Well, we have already told you that we love food and traveling. But there are another passions of ours – design and fashion. Whenever we travel, we never go back without checking little local shops and hunting for that perfect souvenir. I always go weak at my knees when I find that unique thing, whether it’s a skirt with a rare pattern, unusually shaped vase, or just a paper diary. What we love the most, though, is the process of discovering what the locals do, how they do it and why, plus chatting with the authors or shop operators. If that rings a bell and you are visiting Prague this week, we have a tip for you.
From Monday, 1 October, till Sunday, 7 October, Prague is hosting the 14th edition of the Designblok, an international exhibition of new Czech and foreign design and fashion. This event ranks among the most popular events in Prague, and you should not miss it if you are in Prague this week.
Ten years ago, Designblok was just a small affair held, for many, in dodgy industrial buildings with just a few designers showing their work to a handful of design junkies. Today, it presents designs from well know designers from all over the world in the most prominent showrooms and galleries around Prague (see the map). But although you will see many global names on the show floor, we recommend searching for great products by Czech designers.
When and where to go?
The Designblok exhibition started on Monday, 1 October, and ends on Sunday, 7 October.
The 14th year will be held primarily in three exhibition centres – two Superstudios that present global and Czech interior and fashion brands, plus one Openstudio to show the future of design and presentations of young designers. Plus, Fashion Week will find its home in the St. Simon and St. Jude Church on Dušní street. Other events will be held in the shops and studios of the exhibitors that have been admitted to join the Designblok.
What to look for?
We definitely recommend that you look for some Czech jewelry, crystal and porcelain products, the traditional Czech craftsmanship strongholds.
As regards jewelry, definitely check out the Belda Factory, Věra Nováková or Antipearle. If you love products made of glass, or tableware, don’t miss exhibitions by Moser, Rony Plesl, Křehký and Qubus. If you prefer paper, see PaPelote.
For fashion lovers among you, be sure to visit the exhibitions or shops of Czech fashion designers such as Zuzana Kubíčková, Jokoby, Chatty, Timoure et Group, ether and others.
For more information on Designblok and its events, exhibitors, and locations, please see this or this.