Ganni in Copenhagen

October 18, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

The mecca of Copenhagen’s fashion, Ganni, in brick-and-mortar format. Although I’m not the ultimate fan of the brand, its impressive what Ditte and Nicolaj Reffstrup achieved throughout the years. The label – known for floral dresses, chunky boots and big knits in relatively affordable prices – is not just internationally recognised, but beloved by women of different walks of life. The Copenhagen store, filled with Ana Kraš’ visuals, hand-picked vintage furniture and pastel tones, serves as a well-coordinated space that presents the brand’s new arrivals (note the beaded bucket bags and the denim capsule line!).

Store Regnegade 12 / Copenhagen

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Lot #29

October 17, 2018October 17, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

Lot #29 will definitely please those, who seek a truly unique selection of brands, and want to spend time in an equally eclectic interior. A very personal choice of labels – Cecilie Bahnsen, Missoni, Nina Ricci, Erdem – hangs on the racks, accompanied by refined leather goods and gorgeous jewellery (Tohum and lots of chic hair clips). Basically everything you lay your eyes in here is beautifully crafted, with heart. Lot #29 curates and sells special, tactile, functional and classic add-ons, which you won’t find in other multi brand boutiques (that sadly order the same stuff from the same labels). The place opened back in 2003, but it feels… ageless. Also, note the antique furniture and the old-fashioned cabinet that showcases the shiny goodies. Although it’s a store, it feels like at home.

Gothersgade 29 / Copenhagen

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Triennale Brugge

August 24, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

I went to Brugge (you might also know it as Bruges), the capital of West Flanders in Belgium, last week. The city is world-known for its canals, cobbled streets, townhouses and medieval buildings – shortly speaking, majority of this magical city is under protection of UNESCO. Well, no wonder why. But this time, this city felt even more enchanting than usual.

Now I’m honest. I had no idea that the Triennale Brugge 2018 is on – this was meant to be a few day trip to the town I’ve been visiting for years. But the occurring event transformed this city into a breathing artwork. The Brugge Trienniale invited international artists and architects to think about this question: how flexible, liquid and resilient can a historic city like Bruges be in an age when nothing seems to be certain any longer? Many of them sought inspiration for their work in the role of liquidity in the city that is literally criss-crossed and surrounded by water. The waterways that once earned Brugge its international renown, become a metaphor for Liquid City. Fifteen works of art, installations and meeting places have been put up in the city centre. You can walk into them and experience them. And while seeking them, discover the less touristic, off-beat tracks of Brugge. My favourites? The inflated installation by Spanish studio Selgascano, which is a literal ‘meeting place’ on water, and Jarosław Kozakiewicz‘s ‘Brug’ bridge. The ‘Skyscraper’ by StudioKCA, which is a massive whale sculpture made of 5 tons of plastic pulled out of the ocean, makes you think as well.

Triennale Brugge 2018 lasts until September 16.

Triennale-Brugge-2018-Iwan-Baan-05-OBBA-Floating-Island

Men’s / Verner Panton. Dries Van Noten SS19

June 23, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

When I was a kid, and wasn’t interested in fashion yet, I was obsessed with furniture design. And the truth is, Verner Panton was my favourite designer. I remember how I was drooling over his cult Panton chair or the memorable Heart armchair whenever I saw one of them in a magazine or some restaurant. So, believe me, Dries Van Noten‘s spring-summer 2019 collection is very special for me. My childhood love meets my current love! So, what triggered the idea? “I wanted a collection which was really fresh, and about color. So we looked to [his] estate, and asked for permission to use the prints digitally, rescale them and blow them up.” Moreover, each garment with a direct use of Panton’s work is to be co-labelled – expect this to be a very special edition line then. Colourful, bold stripes and geometrical patterns were used for velvet shorts, spring coats, loosely fit pants, moccasins, shirts… and all that beautifully balanced with Van Noten’s signature summer tuxedos and over-sized knits. What really surprises is that Panton’s contribution isn’t too ‘invasive’ or literal here, but subtly leaves a mark. Other designer would easily fall into a trap of being a slave to his or her reference. But Dries finds harmony. That’s how you do a tribute collection.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.

Le Labo in Berlin

October 12, 2017 | Design & Culture by Ed

The leathery scent of Santal 33 is like a drug. Bitter sweetness of Bergamote 22 is a sensual refreshment. Neroli 36 feels like liquid memoir of an Italian summer. I’m speaking of Le Labo, a brand that’s not just about (already) desirable branding, but powerful fragrances. Heralded as one of the best niche fragrances brands in the world, Le Labo boasts a core selection of unique fragrances and exclusive scents available in nine cities. Their newly opened store in Berlin‘s Mitte district is as delightful as the products available there. Those old tiles on the walls, heavy wooden counters, vintage sofas… honestly, wouldn’t mind staying here for much longer.

Alte Schönhauser Str. 26 / Berlin