Succumb to the charm of Czech design!

Renowned for their high standards and their originality, young Czech designers are enjoying worldwide success. Their high quality yet great value products do not lack humour and fantasy. So if you are on the lookout for a new creative style you can be sure that contemporary Czech design has something to offer.     

Playful and experimental – contemporary Czech design

The DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, Architecture and Design is located in a minimalist building in Prague Holesovice and is the hub for the leading iconic designers of Czech glass, porcelain and jewellery. The gallery represents the pinnacle of Czech design and conceptual production. It is open every day except Tuesdays from 10am until 6pm. www.dox.cz

The Krehky Gallery in Prague 7 hosts a number of exhibitions where some of the works can be purchased and presents a distinctive approach to the world of contemporary design, the home and objects. The gallery is located in Osadni Street No. 35 and offers limited editions, some original works of selected artists, experimental projects, prototypes and an exclusive range of mass produced products. The gallery is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 8pm or at times pre-arranged by telephone. www.krehky.cz

“The Modernist” (Modernista) is yet another example of a company specialising in Czech design and applied arts. The company manufactures its own products and sells 20th Century and contemporary design objects. The shop can be found in the Hrzansky Palace Arcade in Celetna Street. It stocks a large collection of goods ranging from cubist ceramics to functionalist furniture, lighting and toys as well as period and contemporary glass, jewellery and china. Among the highlights is the collection of cubist decorative objects which is unique to Czech design and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Admirers of modern design will be pleased to find the works of leading contemporary Czech designers such as Maxim Velčovský, Jiří Pelcl or the design studio Olgoj Chorchoj. “The Modernist” is open daily from 11am until 7pm. www.modernista.cz

“Futurista Universum” which is a design store located at Betlemske Square in Prague 1 is a classic example of the fact that quality and uniqueness do not necessarily mean unaffordability. Futurista is a centre for contemporary architecture, photography and art. Its 150 m2 premises house the latest selection of the best Czech design including jewellery, glass, ceramics, porcelain, lighting, furniture, textiles or wallpaper. It is open daily from 11am until 7pm. www.futurista.cz

It is all about paper in the newest Czech stationery store Papelote. The shop offers a wide assortment of original exercise books, note pads, wrapping papers, pencil cases, book covers, products made of felt and many other goods which have all been produced in the Czech Republic using eco-friendly materials. Papelote is located in Vojtesska Street in Prague 1. Customers will find products intended for wide distribution as well as designer and limited edition items. www.papelote.cz 

The cherry on the top of the design cake is the original shoe store called Botas Concept Store in Konviktska Street No. 30 in Prague 1 which will win the heart of every architecture enthusiast. Occupying a modest area of only 18 m2, the space is utilised to the maximum and showcases the complete collection including the Botas classic 66 limited series and some pieces from leading lights in the worlds of fashion, art and design. The design of the interior of the shop is an experiment demonstrating how to maximise the benefits of a small space and create a unique atmosphere. http://www.botas66.cz/concept-store/events/

Traditional Czech companies also move with the times

The world renowned Czech company Ton, which manufactures tables and chairs using a  technique involving bending wood, was founded in 1861 by Michael Thonet in Bystrice pod Hostynem. The undying popularity of their products is easily demonstrated by chair No. 14 which has been continuously manufactured for more than 150 years. To demonstrate its quality and solidity, Michael Thonet famously threw one of the chairs from the Eiffel Tower in Paris on the occasion of the World Exposition in 1900. Ton is an original Czech company which respects the art of the traditional craftsman while employing the latest styles of the furniture industry. Customers can visit the company store in Komunardu Street No. 28 in Prague 7 – Holesovice which also holds the prestigious Shop of the Year 2011 Award. The showroom was recognised for its interior design carried out by Olgoj Chorchoj design studio. The shop is open during the weekdays from 10am until 6pm and on Saturdays until 1:30pm. www.ton.cz

Another exceptional Czech company with a longstanding tradition of original design is Moser glass works in Karlovy Vary. In its 150-year history Moser has become a synonym for the highest standards of art and craftsmanship as well as interesting and original design. The design brain behind the operation is Studio Moser which works with various artists and designers to develop new collections of products. The designs of Moser glass come from the leading contemporary artists of the glass-making industry. Visitors can uncover the secrets of glass production in the Moser Visitor Centre in Karlovy Vary as well as in the newly opened Moser Museum located in the historic gallery “At the White Unicorn” (U Bileho jednorozce) in the Old Town Square in Prague. http://www.moser-glass.com/

Be inspired at the seasonal design events

The leading event of this season is the “Fragile Mikulov” (Krehky Mikulov) Festival – the first ever art design festival in Central Europe – which will showcase mostly young designers. From June 22 to August 19 the rooms and halls of Mikulov Castle will be the setting for a display of limited editions and exhibition premieres of Czech and international designers. http://www.pirsc.cz/studio/krehky-mikulov-41.html

For those particularly fond of design, jewellery, furniture, decorations, art and folk creativity there is “Design blok”, the international design exhibition showcasing the latest arrivals in the leading Prague design shops and galleries. The event will take place from October 1 until 7 this year. http://www.designblok.cz/2012/

Another edition of the popular festival of contemporary young design – The Design Supermarket 2012 – will take place in Prague from December 5 until 9. The event will offer products by young designers of all kinds including fashion, glass, porcelain, jewellery or graphics. http://www.designsupermarket.cz/

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