When in Gdańsk

January 3, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

Gdańsk, a Polish port city, is beautiful – especially, during the festive season. We’ve dropped into the town on our way to the New Year’s Eve destination, and honestly, couldn’t leave for a while. All those details of the Old Market, the truly captivating architecture pearls and the jaw-dropping heights of St. Mary’s Church made us stay here till the evening. If you ever visit Gdańsk, you can’t miss Corrèze. Located in the modernised dockyard district, the restaurant induldges its guests with exquisite cuisine. Corrèze specializes in creating taste wonders out of local ingredients. We tried the fallow deer and goose giblets goulash and the Kashubian goose thigh confit – all of that was beyond! Just ike the delicious meringue cake. Also, there’s nothing better than a pre-New Years walk near the cannal with a lit view on the historic city. Gdańsk, love you.

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Le Nuvole. Ania Kuczyńska AW17

October 22, 2017 | Design & Culture by Ed

Ania Kuczyńska‘s autumn-winter 2017 collection, elusively titled Le Nuvole (meaning ‘clouds’ in Italian), is a minimalist heaven at the first glace. But is it just plain minimalism? The Warsaw-based designer is known for encoding various references and personal obsessions in her sharply cut, yet tactile garments. This season, it was a nod to her beloved Italy. Don’t associate that tip too superficially, though, as there is nothing like cliché in Kuczyńska’s creativity. Morning black coffee served in Palermo; a glass of Sicilian wine (well relates to the burgundy colour of the must-have ballet slippers); the shade of navy that resembles the Italian, night sky. Then, there’s also Monica Vitti’s ethereal grace in those silk dresses and feminine blouses. The 3/4 skirts ooze with a Luca Guadagnino film sensuality – yes, think of Tilda Swinton’s character in A Bigger Splash. The expressive silhouette of Ania’s new season pieces reflect the motion of Tarantella – folk dance in the Southern part of Italy, characterized by a fast upbeat tempo. Although that seems like quite a lot for one collection, Kuczyńska pulls it off like no other, keeping it true to her style. The mood, the texture, the silhouette – Le Nuvole is what you call eccelente, in every aspect.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki, feauturing Wojciech Plewiński’s shot from ‘Italia ’57’ series. Photos by Stanisław Broniecki, beauty by Marianna Yurkiewicz.

Frida Kahlo in Poznan

October 14, 2017October 14, 2017 | Design & Culture by Ed

There’s no need to introduce Frida Kahlo. The Mexican artist is one of the most important artists of the 20th century and up to now, her paintings spark controversy and debates. Her world, which was filled with both passion and pain, was reflected in her portraits, illustrations and collages. Whether affected by her suffer (caused by countless illnesses) or being under the impulse of love, each work by Kahlo paralyses the viewer with its elusive, reality-subverting power.

You can’t imagine how happy and proud I was when I discovered last year that an exhibition devoted to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera (her husband, with whom she shared a very, very intense relationship) is arriving to Poznań, my hometown. The exhibition, Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera. Polish Context also considers a quite unknown, yet close relation between the couple and Polish -born artists (photographer Bernice Kolko and painter Fanny Rebel). There’s a section of Nickolas Muray’s incredible photographs of Frida during her trip to New York; an entire display dedicated to the artist’s personal diary. If you’re planning a trip to Poznań, make sure to see mark the exhibition as a MUST – it would be a shame to miss this one-of-a-kind event.

CK Zamek in Poznań / 28.09.2017 – 21.01.2018

Photos by Edward Kanarecki

Visiting Toruń

August 6, 2017August 6, 2017 | Design & Culture by Ed

Toruń is one of the oldest cities in Poland, which over centuries was the home for people of diverse backgrounds and religions. Back in the Medieval times, the city was considered the most culturally and technologically advanced centre in Europe. Moreover, during the World War II, Toruń appeared to be one of the few cities in the country, which was left with no damage. No wonder why the Old Town, fully preserved, looks so beautiful and breathes with its history up to now. Nearly every building here is made of brick, while the churches (the cathedral, dating back to 1236, is a must-see!) are untouched. Walking down the sun-drenched streets, you wonder whether you’re strolling around Brugge or an old Tuscan village…

If you’re here for one day, make sure to visit the District Museum (or Toruń Regional Museum), which is located in the historic Rathaus. The ground floor is an impressive collection of Gothic art and local craftsmanship, while the upper floors hold paintings of Polish artists from XVIII to XX century. Currently, there’s an exhibition of modern art, which presents some of Zdzisław Beksiński, Władysław Hasior and Łukasz Korolkiewicz’s rare works.

In case of culinary experiences, Toruń is recognised for its famous gingerbread. But if you want something less clichéd, try a more niche, off-the-crowd spots. Od Dechy Do Dechy is a cozy, book-filled bar with signature beers, home-made pastries and coffee. Sometimes, they sell second-hand books and vinyls. Perfect place to chill after a busy day.