The Elder Statesman’s Melrose

November 26, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

Around a month ago, I wrote about The Elder Statesman as a new obsession. Well, it’s still strongly on my mind. Greg Chait’s playful luxury knitwear label has just landed on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, having neighbors like Isabel Marant. In a hype bungalow, red neon invites you to visit the home- “I left it with a living, breathing vibe, one that would represent the creative freedom instilled in the goods we make.” The 1,600-square-foot structure is housed next to an outdoor courtyard of equal size, while the interior, created in collaboration with the influential design firm Commune, features skylights and succulents as well as more personal details like Chait’s grandmother’s artwork and a carefully chosen assortment of found objects. “It’s really all about less details,” Chait says, “but ones that are strong and honest.” The stores expresses the attitude of the clothes so well, that no more words are needed. elder-statesman.com

Lulu Concept

November 7, 2014November 7, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

If you are not a good observer, you won’t find LuLu concept store that easy. In Cracow, LuLu is hidden in Georgian-styled building with lots of wooden stairs and terrafes. It all feels a bit mysterious, but the elusive photography of a woman which hangs in the front really makes you want to know what’s there. But when you enter, still amused (and a bit exhausted) by the stairs, you see a huge wooden cabinet, huge wooden table and, overall, a huge wooden space full of cool, cheerful stuff- decorations, muppets, furniture, cushions… and many other cozy “must-have” living accessories. “We create a brand that combines vintage style with a modern interior. We are looking for original old items, trunks, lamps, mirrors, knick-knacks that add life and character of the interior.” I truly enjoyed that place.

This is Paper

November 1, 2014July 18, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

I am constantly discovering new Polish brands which create and produce unique, innovative and beautiful pieces of daily use. This time, I met the Warsaw-based label THIS IS PAPER, which first started with 100% ecologically-made bags and rucksacks, and now is all based on very various items. From knitwear to garden tools and from “raw” homeware to printed magazines, the brand keeps it’s fresh, but simple, high quality level. They create objects which are lasting, keep on being sustainable and well-designed. Launched in 2013 by Aleksander and Zuzanna, the project values timeless over trendy, plain over fancy and less over more. In response to that, THIS IS PAPER decided to curate an online collection of objects that they would be proud to own, designing and collecting items which are made from natural resources. Some of the products they source are from manufacturers and craftsmen in Poland. Others are designed and manufactured by their studio itself, by hand, at THIS IS PAPER Warsaw studio. All of them are made with respect for the Earth’s scarce resources and little concern for passing trends. More on thisispapershop.com

And here are my favourite objects from their appealing on-line store…

Puro / Nifty No. 20

August 15, 2014August 15, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

An extremely hype place opened up in my city, Poznan. It’s the Puro Hotel, which is one of the most beautiful design hotels I ever saw. Located on Żydowska street, it’s a stone throw from the old market. Furnished with the hottest chairs, rugs and tables, this place is to be. And it also has an amazing bar / restaurant – Nifty No.20. It serves traditional Polish food, but in a totally new version. I really recommend the blinis with tomatoes and crabs… seriously yum. With it’s SoHO vibe, the Puro hotel is a perfect place to visit during one of the lazy Fridays… by the way, what do you think of Lena’s own designed #TheRobotPajama? I think it’s gorgeous!

Jill Platner

August 5, 2014August 5, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

When two years ago I was in New York, I had a chance to visit Jill Platner store on 113 Crosby Street in SoHO. However, I didn’t really get interested in it, but thanks god, I took one of their beautiful postcards… and guess what, I found it today during the summer cleaning! I checked their site, their store and I am so fascinated in it right now! For over 20 years, Jill Platner has created jewelry and sculpture from different metals like gold or silver. In 1998 she opened a shop on SoHo’s Crosby Street. The space has not only served as a retail outlet for her jewelry, but a gallery for her sculpture as well. At the center of Jill’s work is a fluid sense of movement, inspired by both organic and urban forms like feathers or tree branches. Jewelry designs are conceived with an innate sense of how they will look and feel on the body. Hinged pieces drape like fabric, and hammered metals beg to be picked up and felt. Every piece has a unique physical presence and tactile quality. A simple elegance underscores everything Jill does. And the monumental sculptures which hang from the ceilings remind me of over-sized fish bone sculptures or something alike… in other words, while being in New York the next time, you must check out this beautiful store and Platner’s style!