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In the four years since establishing her eponymous brand, Polish designer Magda Butrym has captured a global audience with her fine fabrics, contemporary cuts and luxury craftsmanship. You’ll have seen the likes of Pandora Sykes, Alexa Chung and Bella Hadid wearing her offbeat feminine pieces – notably the heavily Instagrammed SS18 Vaness blouse, a navy polka dot number featuring puffed sleeves and a cinched waist.
While Poland’s fashion scene is booming, heritage houses of the calibre of those belonging to France and Italy are lacking; the names to know are modern and emerging brands helmed by twenty- and thirtysomething designers with directional visions. Magda, who trained as an in-house designer at a regional brand before going it alone, works with local Polish craftsmen whose high quality pieces – think hand-loomed textiles, embroidered ornaments and hand-plaited leathers – bring Magda’s designs to life.
Now, the brand is stocked in 150 spots around the world, from Russia to South Korea, with Matches Fashion and Net-A-Porter touting its meticulously made pieces as wardrobe essentials. From red velvet jewel-embellished mules to botanical frilled dresses, textured and ruffled mini skirts, the style set have fallen for Magda’s vintage-inspired Midas touch.
Magda has been based in Warsaw since moving there after high school. She describes the Polish capital as "ever-changing, energetic, direct, charming and unapologetic," adding: "New businesses are popping up, restaurants and clubs are opening, and there’s something quite joyous in the air. It encouraged me to start my own brand, which I wouldn’t have had the courage to do in Paris or London."
We asked the designer for her top tips for a trip to Warsaw, from the best cup of coffee in town to where to get our culture fix. Click through to see her picks.
Where should we stay?
Hotel Bristol is a really special place – it’s super charming with an old-fashioned flair.
Where should we head for a nightcap?
The left bank of Vistula has just been renovated, and there are plenty of small bars by the riverbank that are perfect for an evening stroll and drink.
Where’s the best place to go dancing?
Charlie on Mokotowska Street is always a good start.
Where is the best place to enjoy the sunshine?
Warsaw’s main park, Lazienki, is really quite lovely for catching some rays. There’s also an Instagram-friendly museum at the heart of the park.
The city’s best cup of coffee?
Coffeedesk on Wilcza Street.
Where can we get some traditional Polish cuisine?
Dyspensa on Mokotowska Street. I would recommend beef tartar, dumplings and crab avocado...but you would be happy with everything from the menu!
We want some culture – where should we go?
I would say Zacheta and the Museum of Modern Art. It’s always worth checking what’s on in the National Museum too. Krolikarnia is a lovely local museum a bit deeper inside the city in the Mokotow district. The Poster Museum in Wilanow gives great views of the grand palace in Wilanow from the XVII century and is a great Sunday afternoon trip.
The Raster gallery never fails me, and then there is also a very lovingly preserved former studio and home of Polish artist Edward Krasiński, one of the most important protagonists of the Polish neo-avant-garde from the 1960s and '70s. Top tip: Make an appointment via the Galeria Foksal Foundation in advance.
Which tourist spot is worth the hype?
A walk along Mokotowska Street leading to Saviour Square is entertaining. There are a few restaurants on the way, and the Square is always buzzing on a summer evening.
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