SOFFA 11 / COLORS, English edition

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SOFFA: JOY FROM THE HEART OF EUROPE Discover the best and most beautiful from the Czech Republic and Central Europe: exquisite design, inspirational stories, unknown interiors and amazing, hidden locations well worth visiting.

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ISSUE THEME: COLORS Issue 11 is dedicated to COLORS: journey with us into the mystique surrounding the perceptions and meanings of colors, and discover how colorful our lives truly are!

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G A N T. C O M

GEORGE WEINER FOUNDER OF WHOLEWHALE.COM W E A R I N G T H E I C O N I C G A N T S H I R T, L A U N C H E D AT E A S T C O A S T U N I V E R S I T I E S I N 19 49.

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CONTENTS - VOLUME | 11

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EDITORIAL

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01 | DECOR 23 02 | CREATIVE PEOPLE The Monochromatic Backdrop A Renaissance of Patterns

03 | COLOR MEANINGS A Palette of Constant Emotion

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04 | TRENDS Marsala

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05 | TRAVEL The Overlooked city 6

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06 | RECIPES Beef with Vegetables & Salad

The Golden Seventies

07 | EDITORS’ CHOICE Caught Up in Patterns

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08 | HUMAN RACES 113 09 | ON A VISIT The Beauty of The Female Face A World of Colorful Yarns

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10 | SOFFA & PARTNERS Back to The Forest

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11 | GALLERY OF HOMES Colorful Homes

Socks with an Original Pattern

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12 | DIY PROJECTS An Unconventional Headboard

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A T R IBU T E TO CO LO R text: Adéla Kudrnová I styling: SOFFA I photo: Lina Németh

We work with color, perhaps more and more often than anyone else, and that’s why we wanted to use this issue of SOFFA to remind you and ourselves of the importance of the colors around us to our psyche and state of mind. Colors deserve to be appreciated!

It’s hard to imagine what the world would look like without color, just as it was hard to put together the contents of this issue. Where to begin?

What should we focus on when a human being can differentiate 2,000 different shades? In the end, we simply tried to express the truth that colors should not be taken as a given, but used to express ourselves.

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In a narrative photo story we used smoke bombs and holi dust to illustrate the meanings and perceptions of colors in various cultures.

In contrast, our portrait gallery of women from various racial archetypes and colors of skin, hair, and eyes creates a minimalist impression.

The naturally colorful ingredients in our recipe will entice your taste buds. You’ll also discover, for example, why so many houses in Sweden are red. And since it is October, we’ll also set off to pick mushrooms!

Wishing you an autumn full of color, The SOFFA Team PS: We’re also getting ready to publish the unique time-lapse wall calendar PHOTOSYNTHESIS for the year 2016, a project in collaboration with Květinové Lahůdkářství (Flower Deli). We’re sure that you’ll be delighted with the calendar and rewards, and we’d like to thank you in advance for your support! You can pre-order your calendar now at HITHIT.COM/PHOTOSYNTHESIS

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P H O T O S Y N T H E S I S 2016 A U NIQU E WALL CALE NDAR O F FLOWE R S TILL LIFES BY SO FFA AND FLOWE R DE LI CONTRIBU TE TO AND PRE-O RDE R IT THRO UGH OU R C AM PAIGN O N HIT HIT.CO M I T C A N BE YOU RS AS E ARLY AS T HE E ND O F O CTO BE R! NU M EROU S OT HE R RE WARDS ARE A LS O WAIT ING FO R YO U! M ORE ON: HITHIT.CO M/PHOTO SY NTHE SIS

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DECO R Tone on tone

THE M O NO CH RO M AT I C B AC K DRO P text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: Lenka Hlaváčová | photo: Lina Németh

AUTUMN IS HERE AND WE’RE ALL GRADUALLY RETURNING TO INTERIOR SPACES, FOCUSING ON THE HOBBIES WE NEVER HAD TIME FOR IN THE SUMMER. SOME OF US LOVE TO KNIT AND SEW, SOME OF US LOVE COMING UP WITH NEW RECIPES, SOME OF US REPAIR OLD RADIOS IN THE GARAGE ... HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY ON A LONG AUTUMN EVENING? We were wondering how the to bring to life those individual pastimes we know so well, and we figured out that the objects involved, from food to tools, all stand out perfectly tone on tone. For each activity we selected one common color to use as a background, then we spray painted all of our objects with it. Against this monochromatic backdrop their shapes and substance stood out beautifully. Then we spiced up each photo with a single contrasting detail. Did you like our idea? We’ll be happy to teach you about working with colors at one of our workshops. Learn more at www.soffamag.com. ■

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THE HANDYMAN’S

WORKSHOP OUR PRODUCTION MANAGER ANTONÍN HAS A VARIETY OF ITEMS WHICH WE GIRLS OFTEN COULDN’T EVEN NAME. WE BORROWED A FEW TO SHOW THEM IN ALL THEIR DARK BROWN GLORY. pliers • hammer • nails • voltmeter insulated wire • oil can • screws

RED RIDING HOOD’S

KITCHEN WE OFTEN PLAY WITH OUR CHILDREN AT COOKING. WE WERE WONDERING HOW LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD DID HER COOKING, AND SO WE PAINTED A FEW ITEMS AND INGREDIENTS RED, A COLOR THAT WHETS THE APPETITE. HUNGRY YET? wafers • saucers • spoons • pomegranate • mug

