I recently spent a weekend in Prague. It is always intriguing to discover a new country, and much like other cities I found the Czech high street offered an indication of the culture, trends and style of the local people. I wanted to tell you about my three favourite shops I found hidden amongst the Prague highstreet.
Modelled on the original Parisian concept boutique, Colette (which I love), Simple Concept Store follows the same principle, stocking a wide range of thoughtfully curated designed products. If you look carefully you can spot a few rare Czech contributions at this fashion emporium. The main labels are French fashion houses such as Celine, Chloe and Yves Saint Laurent, but I particularly loved the Acne additions and Lanvin ballet shoes. There is even a champagne bar for weary shoppers.
Founded by Czech graphic designer and illustrator Katerina Sachova, her photography husband Filip Sach and their friend Denisa Havrdova. Papelote sell a quirky and colourful range of recycled paper, notebooks and pencil cases to brighten up any office desk. The walls have been stripped back to expose layers of plaster, and the vaulted ceilings have been coloured with Papelote wrapping paper. The most attractive gifts are the store’s own range of stationery and roll up pencil cases… This shop is a must for stationery lovers.
Dox is the coolest museum I discovered in Prague. It is a little out of the main city centre, but is well worth searching for. This Centre for Contemporary Art was opened in 2008 and is one of the few independent Czech art institutions. The brilliant gallery shops here sell edgy items, fun gifts, glass and porcelain products curated by Qubus Studio and an excellent selection of vintage design magazines.