Design & Culture by Ed

Before, when I heard about Bologna, I instantly thought about food. Maybe because Bologna’s cuisine is said to be the best in the entire Europe – and not just because of the Bolognese sauce (by the way, the locals don’t use that name – they call it simply ‘pasta with ragu’). But visiting Bologna made me realise how beautiful this city is, not just from the taste buds’ aspect. The old city centre is filled with remains of its medieval history: countless towers, palaces, churches and brick facades. The San Petronio Church is especially stunning, with its marble floors and neck-breaking ceiling heights. Make sure to visit Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio, contructed back in 1563. There, you will find the all-wooden Teatro Anatomico, so the place where the human corpses were dissected in front of the medical students for educational matters the first time in history (note that Bologna is the city of some of the oldest universities in the world). In the same building, there’s the mind-blowing library, mostly closed for the tourists. But still, the view of it from behind the see-through doors is quite something. Also, we went to Pinacoteca Nazionale, the ‘richest’ museum in Bologna – but it was quite a disappointment. It served as a good starting point for the long walk back to the centre. When you’re in Bologna, take your time to ‘get lost’ in the streets of this magnificent, red city – or else you won’t really feel it

I will post my favourite addresses in Bologna soon!

SONY DSC

SONY DSC

SONY DSC

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Parma (about which I wrote a separate post here) is a place where you can buy both, a pair of linen pants tailored by a small Italian family brand, and a jet-set era Gucci bag. And, while shopping, make sure to meet and talk to the local sellers and shopkeepers, who truly adore fashion and truly live their chic, Italian style. But also, Parma has this secret (to tourists, at least!) spot where you can dine in front of a church as if you lived in a Fellini film. Scroll down to discover my favourite addresses in the city, that isn’t just ham and Parmesan cheese.

Gazzabuglio di Letyzia

A tiny boutique with first class vintage. Chanel tweeds, Louis Vuitton suitcases, Hérmes foulards, Gucci leathers. All curated by Letyzia, a gorgeous, Italian signora that seems to know every seem in every single piece she sells.

Borgo XX Marzo

Soffio

This menswear store is heaven for tailoring devotees who don’t want to look too formal. Great shoes, pants, shirts… well, everything. Note the interior, that’s filled with Italian design gems. Second floor is in the making, so expect even more of Soffio’s selection in the upcoming months.

Borgo Giacomo Tommasini 3/D

Laura Nocco Gioielli

I think I’ve spent an hour at Laura Nocco’s Parma boutique. Especially, I took my time to thoroughly examine her latest ‘tribal’ collection, which consists of metal hoops, rings, necklaces and bracelets. Nocco sought for inspiration in books about masks coming from different parts of Africa and Mexico, and captured their mystical aura in those unique, wearable artworks. Other than her own works, this designer as well sells rare, vintage jewellery (like this gold-pleated hand brooch).

Str. Duomo 1

Store 333

This place reminded me of Berlin’s Voo Store and Porto’s Early Made. From Henrik Vibskov’s playful apparel to the most comfortable sneakers I know, Veja, Store 333 is the go-to address of the locals who might from time to time take a rest from the ‘Made in Italy’ tag.

Borgo Giacomo Tommasini 12

O Luxury

Parma’s biggest luxury multibrand that has multiple stores located on one street (each with different character, from the ‘hype’ one to ‘rich Italian woman’ one). Here you will find Gucci, Attico, J.W. Anderson, Vetemets and even Rick Owens for Birkenstocks.

Via Nazario Sauro

Croce di Malta

That’s my favourite restaurant in the entire Parma – it’s the one located in front of an old, no longer attended church. The food is simple, but so, so good. And that evening mood when you sit outside is unforgettable.

Borgo Palmia 8

Galleria Borgobello di Peppe Jervolino

Again, vintage – but more focused on jewellery and furniture. Peppe Jervolino’s vast selection of camelias, pearls, pendants, charms and pretty much every type of jewellery is impressive. It’s quite funny to see how today’s Valentino and Marni simply hit the vintage stores to find some inspo for their new season jewellery…

Via Repubblica 92B

So, those are my favourites if speaking of Parma. Few more addresses are as well here.

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.