So much love in the spring-time. And flowers, everywhere!
Spring!
Poland
Nanan
Just a few steps from Wrocław’s Old Market, the sweetest patisserie tempts the locals. With it’s pastel-pink velvet walls and brass details, Nanan is a heaven for lovers of unconventional dessert tastes. No way you can miss it, while the town!
Kotlarska 32 / Wrocław
The Sudetes: Sacred
In the second part of my Sudeten journal, I’m happy to share with you the moments I’ve captured around the local churches. I was mesmerised by the sacred aura, which oozed in every corner of Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Krzeszów. Those magical arches, all the meticolously carved details and most of all, the mind-blowing baroque ceiling painting… incredible. Just like all the smaller, remote churches, which are scattered around the fields and forests (however, most of them are unfortunately closed).
In the Sudetes, it’s a common thing to see pastel-coloured bee-hives. While I was walking around them and taking photos of blooming cherry-blossom trees, I noticed a little Easter palm next to the wooden hut. So colourful and carefully kept by the owner – it will surely serve during the next year’s spring rituals.
If you’ve missed the first part of the journal, check it out here. The last part coming soon!
The Sudetes: Royal
You’ve surely noticed that the last few days were pretty quiet on Design & Culture by Ed – but I’m back for good. The truth is I needed a moment for a well-deserved mind detox. To slow down, rest a bit. And going to the Sudetes, a mountainous region located between Poland and Czech Republic, was the best possible choice for me. So, I’ve decided to divide my journal into three parts – here’s the first one, titled ‘Royal’.
The first destination was the precious Książ castle (pronunciation: ksiowsh), which went through turbulent history. Situated on a beautiful, deeply forested hillside, the castle used to be the go-to place for Polish aristocracy and socialites before the First World War. Right now it’s under major reconstruction and refurbishment, but that’s not a problem, as the delightful baroque hall and terrace are truly breath-taking. Just a few steps from the castle, there’s the all-wooden royal horse stable. Actually, I’ve never seen anything like that before – it’s huge. Although I’m not a horse-riding fan, I fell in love with those beautiful creatures that are kept here. What’s more, local riders wear authentic, pre-war gears while they’re up on the horses, which makes this incredible place even more absorbing with its historic aura.
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The ‘Wałbrzych Palm House’ arose from the initiative of the last representative of the Hochberg dynasty in Książ castle, Hans Heinrich XV. The Prince had it built for his spouse, Daisy (a passionate lover of flowers and plants). To this day, his expression of love holds a great charm. It’s said to be the only such facility in Poland that has been preserved in its original construction. Inside gardens are my soft spot, so you might imagine how happy I was to walk around this rather niche tourist attraction.
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Stay in tune for more posts coming about the Sudetes!
Ania Kuczynska’s Wave
Ania Kuczyńska‘s latest capsule collection entitled Black Celebration 1986 is an intimate exploration of memories and associations, likely kept in deep, black-and-white tones. This Polish designer, who’s the founder of Warsaw’s beloved eponymous label, continues to combine and fuse inspirations in the least expected ways. The name of the collection might ring a bell – of course, we’re speaking of Depeche Mode’s most (as for me) melancholic album, which might be a perfect backdrop for these elusive, analog snaps by Stanislaw Boniecki. But Ania goes further, nodding to new wave tendencies in Polish film and music (from Roman Polanski’s intriguing dramas to Krzysztof Komeda’s cinematic tunes). New wave era had a magnetising, truly absorbing aura – the same feelings surrounds Kuczyńska’s garments. Unisex turtlenecks à la the existentialists; below-the-knee pleated skirts; t-shirts with shoulder-exposing cuts. It’s not about pursuing the newness, but rather, focusing on essentials, perfecting them. Kuczyńska’s house codes evolve – and this collection is a beautiful addition to her creative language.
Design & Culture by Ed 