THE GARDENER’S

HERBARIUM THINK THAT HERBALISTS ARE PASSÉ? WRONG! BECOMING AN AMATEUR BOTANIST IS DE RIGEUR. LEARN TO IDENTIFY NATURE AND CREATE YOUR OWN COLLECTION OF FAVORITE PLANTS. ON A DARK GREEN BACKGROUND THEY STAND OUT BEST OF ALL! shears • paper • pencil • rowan branch • oak leaves with acorns rose hip • washi tape

THE SEWIST'S

STUDIO BLUE CALMS AND INVOKES A CAREFREE MOOD, AND THAT'S WHAT MAKES IT IDEAL FOR ACTIVITIES LIKE SEWING AND KNITTING THAT ARE COMING BACK INTO VOGUE. THERE'S NO TOPPING AN OUTFIT MADE WITH YOUR OWN HANDS! scissors • fasteners • thread • pins • safety pins yarn • hanger • tank top

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CR EAT I V E PEO PL E Calico

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A R E NAISSA N C E O F PAT T ER N S text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Adéla Havelková

AS YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED, WE LOVE PAPER OF ALL KINDS, AND WHEN IT’S COLORFUL AND FULL OF UNIQUE PATTERNS WE’RE OVER THE MOON. WE HOPE THAT YOR HEART WILL THROB WITH JOY AS WELL WHEN YOU SEE THESE PAPERS, JOURNALS, TUBES, AND FOLDERS BY THE CZECH STUDIO CALICO. INTRODUCING THE PRINTED CALICO DESIGN – MAKE YOUR ACQUAINTANCE! Few Czech designers know how to work with colors and their combinations as well as Ondřej Zatloukal and Jan Slivka, who together form the studio Calico, which is devoted to hand printing patterns using calico printing and screen printing, primarily on paper. Both are working as paper restorers and met for the first time when studying at secondary school. They soon learned that they shared a passion for historical patterns. In 2012 they founded the studio Calico and decided to focus on redesigning historical patterns and today they do so almost without the use of a calico printing machine. This also gave rise to the name of their studio. The method of calico printing comes from the city of Calicut (now Kozhikode) where this method of printing was already being used in the 11th century on heavier fabric made of colored cotton thread, which is now therefore called calico. ► LEFT AND NEXT PAGE: Ondra holds in his hand a supply of colorful Calico wrapping paper as Honza shows off a graphic Trapejo created by multiple overprinting of various patterns.

The creative environment of the cottage in Lemberk underscores the blue painted tools and equipment. On a table a supply of Calico hand stitched journals ready to be expedited to their owners. The covers of the journals are decorated with historic Czech patterns screen printed on Fedrigoni paper.

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We set out to visit Honza and Ondřej in Lemberk in Northern Bohemia.

Calico has its studio in a cottage owned by Honza’s parents, in which they design patterns and do bookbinding work, especially in winter.

Calico performs the actual hand printing itself, whether through calico printing or screen printing, in their Prague workshop, since both designers live in Prague.

The location of the studio in Northern Bohemia may have been coincidental, but it has an interesting justification. It was indeed Northern Bohemia that was the centre of the Czech textile industry in the past.

There were numerous textile factories – printworks – where textiles were printed using calico printing technologies now over 100 years out of use. Lining paper for lining wardrobes, trunks, and more was also produced as an accessory product. The method of calico printing, where large wooden dies of A4 size are placed next to each other to produce an infinite imprint, is very complicated and costly. Nowadays Calico are practically the only ones in Europe who have revived this method and can manage to print with it. Calico printing still exists in India, where the designers frequently travel for inspiration. ► PREVIOUS PAGE: Ondra and Honza never rest, continually coming up with something new. One of their latest innovations are Calico fans, which come in handy not only on hot days but also in the theatre. The most popular Calico products also include tubes and folders. You can select from as many as 12 color combinations in 12 historic patterns, and they’re adding 8 more motifs in November.

RIGHT: On a printed garden table in the shadow of the trees, Ondra and Honza allowed us a glimpse into their creative process when coming up with new patterns. It is based on a respectable collection of encyclopedias and books of historic and modern patterns from all over the world! The results are Calico hand printed wrapping papers, pleasing to any lover of patterns, color, and paper.

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Indeed, archives of historical calico patterns have become the basis of Calico’s work. First they began by restoring and augmenting. Instead of costly wooden forms they began using photopolymer printing blocks, which they now use to print lining paper primarily for collectors and restorers. Due to the slow speed of the technology, where it takes approx.

10 minutes to print a single paper, the majority of their wrapping paper and other products are printed using manual screen printing.

Aside from ‘merely‘ restoring historical patterns, they have also advanced to creating their own Calico patterns, which can be printed using a manual screen printing machine mostly on Fedrigoni paper, applying them to original folders, tubes, or journals. Their patterns are intentionally only bicolor, so as to preserve a certain aesthetic and moderation in the pattern. We caught up with Ondra and Honza right in the phase when they were selecting color combinations for their newly created patterns. Out of 900 they finally had to select a mere 12 – no easy task!

The beauty of calico and screen printing can be found in the imperfections. Slight imperfections and other small details give Calico paper its personality. Now you can special order printing of fabric for upholstery, although the designers are considering a more serial digital textile print.

Learn more at www.calico.cz.

We had the honor of receiving our own wrapping paper Moholo, designed by Calico specially for SOFFA. Order it in our eshop or at this year’s Designblok! ■

PREVIOUS PAGES: Even animal busts can be folded out of Calico paper! One rests on a dresser on the ground floor of the Lemberk cottage. On the first floor you can find a blue paper cutter among the other machines, where Ondra cuts papers with a clean edge.

