was the Spanish Synagogue. The place is no longer is use and serves as a tourist attraction / concert venue. The arabesque style of this synagogue, with some elements of moresque, will make you want to stay for hours to observe all those stunning details…

Our last destination in Prague was the Hradčany neighborhood. Hradčany is dominated by the vast Prague Castle complex (which we didn’t manage to see and decided to leave it as a reason to come back to Prague soon). Religious sites include the mind-blowing St. Vitus Cathedral, known for its over-the-top Gothic-ness and stained-glass windows by the one and only Alfons Mucha, and St. George’s Basilica, with a red facade and Romanesque interior. The tiny, colorful houses on Golden Lane are home to historical exhibits and souvenir shops, but it’s so commercialised that it’s simply speaking a sad thing to see.

That would be it from the ‘very important’ places to see in Prague. My favourite addresses from the city are coming up soon!

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

With Respect. Alaïa SS19

| Design & Culture by Ed

The sudden death of Azzedine Alaïa, the master couturier who understood a woman’s body like no one else, hasn’t only deprived the fashion world of an ultimate genius, but as well left his brand in an uncertain position. The spring-summer 2019 look-book that was released last week, however, assures that Alaïa – as a fashion house – isn’t going the wrong path and won’t end its existence as many French houses did after their founders passed away (waiting for years to be bought by a bored millionaire). The Maison Alaïa studio team proves to be loyal to the brand’s codes, and what’s more, isn’t lead by an outside creative director. All the people who work on today’s Alaïa collections were trained by Azzedine himself. Many pieces from the new collection aren’t that new. The offering comprises separate collections, éditions, that consist of archive pieces that have been perfectly replicated as new ready-to-wear and labeled according to original dates. A denim jacket from 1986. The striped dress is from 1990. Another gown saw its runway debut back in 1984. Cotton shirtdresses and woven raffia details were mastered in Azzedine’s last collections to perfection, and they reappear here too, just like python leather garments. The soul of Alaïa is there, in each cut and stitch. The effect is more than beautiful, and you really wish of seeing these clothes in real life. It’s a tribute collection, but not in a Versace spring-summer 2018 way. The studio is expected to rework Alaïa’s original designs in future collections, supplying the stores with the brand’s all-time classics.

Still, there are few new additions that smell with forced commerce: espadrilles made in  collaboration with Castañer (ok, that must be heaven comfort) and a capsule collection of dresses, t-shirts and accessories emblazoned with the words Mon cœur est à papa, the expression of love attributed to Naomi Campbell, who considered the Alaïa her father figure. This isn’t presented in the new season look-book (shot by Karim Sadli and styled by long-time friend of the house, Joe McKenna), but, well, it’s a necessity that just has to be accepted. By the way, for the nay-sayers, Alaïa himself did a capsule collection of logo t-shirts in collaboration with Comme des Garçons back in the 90s (very treasured vintage). No one will return Azzedine. But it’s a great relief that his heritage is in good hands and his fashion continues to be praised with so much grace and respect.

 

Collages by Edward Kanarecki.

It’s Real. A Détacher SS19

| Design & Culture by Ed

When you’re a designer like Mona Kowalska, and you lead a brand like A Détacher, you don’t necessarily need a New York fashion week attendance. The success behind this label isn’t propelled by celebrities; a world-wide distribution across multi-brands; or even a perfectly curated Instagram feed. It’s all about one store in New York’s discrete Nolita (that as well sells hand-picked rarities, niche scents and vintage) and a loyal client-base that consists of female professionals that appreciate what Mona does. Kowalska celebrates the 20th anniversary of her brand this year, and her spring-summer 2018 look-book presents her brand’s pure quintessence. Balloon-sleeved dress, harem pants, stacked-heel boots in ecru, pleated skirts in abstract patterns, a loosely fitted blazer. Those are just some of the pieces that catch one’s eye while browsing the collection. A Détacher is as well-known for its knitwear – see that deconstructed, short-sleeved top. There’s also that logo print episode, but it isn’t as obtrusive as we know it at other brands. The collection was shot at the designer’s Brooklyn home. The model poses spontaneously, surrounded by artwork and books. It feels real. And it’s real. Kowalska’s fashion is intimate, but then, it’s made for wearing, not just for editorial styling. Conclusion: I’m sure that the label will continue to prosper for many, many years to come.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.