Lukullus on Mokotowska

April 24, 2016April 24, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

Lukullus is not your average pastry shop. The first Lukullus spot in Warsaw was found in 1946 and since from the very beginning of its existence, the business focused on making cakes only out of natural ingredients. The richness of their sweet manufacture is based on the best quality products, like the Polish butter from Grajewo, Dutch cacao or vanilla Bourbon from Madagascar. Moreover, the delightful cakes from Lukullus are also the feast for the eye – all of them are inspired with Paris’ finest patisseries. Thanks to the skills the Lukullus confectioners learnt at prestigious culinary schools of France (like Le Gordon Bleu or Ecole Gregoire Ferrandi), the cakes coming from this place are one-of-a-kind and simply delicious, without a bit of cliché.

At the moment, Lukullus has four points in Warsaw and I promise myself to visit the recently opened one on Chmielna the next time I’m in Warsaw. But if speaking of my last visit to Mokotowska affiliate, I tasted the “Polish Jungle” – a nutritious mix of passion fruit, chocolate, physalis (the Peruvian berry) and soft cream. I’m literally drooling now, when I’m writing about this little piece of heaven…

Mokotowska 52a / Warsaw

Note the watercolour illustration of “Winter Warsaw” by Tytus Brzozowski, which is printed on every box. I think Lukullus mastered branding to perfection.

Mood Scent Bar

April 20, 2016April 20, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

Warsaw is underrated by many and I don’t get why. New places to visit appear constantly, without a moment of pause; people here are so open for new ideas and opportunities. After my last, very short trip to Poland’s capital, I’m obsessed with Mood Scent Bar. But don’t get it wrong – the name of this spot might deceive you to think it’s a place to eat. However, it’s Warsaw’s coolest multibrand of niche perfumes from around the world. In fact, they have two boutiques – one is a step from Vitkac, this huge luxury department store, and the second on Tamka street. But my heart belongs to the first one, which is much smaller and much chicer, with dove-grey walls, vintage lamps and pretty, floral arrangements.

The selection here is mind-blowing, even though you might have never heard of any of the labels they sell here. As the lady mused on the topic of Unum’s Opus_1144, a fragrance, which has its brutalist, concrete “bottle” made in collaboration with Rick Owens, I tried out the literally addictive scent of Blamage by Nasomatto. Although I’m not a fan of heavy, smokey perfumes, Boccanera (in Italian translated as “dark lips”) by Alessandro Gualtieri’s Orto Parisi made me fall in love with its slightly dramatic, oriental twist. Classic-reconstructing Humiecki & Graff, electrifying Room 1015 and eccentric A Lab on Fire, to mention a few, are available here. And for those who don’t feel like experimenting with their noses (and minds!), Mood Scent Bar has a wide variety of well-known Comme Des Garçons fragrances. Indeed, this place is a synonym of nutritious feast for the senses!

Ul. Bracka 3 / Warsaw

Laura

June 14, 2015July 18, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

When you walk into Laura, you have a feeling that you are inside of a spaceship. The sci-fi wall panels (which look like white orchidees) and a Star Trek lamp catches your attention from the very first moment. And then, you realize that the clothes are as extravagant as the interior…. Laura is the only place in Warsaw where you can find the latest Comme des Garcons and Rick Owens. Insane runway dresses, super cool leather jackets, plastic cowboy shoes and many, many more are here. This place should definitely be on the list of Rei Kawakubo fans who enjoy avant-garde!

Mokotowska 21 / Warsaw

Flash

June 13, 2015July 18, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

Flash is my favourite place in the entire Warsaw. With its super high ceiling, austere interior and contemporary art-works hanging on the walls, this place is a highlight. But the brands which are sold here, however, steal the spotlight – Lemaire. Acne Studios. Yohji Yamamoto. Only niche and high quality labels can be found here, with a very characteristic edge. Also, a great selection of sunglasses and jewellery is here. And the super chic shop-owner, who usually sits in the designer armchair, creates a stylish accent to the whole place. Flash!

ul. Mokotowska 26 / Warsaw

Mo61 Perfume Lab

June 12, 2015July 18, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

My trip to Warsaw began with a very aromatic accent. The first place we walked in was Mo61, so the first ever perfume lab in Poland. Here, you can create your own scent, totally customised by yourself! Stored in old glass bottles, different extracts, aromas and concentrates are on the spot, varying from vanilla and patchouli to oud and moss scents. The interior of this extraordinary place is kept in industrial, loft style, making it feel very spacious and cool. Definitely, if you are seeking an experience linked with perfume craft, Mo61 is the place for you.

ul. Mokotowska 61 / Warsaw