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CHRISTMAS WRAPPING PAPER MOHOLO designed and printed by CALICO for SOFFA unique luxury wrapping paper 90 x 65 cm hand printed with screen printing on Fedrigoni Sirio VINO paper SHOP.SOFFAMAG.COM

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SOFFA magazine | photography: Lina Németh photography | Lina Németh

photo | Lina Németh

CARIBOU has the farthest land migration of up to 6,000 km /year

LIVE YOUR WAY!

POLAR BEAR can walk up to 1,200 km, swim up to 100 km non-stop

RUFF travels 30,000 km/year from Siberia to Africa km/day COMMON FROG travels to lay eggs ASIAN ELEPHANT migrates along precisely defined routes memorised and led by the eldest elephant

GREAT SKUA flies from Africa to the Northern British Isles to breed

EUROPEAN EEL travels 5,000 km to lay eggs

CANADA GOOSE migrates with others in V-shape to save energy MONARCH BUTTERFLY travels more than 4,000 km from Canada to Mexico for winter

LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE swims up to 16,000 km/year to find jellyfish to eat

GREY WHALE swims 18,000 km from the Arctic to the Pacific Ocean to breed; the journey takes 3 months BAr-TAILED GODWIT can fly up to 12,000 km and in 8 days without a rest

WHITE STORK flies up to 20,000 km /year from Europe to Africa and back

MIGRATORY LOCUST swarms with millions of others and flies more than 130 km/day ARCTIC TERN flies up to 70,000 km each year from the Arctic to Antarctic and back

BARN SWALLOW flies from the Northern to the Southern hemisphere to avoid winter (at speeds of up to 320 km/day)

BLUE WILDEBEEST migrates up to 1,600 km/year within east Africa EMU travels a long way to reach feeding areas

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ADÉLIE PENGUIN every year travels 200 km to nest, does not eat during the journey

illustration: Milada Kudrnová

PHOTOSYNTHESIS | 2016 Flower Deli & SOFFA

SOFFA | photo: Lina Németh

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BY SOFFA DESIGNED BY AND FOR SOFFA SHOP.SOFFAMAG.COM

GO ahead

Old ways won’t open new doors.

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photography | Lina Németh

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ROSES 1 JEANNE D'ARC (1818) ALBA | 2 VARIEGATA DI BOLOGNA (BEFORE 1909) BOURBON | 3 FANTIN-LATOUR (UNKNOWN) CENTIFOLIA | 4 ROSE DE MEAUX (BEFORE 1695) CENTIFOLIA 5 MADAME PIERRE OGER (1878) BOURBON | 6 COMMANDANT BEAUREPAIRE (1864) BOURBON | 7 BELLE SANS FLATTERIE (1820) GALLICA | 8 MADAME HARDY (1831) DAMASK 9 WHITE JACQUES CARTIER (UNKNOWN) PORTLAND | 10 PRINCESS OF WALES (UNITED KINGDOM, 1871) HYBRID PERPETUAL | 11 NUITS DE YOUNG (1845) MOSS 12 MADAME PLANTIER (1835) HYBRID NOISETTE | 13 MADAME LEGRAS DE ST. GERMAIN (BEFORE 1848) ALBA | 14 FRAGARIA VESCA | 15 LA VILLE DE BRUXELLES (1837) DAMASK 16 CHARLES DE MILLS (BEFORE 1790) GALLICA | 17 PINK LÉDA (UNKNOWN) DAMASK | 18 GLOIRE DE FRANCE (1828) GALLICA | 19 WEISSE GRUSS AN AACHEN (1942) FLORIBUNDA 20 ROSA ALBA MAXIMA (BEFORE 1550) ALBA | 21 FÉLICITÉ PARMENTIER (BEFORE 1836) ALBA | 22 COUPE D'HÉBÉ (1833) BOURBON | 23 TREASURE TROVE (1977) RAMBLER 24 MARY MANNERS (1970) HYBRID RUGOSA | 25 BLUSH DAMASK (1759) DAMASK | 26 QUEEN OF DENMARK (1816) ALBA | 27 LÉDA (BEFORE 1827) DAMASK 28 SOMBREUIL (1940) CLIMBER | 29 FRAU EVA SCHUBERT (1937) HYBRID WICHURANA | 30 ISPAHAN ( BEFORE 1827) DAMASK ✳ name (year) group

concept & styling | Květinové lahůdkářství photo | Adéla Havelková

SOFFA | styling: SOFFA | Model: Adéla Kudrnová | photo: Adéla Havelková

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CO LO R M EA N I N G S Different land, different connotation

A PAL E T T E O F CO N S TA N T EM OT I O N text: Martin Sova | styling: Veronika Jiroušková, Alžběta Jungrová, SOFFA hair and make up: Jana Darmovzalová and Valeria Cascino / Make-Up Institute Prague | photo: Alžběta Jungrová

COLORS ARE ONE OF THE FUNDAMENTAL WAYS WE EXPERIENCE THE WORLD. THEY SURROUND US IN ALL SITUATIONS, AND THE RIGHT INTERACTION WITH THEM CAN INFLUENCE OUR MOOD AND DISPOSITION WHETHER IN OUR HOMES, CLOTHING, OR FLOWERS. THEIR MEANINGS DIFFER IN THE VARIOUS PLACES OF OUR PLANET, AND ARE SOMETIMES EVEN CONTRADICTORY. IN TERMS OF THE EMOTIONS WE ASSOCIATE WITH THEM THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES, THEY CAN ACQUIRE A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT TINT OR EVOKE AN UNEXPECTED REACTION BUT A FEW KILOMETRES AWAY. We live in a closely linked world where distances and differences are growing smaller. And yet we carry in ourselves a great multitude of different customs, traditions, and perspectives whose origins lie deep in the past. This applies profoundly to colors. The differences between the attributes people associate with certain basic colors differ not only among continents but often between individual countries and nations. This can be seen for example, in rites of passage shared by practically all cultures. While brides in Europe traditionally dress in white, associated with purity and innocence, in China and India they wear red for luck – while white is associated with grief. Here on the old continent we often draw from the symbolism of various colors from previous centuries in Christian art. Green is associated with nature, fertility, and hope, red calls attention to the presence of God or recalls the suffering of martyrs, blue carries references to divine salvation and humility, and often incorporates the Virgin Mary. And yet green is also a color chosen by Islam, red is considered sacred by Buddhism, and blue in Hinduism represents the immeasurable magnitude of the universe. ■ We would like to thank Mount Capital for providing the space for the photo shoot.

