Jan-Jan Van Essche

December 26, 2014January 6, 2024 | Design & Culture by Ed

Born and raised in Antwerp, Jan-Jan Van Essche menswear brand blends ethnic tradition with western characteristics- knitted ponchos, wool hats and loose attitude. Together with his partner Piëtro Celestina, whom Jan-Jan met during his fashion studies at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, he runs Atelier Solarshop just a few blocks away from their loft where they live and work.The former solarshop carries Jan-Jan’s pieces and vintage treasures that reflect his style and mood. In Jan-Jan’s latest collection, entitled INITE, he shows his signatures- lazy blazers, pants and non-chalantly worn scarves. Also, we’ve got a quiet, peaceful colour palette perfect for every season. But what strikes you first in his new look-book, are the gold-polished socks which give the all of the outfits a edgy touch. This Antwerp-based guy keeps it close to his own, personal aesthetic and I love it (by the way, his models seem to be perfect for the overall atmosphere of the collection). More on ateliersolarshop.be and janjanvanessche.com

Funagata bag by Kazumi Takigawa

Walter Bosse hedgegog

Jan-Jan Van Essche hat

Hui-Hui silk scarf

Nickel bronze cutlery

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…

Ania Kuczynska

August 25, 2014July 18, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

In my opinion, the Polish world of fashion and photography is truly not exploited. Here, on my blog, I want to show you the most amazing, innovative brands, designers and photographer which all come from my homeland- the beautiful Poland, which got its magnificient mountain ranges, colourful nature and impressive people of culture. The first one on the go is Ania Kuczynska, the Warsaw-based designer which is mine queen of Polish minimalism. But this minimalism has nothing to do with Celine-ish minimal chic. Ania’s style is full of femininity, visuality, sharp design- and she is constantly inspired with the world of children. Details of little girl’s wardrobe like lace or tulles are used by Kuczynska, but in a way it’s all still simple and slightly disturbing… her recent collection for SS14, Illuminate, is one of them. Inspired with art, sun, travelling and possibly Frida Kahlo (these flowers that are stuck in the clutches), the collection is easy-to-go and also very sophisticated. Denim kimonos, flawless white dresses, pyjama shirts… it’s all about ethno vibes and affordable key pieces. The prop of the show? Only the long, long oriental rug and huge photo presenting a sunset. This show was a beautiful and silent event which surely would find it’s lovers somewhere else in the world.