A clear distinction is virtually impossible, and not that important anyway. The main aim of No Wódka is to encourage customers to develop a strong interest in new, innovative things, which is why it has taken on a kind of ambassadorial role in the city on the Spree.
The store’s number one mission is to raise awareness of Polish designers and artists, whose work can sometimes be extremely spectacular. This is especially true of new talent, because there are many newcomers in Poland who not only exhibit extraordinary creativity, but also deliver first-class quality, too. And these are the perfect prerequisites for an international breakthrough. Aleksandra Kozlowska’s project provides an exciting stage in Pappelallee, in Berlin’s hip Prenzlauer-Berg district.
Needless to say, her chosen premises have their own, unmistakable look to them and tempt people in to explore. The renowned Warsaw-based architects Kontent were responsible for the design. The in-your-face, astoundingly simple yet smart construction resembles an installation and sets a new benchmark in design. A walk-through world has been created using a network of steel pipes with universal connectors, together with a variety of wooden partitions and floor panels, which can be changed around and redesigned without too much trouble. This allows the ambiance to be transformed to suit the season or fit with a new interior design concept. The store’s highlight is the natural delimitation, a new „room“ that detaches itself optically from the four real walls – creating a room within a room, so to speak. This idea can also be taken metaphorically, for it is this project that allows Polish culture to occupy a befitting space in the centre of Berlin.
Vibrant Energy
„No Wódka represents a contemporary microcosm of the latest fashion, design and art from Poland. The basic idea behind the store is to make it vibrate with positive energy and joie de vivre, and to act as a showcase for creative and daring projects.
It is an ongoing process. New artists, brands and design studios are continually being invited to partner with the store, so that the products on the shelves always reflect the current creative scene in Poland,” explains Kozlowska. Energy oozes out of every inch of the store. Although everything is produced by different workshops and originates from a diverse range of artists, it all comes magically together as one on the shelves – thanks to the company founder and store manager’s talent for tracking down the right products. She usually has plenty of room to display her wares, which Kozlowska considers extremely important.
After all, this is the only way of making sure that the products are shown off in their best light. The fashion portfolio includes labels such as Moonchilli, Klekko, Mariusz Przybylski, Natasha Dziewit, Puch, Blackbow and Domi Grzybek. These are complemented by diverse accessories from brands such as Marthu, Mollie, Unikke Design, Viola lee, June Design, Pet Petits and Roboty Reczne.
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