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AGGRESSION AND VIOLENCE : MODERN EUROPE Malice and violence bubbling under the surface. Violet evil that rises to the surface and continuously asserts its place.

GRACE AND SPIRITUALITY : CHRISTIAN EUROPE Balanced, virtuous, and full of peace. Like the world during the Lenten season in expectation of Easter.

DEATH : CHINA The end of life can have the color of nightfall. An immortal blue, in which the soul leaves the body to stand side by side with your ancestors.

PEACE AND TRANQUILITY : EUROPE Peaceful flow, imbued with sky and sea. A tranquil blue. Always compelling you to stop, think, and to go on only after a moment’s pause.

INNOCENCE : EUROPE Not even a shadow of a doubt. Innocent white illuminates all around it. Next to it we all bear our sin on our back.

MOURNING : ASIA How far away is comfort when you feel grief. White for mourners, who lose not only their loved ones but themselves as well.

FAME AND GLORY : SOUTHERN EUROPE A sweeping gesture and expression of dignity. The southern black for the exceptional occasion; for days when routine is left behind.

DEATH AND GRIEF : NORTHERN EUROPE Soulful grief and the palpable presence of the end. Black on black death, in which all colors are lost in the deepest one of all.

ENVY AND JEALOUSY : EUROPE Consumed with jealousy. Green with envy. It is a disease that crawls to the surface, harder and harder to hide.

REBIRTH : NORTH AFRICA All things return to balance, all things come full circle.

Rebirth in green brings new hope to all.

MARTYRDOM : CHRISTIAN EUROPE Blood spilled in the name of ardent faith. The martyr’s red, in which violence meets our highest ideals.

LOVE : MODERN EUROPE The strongest feeling, so great it can only barely be grasped.

Loving red brings dignity and inner strength.

JOY AND HAPPINESS : MODERN EUROPE Like a supernova in your heart. Yellow imbued with immense joy, illuminated with a happiness you have to share.

BETRAYAL AND COWARDICE : NORTHERN EUROPE You lack resolve, you hesitate. Betrayal in a yellow robe.

You try to hide out of cowardice, but you will easily be found out.

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T R EN DS In the spirit of autumn

MARSALA text and styling: Adéla Kudrnová | photo: companies’ archives

WHAT COLOR TO CHOOSE THIS FALL? UNDOUBTEDLY MARSALA PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2015. THE NAME OF THE COLOR IS DERIVED FROM A STRONG SICILIAN WINE, AND LIKE ITS NAMESAKE IT RADIATES WITH WARMTH, ABUNDANCE, AND SOPHISTICATION.

NABO TRAYS www.normann-copenhagen.com € 80/ set of 3 PI-NO-PI-NO VASE New Works www.finnishdesignshop.com € 82

PINK PIGEON WALL LAMP www.liberty.co.uk £ 72

FADE CORD HANGER Hay | www.finnishdesignshop.com € 29/ 5 pcs

JOHNY BEAKER CUP www.donnawilson.com £ 15.50

CONCRETE WALL LAMP Jakub Velínský www.designville.cz | CZK 1 650

LOOM THROW Muuto | www.designville.cz CZK 2 770

CATCH JH1 CHAIR Jaime Hayon | www.andtradition.com Price upon request 53

THE GO L DEN S EV EN T I ES text and styling: SOFFA | photo: companies’ archives

THE FREEDOM OF THE SEVENTIES IS BACK! EVEN A PIECE OF FURNITURE LIKE A COUCH CAN SEEM FRESH AND TIMELESS. IF YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE THIS FEELING, PLACE YOUR BETS ON GEOMETRY, CLEAN LINES IN WOOD, AND CLOTH IN COOL SHADES.

BUMBLE CUSHIONS www.oyoy.dk | Price upon request TRIPOD TABLELAMP Bloomingville www.livingandcompany.com | € 170

THE ROUND DORM www.fermliving.com | € 149 EIVOR THROW IKEA | CZK 499

BEZ NÁZVU CANVAS CARAMIC CANDLE STICK Tomáš Jelena | www.arbanana.cz Bloomingville CZK 9 600 www.lereperedesbelettes.com | € 11.90

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COLOUR CARPET Hay | www.stockist.cz Price upon request

FV0300 SOFA www.housedoctor.dk DKK 5 500

A Northern minimalism and love for retro style come together in the furniture and accessories from the new autumn collection from the Danish company Oyoy.dk. photo: Oyoy

UNIQUE HERITAGE PROPERTIES FOR RENT PRAGA SITE – PRAGUE – CZECH REPUBLIC

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MOUNT CAPITAL, s.r.o.

T: +420 266 315 944 E: dkosata@mountcap.com

Shameless, partially offensive, yet strangely profound. Boldomatic is the number 1 platform for quotes, sayings and everything text.

