Bikini Berlin is not an average department store. It’s a place where everything can happen, including the day of dogs. Budapester Straße 38-50
Interior
Berlin: Andreas Murkudis
It’s definitely not the first time I am writing about Andreas Murkudis, but… this place in Berlin is a must-visit EVERYTIME. I just feel so refreshed after coming here. And, the sale just started here, so it’s a great occasion to catch up something from Dries Van Noten, Celine or Aspesi. Potsdammer Strasse 81E, Kreuzberg.
La Ruina / Raj
You know, Srodka in Poznan is like Harlem in New York. Few years ago, it was scary to go here, and now it’s full of bold people and creative energy! But in case of Poznan, blame Monika and Jan Pawlak, who made this place lifey thanks to their two restaurants – La Ruina and Raj. La Ruina is more into sweet flavours – interesting cakes and seasonal cookies are present here (chocolate cake with salt and pepper? Yum). You might drink coffee in many different ways – Vietnamese and Moroccan have blown my mind. And Raj, which is a former sweet shop, introduces meals that are memories of owner’s voyages to Vietnam, Italy or Cuba… in other words, that’s a very unique culinary mix!
The interior of that place is innovative, too. It’s a collection of various souvenirs from travels, which the owners found in different parts of the world. And, rather than using typical, boring menus, the chief had five main dishes today (it changes oftenly) presented on postcards from Italy, Cambodia and Vietnam. For example, Pad Thai, delicious rice noodles with roastbeef, where precisely same as the ones Pawlak’s ate in Asia. In case of ingredients which are not available in Poland – they simply order it from Berlin or Amsterdam. In my opinion, this place is truly incredible- when I come here on regular basis, I always discover something new for myself!
Srodka 3 / Poznan
The Elder Statesman’s Melrose
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
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.
Design & Culture by Ed 