Museums will give you a glimpse of history, art galleries – knowledge of new generations.
But when I visit an unknown place, I love getting to know it through its concept stores and local brands boutiques.
To me, they are like little embassies of dreams, ideas, projects and courage for persuading one’s goals!
Independent designers. Passionate individuals. Original decor aesthetics. Sustainable souvernirs.
Here is a selection of some of my favourite fashion (and beauty!) spots in Polish capital!
1. KOPI
Kopi is an artistic child of Natalia Kopiszka, who recently rose to be the most recognised Polish jewellery designer.
Her charmingly pink boutique in the centre of Warsaw is a perfect canvas for her small architectural treasures.
Natalia, like no one else, can overlap the contemporary curves and 3D shapes with traditional materials like pearl or amber.
Great for a gift for any bijoux lover!
address: Nowogrodzka 40, 00-691, Warszawa
openings: Tuesday-Friday 12:00-19:00
Saturdays 12:00-15:00
2. THE ODDER SIDE
“Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication”, said Leonardo da Vinci.
And it doesn’t get any better than a basic from The Odder Side!
No Polish wardrobe is complete without a piece designed by Justyna Przygońska and Brygida Handzelewicz-Wacławek!
Always there when you don’t know what to wear, from knits to t-shirts and most importantly with a twist.
High quality, versatility, future-proof design, feminity, and urbanity are the keywords that describe the brand.
If that wasn’t enough, the secret lies in the name – you can wear them usually or on the ‘odder’ side.
The staple pieces worth a splurge are the V neck t-shirts and jumpers.
address: Koszykowa 5, 00-564 Warszawa
openings: Monday-Friday 10:00-20:00
Saturdays 10:00-18:00
Sundays 10:00-16:00
3. CHYLAK BAGS
Zofia Chylak is our national pride!
If you follow the street fashion galleries, there is a big chance you stumbled upon one of her designs hanging proudly on the shoulders (or hips!) of the fashion ‘it’ girls.
But that’s not the main reason I list Chylak in my selection!
There is so much more to it than just a trend. Polish designer offers affordable luxury with local artistry touch. Pair it with high-end quality and refined taste, and you get a recipe for your forever perfect accessory!
Boutique’s copper/golden decor aesthetic is framing the modest designs beautifully.
What’s more, another Polish brand is sharing the four walls with Zofia. Le Petit Trou is offering sexy yet subtle lingerie for the conscious and self-aware woman!
address: Koszykowa 514, 00-564, Warszawa
openings: Monday-Friday 11:00-19:00
Saturdays 11:00-18:00 (closed on Sundays)
4. YOPE
This brand is another national treasure! And it’s hardly surprising.
Yope is producing natural and free of bad stuff (SLS, SLES) body care cosmetics and house cleaning detergents.
They look fantastic, smell delicious, and most of all do only good to your body, soul and home. They can quickly become an integral part of your life!
Recently, the owner – Karolina Kuklińska-Kosowicz opened the first flagship store, and it turned out to be pastel heaven. You can sample the products, discover new collection and even refill used bottles!
address: Mokotowska 26, 00-564, Warszawa
openings: Monday-Friday 11:00-19:00
Saturdays 11:00-16:00 (closed on Sundays)
5. RISK MADE IN WARSAW
Risk is another temple of basic and human-friendly clothes that, as the founders, Klara Kowtun and Antonina Samecka say “look good not only on the hangers”.
They offer the fundaments of sustainable wardrobe that will be the make-up no make-up for your body. They will follow the flow of your lifestyle.
The name of the brand lives up well to its expectations too! When visiting the boutique, you risk, not only getting lost in endless colours and cuts. The decor and mainly the gorgeous courtyard welcomes you with its warm lights and probably the most fashionable aesthetic in Warsaw.
Great choice if you’re looking for wrap-up dresses, sweats or jumpers!
address: Szpitalna 6A, 00-001 Warszawa
openings: Monday-Saturday 10:00-20:00
Sundays 10:00-16:00
6. BODYMAPS
Whether in winter or summer, don’t miss a visit to this small by size but big by heart store!
Welcomed by a coffee and a bubbly personality of the designers – Ewa Stepnowska and Adrianna Małyszko, you’re entering the world of retro-inspired swimming suits.
Bodymaps was a creation of necessity or rather lack of right quality beachwear. And with a pinch of talent and smart reference to the past mingled up with love for art and music, you get a pretty impressive effect.
