One of the biggest matters of concern in Poland is what to do with it’s heritage, both cultural or architectural.
For instance, because of some people’s lack of sensiblity, we now attend to the death of small, stylish cinema-halls from the 30’s / 50’s all-over the country. Those incredible sightseeings with their modern style neon signs, present even in small villages, are now being demolished under the pressure of ambitious nouveau riche policies.
This is what tends to show the beautiful art-book Tu by?o kino by Ewa Cienak and Bartek Nowakowski.
Photos from www.tubylokino.pl
As far as fashion is concerned, heritage can be a perfect environment for boutiques, but the owners are not always aware of the best way to use it.
THE GOOD WAY : COMME DES GARCONS Guerrilla Store
Guerrilla Store is a concept-outlet network developped by CDG in chosen cities all over the world. Those temporary boutiques display current and past CDG collections at a lower price, framed by uncommon yet locally inspired environment.
The Warsaw Guerrilla Store has an art-installation made of classic working-class furniture from the communist times called Mebloscianka.
That’s the way it usually looks like:
CDG seems to love the concept, because Meblosciankas were installed in other Guerilla Stores around the world since.
THE WAY IT HAPPENS SOMETIMES : Likus Concept Store
Likus is the major distributor of Diesel family labels in Poland, including selective brands as Martin Margiela, although I only saw 2 shirts with the famous empty label. They decided to implant their multi-service store (2 shops, 1 restaurant and an Italian grocery) in an amazing 19th century bath house. As a result you can experience a great culture shock : lovely antique hand-painted fa
