Travel

Christmas in Prague

| Design & Culture by Ed

This Christmas, I went to Prague with my family, and it couldn’t be lovelier. Of course, there was some stress regarding the typical ‘Christmas conventions’ of staying at home and all… but then, Prague feels so, so at home. Those cobblestone streets, all the truly festive decorations, the panoramic views at the river (always filled with swans, whatever season it is!). And, to my own surprise, so many places are open throughout the holidays. New addresses, that will well add up to the spots I’ve written about back in October, are about to be posted here, hopefully before the New Year. For now, here are some moments from those few days.

Prague’s monumental, spikey architecture, some new season Prada at the Parizska street, and the delightful Christmas tree adorning the main square.

‘Grace: The Thirty Years of Fashion at Vogue’, signed by the one-and-only Grace Coddington, is what I got from Santa. I guess I was good this year… 

The iconic Czech Krtek, re-imagined in every possible way; the tram near Prague’s National Theatre; Art Deco-ish reliefs and ornaments near Jozefovo district; the crazy, colourful Czech glassware.

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Lunettes Selection

| Design & Culture by Ed

Another spot to visit and buy at when in Berlin‘s Mitte district? Lunettes Selection. Whether you’re looking for classy sunnies or rare, vintage Pierre Cardin frames, that’s the right address for you. The store’s interior is simple, but eye-catchy (no pun intended…). The endless number of pharmacy-like shelves with a huge variety of glasses is here, ready to be opened and tried out. Take your time!

Torstraße 172 / Berlin

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Brutto Gusto

| Design & Culture by Ed

Whenever I’m sure I know Berlin well, it proves me that I’m completely, completely mistaken – that’s the charm of this city! Even Mitte, a neighborhood that is often referred to as no longer off-beat, but not yet mainstream, has some secrets hidden from me, especially on the Torstraße (that doesn’t just end on Soho House Hotel). One of them is Brutto Gusto, a place that’s blurring the lines between a flower shop and fine arts gallery. You will find here both, a delightfully big, blue hydrangea, and a ceramic artwork with a 13,500 euro price tag. Like one of those Carolein Smit‘s sculptures, that are temporarily exhibited at Brutto Gusto (until 12.01.19). Smit explores disturbing motifs, that simultaneosly repulse and attract. But when you notice the meticulous craftsmanship that is involved in every work of hers, there’s no way you will turn away from it. The place as well sells artisan pots, vases and glassware, all that coming straight from the studio.

Torstraße 175 / Berlin

Photos by Edward Kanarecki and via flatlandgallery.com

Karlovy Vary

| Design & Culture by Ed

Karlovy Vary (or Carlsbad) is a charming town situated in western Bohemia, Czech Republic. It is named after Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, who founded the city back in 1370. It;s historically famous for its hot springs (13 main springs, about 300 smaller springs, and the warm-water Teplá River) that are located both in the city, and on its green outskirts. No wonder why it’s the most visited spa town in Czech Republic – the treatments the city offers, based on the local waters, are here to relax and revitalise your body and soul. If you’re planning to visit Karlovy Vary in autumn, put fine dining and shopping aside – walk, walk and again walk in the surrounding forests! And see the local Orthodox church that’s located in the hilly neighborhood of huge, opulent villas. Needed a weekend escape? Here you go.

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Prague’s Addresses

Quote | | Design & Culture by Ed

Other than monastery libraries, synagogues and castles, Prague has some very exciting spots to eat and shop at. See my five favourite addresses from the Czech Republic’s capital city!

Make sure to book your table at Sansho – it’s ex-Nobu London chef Paul Day’s place. Locals will tell you Day cooks some of the best Asian cuisine in town, with dishes that take you to the taste heaven, from salmon sashimi and soft shell crap slider (Sansho’s cult signature) to ocra tofu sambal and a not-so-average curry offering. The minimal, cozy interior is a leap away from Prague’s widespread ‘over-the-top’ style of gourmet restaurants. A must, must visist!

Petrská 1170/25

Space has an eclectic selection of international brands, from Dries Van Noten to Golden Goose Deluxe Brand. I really loved the way the clothes hang on the racks – already styled and layered up.

Vězeňská 6

You just can’t go by Metamorphosis and not stop for a flower bouquet (consisting of my favourite dahlias or hydrangeas). Might be the best flower shop in the entire city.

Haštalská 796/3

Antik Cafe Dlouhý Příběh is a multi-purpose spot. At the entrance you can buy some home-made jams and cured meat. In the eating space, try out the typically Czech cuisine. The interior is purely vintage, as every furniture is hand-picked from a flea market. Oh, and you can buy the lamp you fancy – from the most kitsch to the most Communist-like.

Dlouhá 37

Ok, that’s something you can expect from me, wherever I am. Céline, still with the accent. Last Phoebe Philo pieces are still here (but few sizes left), just as the pre-Hedi autumn-winter 2018 collection. Loved the concrete staircase. Run for that silk, over-sized shirt with fruit print!

Pařížská 97/15

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.