Stickers are available at SOFFA online shop and in selected shops and cafès in Prague.

We help transform urban environments in the Czech Republic and increase awareness of architecture and landscaping. www.nadace-promeny.cz

Write us at info@soffamag.com (subject: DESIGNBLOK): What does freedom mean to you? The 10 most interesting responses will win a ticket to this year’s Designblok. More at: designblok.cz For complete contest rules, go to www.soffamag.com.

WIN A TICKET TO DESIGNBLOK! boldomatic.com

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T R AV EL Frankfurt am Main

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THE OV ER LO O K ED CITY text: Lukáš Paderta styling: SOFFA and Lukáš Paderta photo: Lina Németh

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PREVIOUS PAGE AND THESE TWO-PAGES: Frankfurt’s heart and silhouette is made up of a group of high-rises that loosely build on the original buildings that weren’t destroyed during air-raids during the Second World War. Everyone will surely be able to choose their favourite skyscraper – ours is the 115-m high post-modern Japan Center built in 1996.

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OUR IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHER LINA MOVED TO FRANKFURT A YEAR AGO AFTER HER HUSBAND WAS OFFERED A JOB THERE. WE BEGAN WONDERING WHY THIS CITY IN THE FEDERAL STATE OF HESSE WAS KNOWN ONLY FOR ITS HUGE TRANSIT AIRPORT, FAMOUS AUTO SHOW, AND COLD SKYSCRAPERS. ISN’T THERE ANYTHING ELSE WORTHY OF OUR ATTENTION? WE FOUND THAT THE CITY HAS AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT TO OFFER. THE NEXT TIME YOU HAVE A STOPOVER THERE, THROW AWAY THE TICKET TO YOUR CONNECTING FLIGHT AND STAY RIGHT THERE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY. Frankfurt, with its unmistakable skyline, is the fifth biggest city in Germany and located on both banks of the Main River near the unthreatening Taunus mountain range, where most of the city’s 714,000 inhabitants spend many a weekend. It’s hard to tell that Frankfurt is almost two thousand years old. The main reason for this is World War II, which almost completely annihilated the city’s historical centre. Frankfurt rose from the ashes, however, and became Germany’s financial centre and air travel hub – its airport sees 55 million passengers passing through it annually, making it one of the busiest in the world.

Walking through Frankfurt is like being a film character who travels errantly back and forth through time: you pass by stately 19th century homes only to be abruptly woken from your nostalgic daydreaming by the retro design of office buildings from the Seventies or the futuristiclooking mirror facades of the skyscrapers, which may appear many in number but can in fact be counted on your fingers and a few toes. ► LEFT: A laid-back atmosphere predominates every evening at Trankhalle, a small stand with refreshments and alcoholic beverages located in Mathias Belzt Platz. We didn’t mind that there were no chairs left, here you can sit anywhere you want.

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LEFT AND TOP: A collection of columnar cactuses in the largest botanical garden in Germany, Frankfurt’s Palmengarten. In addition to the community gardens spontaneously springing up in the city centre, Frankfurt is rich in greenery found on balconies and windowsills.

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THESE TWO PAGES: The publicly accessible Chinese Garden in Bethmannpark near the Merianplatz metro station put us completely under its spell with its authenticity and contemplative atmosphere. Although built in 1989, it looks like it has been there for hundreds of years.

It is the perfect place not only for breakfast but also for contemplation.

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Like any city, even Frankfurt has streets that pulse with a different atmosphere. One of the most idiosyncratic – Moselßtrase – is located right by the main railway station. This street contains an adorable jumble of shoddy bordellos, slowly disappearing video cabins (we saw an old man with a cane hobble into one), currency exchange offices, and 24-hour fast-food kiosks (in case you get hungry walking home after a night on the town). On the other end of the spectrum is Goethestraße, the showcase of famed haute couture brands. If you have a luxury store in the same place that the European Central Bank (ECB) and other financial institutions have their headquarters, you don’t have to worry about customers. Although you can find goods worth millions of euros in Goethestraße, it has a very unassuming character and is not even on the main pedestrian zone. In fact, you may even pass by without noticing it if not on a mission to buy a pair of horn-rimmed glasses at Hermés like we were.

We forgot to mention that anyone without a bike in Frankfurt is considered a Philistine. Thanks to its topography, which resembles a wrinkly piece of paper, and its plethora of cycle lanes, the city is a haven for cyclists. Almost everyone rides their bike to work or school – from CEOs to the hookers from Moselßtrase, or at least we like to think so.

You can probably get your bike cheapest at the popular flea market on the waterfront along Schaumainkai near the Untermainbrücke bridge.

Lina’s husband Tomáš got his for EUR 30. Whether on foot or by bike, set out to explore Frankfurt. A multitude of great cafes, untraditional shops and small galleries is waiting for you! ► RIGHT: Rotes Haus is the most notorious by-the-hour hotel in Frankfurt. The dirty curtain waving out of one of the windows was calling attention to the short-term guests inside, and Spiderman was on duty at the time.

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THESE TWO PAGES: The shabby facades of buildings from the 1950s, long-closed clubs and bars, unbridled graffiti, rich nightlife and emptiness during the day – that’s the infamous Moselßtrase – the street to go to in Frankfurt for tawdry entertainment.

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The small private galleries, which exhibit the latest trends in the art scene, can be found on Fahrgasse near St Bartholomew’s Cathedral, most of which was damaged during air raids and rebuilt in the 1950s, with the extensive reconstruction still under way today.

