HC: Slavic. Valentino SS15

January 31, 2015 | Design & Culture by Ed

Wow. I am moved. Valentino did a collection totally dedicated to Slavic culture and heritage. I definitely see so many Eastern Europpean accents – cubic prints inspired with Marc Chagall; Polish ethno dresses; romantic embroidery; warm and and charming textiles. Chagall, in particular, captivated Maria Grazia and Pierpaolo Piccioli. “He had an incredible life, very hard, but he maintained his optimistic vision,” Piccioli said. The painter’s Belarussian origins provided a leitmotif for the embellishments that are so central to the designers’ aesthetic – bold, but with a toned touch. If talking of romance, Valentino also made hair decorated with real flowers – that was a cherry on the top of the cake. So, a Slavic person, I approve this collection.

Roboty Reczne

November 17, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

What “Roboty Ręczne” basically means in Polish? Hand-made work. And that name for this ultimately cozy brand based in Poland is just a perfect match. Designed by Marta Iwanina-Kochanska, the knitwear brand has a huge selection of warm goodies- long chunky sweaters, soft wool beanies and dreamy sweatpants in which you just want to drift away having a winter afternoon nap. What to write more- the look-book from Roboty Ręczne site tells you everything you need to know- refresh your knitwear wardrobe.

Look Du Jour: Sheeps & Shearling

November 9, 2014November 9, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

So… Here it is! As I promised yesterday, here is a special post on MMC with Lena starring in it. Somewhere in the mountains, we’ve met up (accidentally) with a real mountain-man and his sheeps! And here are the results of our quite fun collaboration.
Lena wears: MMC Studio jacket, Annette Gortz knitwear, Brunello Cucinelli shoes.

MMC STUDIO

November 8, 2014November 11, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

There is something truly unique about MMC Studio, Polish label found and designed by Ilona Majer and Rafal Michalak. They do fashion, or rather an idea of modernistic clothes, made using traditional techniques and materials. Fur and laser-cut lace are just few examples. For AW14 collection, the duo brought to the collection a portion of proportion-fusing silhouttes (thermic scarves vs. over-sized coats) and lovely boots in magnetising white and gold colours. Their attitude and creative approach feels really fresh on the Polish fashion scene, however they already have a strong vision and a fine client base. And just like Phoebe Philo of Celine, Ilona and Rafal are very open-minded influencers of fashion (but so far, only in Poland). Why? Well. Just look at these shearling jackets and fluid-like fluocentic skirts- they are seriously cool, aren’t they? And very wearable and pretty much affordable. Oh, and soon something special is coming up with MMC’s key piece!

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.