Just a few weeks ago, the girls added a new baby to their fashion family – Drapella is offering made to measure, exclusive dresses perfect for any summer occasion.
address: Dobra 42, 00-312 Warszawa
openings: Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 21:00
7. BIZUU
It would be a crime not to mention Bizuu.
Why? Because the two sisters standing behind the brand – Blanka Jordan and Zuzanna Wachowiak – have revolutionised the Polish prêt-à-porter!
How? They were the first ones to introduce it in the internationally known form.
Bizuu is a perfect ambassador of that urban elegance style, with bright, pastel, feminine and pop culture influences.
Now and then they add a twist of cartoon related symbols – like Barbie or Powerfull Girls but manage to keep it tasteful and up to date.
When it comes to the boutique, Sharon Stone loved it so why wouldn’t you? 😉
address: Koszykowa 24, 00-553, Warszawa
openings: Mondays – Friday 10:00 – 19:00
Saturdays 10:00 – 16:00 (closed on Sundays)
8. FRIDGE BY YDE
Imagine a fairy tale laboratory where young and ambitious biochemists are innovating new recipes.
Think of an ecological plantation of the wild rose that soon will become an ingredient of your favourite face serum.
Visualise cosmetics that are so fresh that you need to keep them in your fridge – just like your beloved fruits.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is not a fancy dream but the reality of the world of Fridge cosmetics and its creator Magdalena Beyer!
If you care about the planet and want the best for your skin, I’d recommend getting this unique souvenir that your self will thank you for.
address: M. Kopernika 6/1, 00-367, Warszawa
openings: Mondays – Friday 11:00 – 19:00
Saturdays 11:00 – 15:00 (closed on Sundays)
8. MANDEL STORE
Mandel is a fantastic accessories brand to start with. But when you layer it up with their elegant and eclectic store, you get perfection!
What do you need to know about the brand? That they do their best to make changes so that the planet doesn’t have to!
They design, produce and sell around the circular fashion. Which means that whatever Mandel brings into the world, it spins around the fashion-sphere for as long as it’s possible! And it hides under three simple actions – Repair, Reuse, Recycle.
address: Nowogrodzka 18a/106, 00-511 Warszawa
openings: Mondays – Saturdays 11:00 – 19:00
Saturdays 11:00 – 16:00 (closed on Sundays)
9. COLLAGE
What good can come when two friends and architects decide to open a concept store? The answer is – Collage!
The boutique is minimalistic heaven for the amateurs of designer objects. Among them many Polish ones.
Marta Puchalska-Kraciuk and Ewelina Moszczyńska started their journey by designing their furniture, like mirrors, pouffes or trays.
Later on, ladies added different and various lifestyle accessories.
The concept is straight to the point – it’s dedicated to women who search for attractive and practical things.
That’s why the offer includes Polish porcelain, marble candle holders or refined and niche skincare products.
A special place, on the Collage shelves, plays high-quality jewellery of ParelParel or Kaaskas‘ silk ties and sustainably made scrunchies.
Your perfect address for original, local gifts!
address: Rozbrat 28/30, 00-429, Warszawa
openings: Mondays – Friday 11:00 – 19:00
Saturdays 11:00 – 15:00 (closed on Sundays)
10. CLOUDMINE
This two-floor concept store is offering, probably, the broadest and most diversified selection of ‘Made in Poland’ label.
After years of successful existence on the internet, Cloudmine decided to gain the foothold with a physical store.
Emerging designers can finally have space with fair competition and anyone looking for local products has a chance actually to touch them and try them on.
Ethical and minimalistic bodies from Nago, quirky hair clips from Turtle Story, frilly dresses from Justyna Chrabelska, feminist t-shirts from Janina Warsaw, animal pins by Marcelina Jarnuszkiewiecz, books, illustrations, porcelain, lingerie. It’s honestly hard to list all!
But the owner – Marianna Grzywaczewska doesn’t stop there. She’s organising art events, exhibitions and meet-ups with inspiring artists and activists!
Polish fashion in a nutshell!
address: Paryska 17, 03-945, Warszawa
openings: Mondays – Friday 12:00 – 20:00
Saturdays 11:00 – 19:00 (closed on Sundays)
Fenek Studio
A lovely, small ceramic studio that will steal your heart! I
t’s perfect if you’re looking for a local and original souvenir or simply need a home accessory. All items are handmade with a dose of humour, fun and positivity!
While checking the stock, make sure to glance at the creators during their work, it’s very inspiring!
address: Tamka 45B, 00-335 Warszawa
openings: Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays 12:00 – 19:00
Closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays
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