After a good portion of art for your soul, it’s good to get some energy for your body, and if you like chocolate, it is absolutely essential that you go to the cult café and shop Bitter & Zart on Braubachßtrase, which offers a selection of the best chocolate from around the world. You will also enjoy the tastefully and humorously designed interior, where you can find huge collages made from bizarre postcards and posters from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

If you decide to take Alte Brücke bridge across to the other side of the river, you must first stop at Sugar Mama Café, which is located right at the foot of the bridge on the left. It’s great for Sunday brunch, a light lunch as well as for an evening drink. Exactly halfway across the bridge on a small island stands a narrow, austere building with a glass roof and a dull red façade designed by Christoph Mäcler and built in 2006.

Portikus, as it is called, is the most progressive exhibition space in the city, maybe because it belongs to the local Academy of Fine Arts. We were drawn into the building by the Ade Darmawana exhibition entitled Magic Centre, which was still in the process of being set up.

Most of the major museums and galleries are found in immediate proximity to each on Schaumainkai, which runs along the river bank. This ► RIGHT: Probably the best multifunctional cultural space in Frankfurt has arise in the location of the former docks and bears the name Hafen2. It brings together the genius loci of the post-industrial space, and architecture referencing shipping containers.

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LEFT: St채del Museum ranks among the most important cultural institutions in Germany and this year it is celebrating its 200th anniversary. Light enters this underground section of the museum through light wells imbedded in the lawn.

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placement is practical because it allows you to go museum hopping.

And you don’t necessarily need to go in to see art: each museum has its own great café.

Near the museum-lined street is Sachsenhausen, a quarter that is famous for its timber-framed cider houses that survived the air raids.

Sachsenhausen is the place you go to for a night of drinking, as here you can find all of the different beers brewed in Germany as well as the local apple cider (Apfelwein).

We preferred to stay sober, however, so that we could continue the next day with our exploration of the city along the Main River, which defines Frankfurt’s character and is used for leisure time activities. You can suntan on the banks of the river and feed the swans, geese and ducks. You can run as if your life depended on it along the jogging trails lining the river. For those not scared of the water you can try out paddleboarding (paddling while standing on a huge board), which is very popular in Frankfurt, or classical canoeing or dragon boats. What everyone who loves sport but doesn’t live in Frankfurt can envy is the city’s newly opened, free recreational grounds near the ECB building.

The grounds have facilities for all the regular and even not-so-regular sport activities. What’s more, They are designed so that you can exercise in relative privacy.

Frankfurt is considered the most cosmopolitan city in Germany, and in addition to the diversity of the cultures, it also has an incredible amount of things to see. Frankfurt is definitely not a synonym for boredom! ■ PREVIOUS TWO PAGES AND LEFT: One of the best-known works of architect Richard Meier, MAK – Museum of Applied Art Frankfurt. The main entrance into the Portikus gallery is across a wooden bridge.

A part of the recreational park is a large skate park that is ‘busy‘ from morning till night.

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SUGAR MAMA: The renowned Sugar Mama café on Kurt-Schuhmacher-Straße is worth going for their fantastic quiches, cakes, and fresh salads. You can sit both inside and outside on the patio.

HOPPENWORTH & PLOCH: Hoppenworth & Ploch is not only a café where you can get the best latte in Frankfurt, but also a small roasting house where you can buy fresh-roasted coffee. Try Tanzanian Amkeni or Ethiopian Bokasso.

BITTER & ZART: Bitter & Zart, Chocolaterie & Salon and one of its frescoes/collages adorning the walls of this renowned café and shop with the best chocolate from around the world.

DISTRICT OF SACHSENHAUSEN: The door of a house in Sachsenhausen referencing the jaunty nightlife. During the day you won’t meet a soul, but at night you’ll be wading through the crowds hoping to seize the last chair in the pub.

SICK WRECKORDS: The place where you can get all musical delicacies and curiosities on vinyl under one roof is called Sick Wreckords. It is located in a corner building on Schulstraße.

BIZZ ICE SHOP: Would you like to satisfy your sweet-tooth without the guilt of doing so? Do for a scoop of honest-to-goodness bio ice-cream at Bizz Ice in Wallstraße. Enjoy the huge selection of flavours.

GRUELICH GALLERY: Gruelich Gallery on Fahrgasse is open to even less well-known artists who are waiting to be discovered by the public. If you desperately need an original painting for your living room, this is the place to go.

STEMPEL & PAPETERIE: Forget about souvenir shops in the city centre and go directly to Stempel & Papeterie on Eckenhaimer Landstraße for some original, delightful stamps by Perlenfischer. We bought several right away.

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opera PRESENTED AT THE NEW STAGE

GORDON / LANG / WOLFE

LOST OBJECTS CONDUCTOR: PETR KOFROŇ STAGE DIRECTORS: MICHAEL BIELICKY, KAMILA B. RICHTER DECEMBER 17 & 19, 2015 | JANUARY 14 & 24, 2016

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R EC I PES Beef with roasted vegetables and salad

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ROAS T ED RO OT S recipe and text: Adéla Srbová | styling: Adéla Srbová & SOFFA photo: Adéla Havelková

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES CAN MAKE A GREAT NON-TRADITIONAL SIDE FOR ALL MEAT DISHES OR JUST

BY THEMSELVES AS A LIGHT DINNER. YOU CAN SPICE THIS RECIPE TO TASTE OR EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT INGREDIENT COMBINATIONS! PREPARATION TIME: about 40 min.

ENOUGH FOR: depends on the amount you choose INGREDIENTS: 1 Hokkaido squash dill parsley carrot butter olive oil lime juice thyme salt pepper

DIRECTIONS: Clean all the vegetables. Just wash the root vegetables and squash, their skin is edible and contains plenty of nutritional substances. Did you know that?

Slice everything into large pieces and place them on an oiled baking sheet. Before you place the sheet into an oven preheated to 180 °C, put a few pats of butter on the vegetables. Add salt and pepper to the vegetables.

Let the vegetables bake approx 25 - 30 minutes until soft. Once you remove them from the oven, sprinkle them with lime juice and olive oil. Now the recipe is ready.

TIP: Liven up the recipe with celery, beets, or even fennel. ►

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S T E W E D BE E F W I T H R ED W I N E S AU C E recipe and text: Adéla Srbová | styling: Adéla Srbová & SOFFA photo: Adéla Havelková

THE SUCCESS OF THIS RECIPE DEPENDS HEAVILY ON THE MEAT YOU CHOOSE. WE USED MATURE BEEF, NAMELY CHUCK TENDER, WHICH CAN BE FOUND UNDER THE NAME ‘FALSE SVÍČKOVÁ‘ OR ‘JEWISH SVÍČKOVÁ’. THE MATURITY OF THE BEEF MAKES ITS FINAL PREPARATION BY STEWING LESS TIME-CONSUMING. THE MEAT IS DELICATE AND SUCCULENT! PREPARATION TIME: 2 hrs (90 min. stewing) ENOUGH FOR: 6-8 portions INGREDIENTS: 1.4 kg beef (chuck tender) 1 l hot water ½ l red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) 2 sprigs of parsley 2 carrots 1 large onion 8 shallots 40 g English bacon 4 tbs tomato paste 6 × allspice 5 × bay leaves

DIRECTIONS: Pre-heat the oven to 160 °C. Clean and dice the vegetables, onion, and bacon. Trim the meat and slice into 1.5 cm-thick slices.

Add a bit of the fat to the pot on high. First add the onion, shallots, and bacon. Quickly fry, and add the root vegetables. Sautee until the onion turns a beautiful brown color.

Add the meat and sear from all sides. Now add spices, tomato paste, and red wine. Let it cook for a while, then transfer to a deep baking dish, cover. Stew it for 90 min. in the oven. If the meat is soft enough, remove the meat, allspice, and bay leaves and put aside.

Now, prepare the sauce. Cook the remainder (broth, vegetable and bacon base) on the stove until all fluids are reduced to about half. Mix everything with a hand blender. ►

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SAVOY S A L A D recipe and text: Adéla Srbová | styling: Adéla Srbová & SOFFA photo: Adéla Havelková

DID YOU KNOW THAT SAVOY CABBAGE HAS A WIDE RANGE OF HEALTH BENEFITS? FOR EXAMPLE, IT CONTRIBUTES TO THE FORMATION OF MUSCLE TISSUE AND IS ALSO A GREAT SOURCE OF CALCIUM. WE'VE PREPARED A SOMEWHAT UNCONVENTIONAL USE FOR THIS TRADITIONAL CZECH FOOD! PREPARATION TIME: 20 min.

ENOUGH FOR: 6 portions INGREDIENTS: FOR THE SALAD: approx. 6 cups of sliced Savoy cabbage leaves ½ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup almonds ¼ cup grated parmesan ¼ cup toasted breadcrumbs FOR THE DRESSING: 3 tbs olive oil 1 tbs apple vinegar 1 tbs lemon juice 1 garlic clove salt and pepper

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DIRECTIONS: First tear the leaves from the cabbage, rinse and use a knife to cut out the hard inner spines. Once complete, slice the leaves into noodles.

Mix together the sliced cabbage leaves, cranberries, parmesan, almonds, and 2/3 of the toasted breadcrumbs in a large bowl.

In a smaller bowl prepare the dressing. Mix the ingredients thoroughly with a fork so that the garlic releases its flavor into the oil and juice. Then add the dressing to the salad and stir it all again.

To finish, sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs on the salad. ■

Plateau slate counter and black Samurai plates, all Butlers

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International Glass Exhibition ZIBA Prague, Glass Experience Museum 21st October 2015—3rd January 2016 Mezinárodní výstava skla ZIBA Muzeum moderního skla 21. října 2015—3. ledna 2016

www.libenskyaward.com

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E DI TO R S ’ C H O I C E We love diversity

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CAU GHT U P I N PAT T ER N S styling: SOFFA | photo: companies’ archives

WHAT WOULD COLORS BE WITHOUT PATTERNS, AND WHAT WOULD PATTERNS BE WITHOUT COLOR? ENJOY INFINITE COMBINATIONS THAT LOOK GREAT IN CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES, AND FURNITURE. WE LOVE DOTS, AND ANIMAL PATTERNS!

SMALL TOWN SWEATER www.donnawilson.com £ 207

PURNUKKA MUG www.marimekko.com $ 22

TANSSI PLATE www.iittala.com € 39.90

PAINTED BRANCHES www.hkliving.nl Price upon request

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RABBIT WALLPAPER Ferm Living www.finnishdesignshop.com € 72

TREETOPS IN MIST CUSHION www.bynord.com | DKK 599

420 TOKYO DESIGN STUDIO www.newbalance.com $ 100 DOTS CANDLE STICK www.boconcept.com CZK 310

OUTSIDEINSIDE CANVAS Lucie Jindrák Skřivánková www.artbanana.cz | CZK 8 100

BY CHANCE TRAY www.finelittleday.com € 42

JACQUARD KIMONO www.esprit.cz CZK 1 199

LIVING CANDLE STICK www.boconcept.com | CZK 690

SQUARES BLANKET www.fermliving.com | € 106

RÄSYMATTO PITCHER www.marimekko.com $ 78 97

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H U M A N R AC ES Variations on the topic of color

T HE BE AU T Y O F T H E F EM A L E FAC E text: Helena Stiessová | styling: SOFFA | make up: Valeria Cascino and Eva Větvičková/ Make-Up Institute Prague | hair: Josef Hubálek and Tomáš Koblása/ Bomton Studia | photo: Alžběta Jungrová

FACES ARE LIKE A MIRROR TO OUR ANCESTORS. HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT THAT IN THE MORNING WHEN ENCOUNTERING YOUR OWN FACE IN THE MIRROR? WE HAVE GREAT NEWS FOR YOU REGARDLESS: TRENDS IN CLOTHING MAY BE AS CHANGING AS DECORATIONS ON A CHRISTMAS TREE, BUT THERE ARE NO FASHION DICTATES OR BAD COLOR COMBINATIONS WHEN IT COMES TO THE HUMAN FACE! We love the color appropriately known as nude color. This color has fantastic capabilities, transforming from pinkish white to cream, milk chocolate, from hazelnut to brown sugar and coffee black – and yet it remains one and the same color. We invited thirteen beautiful women to help us imagine at least some of the colors that create the harmony of the human face. Various countries and ethnicities are reflected in their contours, blending and mingling to create new shapes and color ensembles. For this very reason it is actually difficult to determine who belongs to which ethnic group or race. Nor is this our intent. We live for discovering the parts of the colorful mosaic from which all of us are made. We admire the human face as a miracle work of nature. Come enjoy it with us. ■

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100 Helena has Czech parents. A Slavic woman should be ‘milk and blood‘ according to an old proverb. The pale skin of the Slavic type is designated with a number 2 by the Fitzpatrick phototype scale, which isn’t particularly good for those who like tanning. But add the forget-menot eyes and flaxen hair and a harmony of color comes into being.

HELENA NOVOTNÁ

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Klára’s mother is Czech and her father comes from Burma. Anthropologically the peoples of Burma are derived from the Mongolian type and are divided into many ethnicities. We don’t know where Klára gets her nut brown eyes. They have an affability about them, like gleaming rubies that bespeak the mountains of the deeply tested Burma.

KLÁRA KHINE

ADÉLA MAZÁNKOVÁ Both of Adéla’s parents are Czech. The skin of pale people with blond hair almost seems to glow with its own radiance. The light color of skin, hair, and eyes is caused by low levels of melanin. This requires taking caution in the sun, which could burn this radiant sprite out of envy. In some rare cases melanin is lacking altogether, a condition science calls albinism.

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Can you guess where Nadia’s parents come from? The aroma of exotic spices and the clicking of black castanets betray their origins in Morocco and Spain. Her hair is black as coal and her chocolate eyes recall the wonderful Christmas treats known in the Czech Republic as Moroccans. Can you guess why?

NADIA CHAIR TIRADO

104 Eva’s parents come from China. Her full lips, distinctive cheekbones, and cascade of straight black hair combine to create a soft Chinese charm. Have you also noticed that Chinese women seem to age much more slowly? This is because the layer of their skin that contains collagen is stronger than in their European counterparts.

EVA CHE TIAN WEN

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Her soft skin kissed by the sun, her eyes dark as black coffee, and a smile on her face. Who wouldn’t be smiling to recall the white beaches of the beautiful Philippine islands, where her parents come from? Many ethnicities and languages are mixed together in the thousands of islands scattered throughout the Pacific Ocean.

SABRINA PERGLEROVĂ

106 Kristina’s mother is Czech, and her father comes from the beautiful island of Madagascar. Ethnically the Malagasy are descendants of African and Asian ancestors. Her black hair with its blue sheen and soft pink face create a color type which stylists designate as the winter season. According to this typology, Kristýna is a fairytale Snow White.

KRISTÝNA VEČEŘOVÁ

LUCIE SPLÍDKOVÁ A mere one percent of the world’s population has red hair, and the combination of red hair with blue eyes is rarer still. Lucie got them from her Czech parents. Her distinctive and unusual hair color has been associated with numerous myths in the past. Her freckles are a frequent and charming accompaniment to hair with high levels of the red pigment pheomelanin.

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NADIA KOTAISHOVĂ Nadia is a Czech after her mother, but has Arabic heritage from her father from Palestine. Her dreamy dark eyes look sharp and her mouth looks ready for the telling. She is perhaps what the legendary beauty Scheherazade might have looked like as she told her king a thousand and one stories and thereby escaped the one long dark night. When have you last read or heard a tale from the Far East?

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Both of Ha Phuong’s parents are from Vietnam. A legend about the origin Vietnamese tells of the dragon Lac Long Quan and the sea fairy Au Co, who bore a hundred children. Their paths then diverged as half the children returned to the sea with their mother as the rest remained on dry land. Ethnically the Vietnamese belong to the East Asian group.

HA PHUONG VUONG

110 Helena’s parents are Romani people. This Romani woman has a gleam in her eye and cannot deny her native temperament. The roots of the Romani ethnicity can be traced to India, from whence the Romani people got their dark skin and rich dark hair. Many have beautiful eyes, but few gaze so entrancingly as this graceful Romani woman.

HELENA RIDAJOVĂ

ROHIA HAKIMOVÁ Proud, sharp contours and a glance that doesn’t wilt. Rohia’s mother is Czech and her father comes from Sudan, a product of genes from two countries far removed from each other. Her face is perhaps a shade lighter, with arched eyebrows as charming as the archways of the Charles Bridge. Sudan is a country facing daunting challenges, but whose people are unrivalled for their kindness.

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The parents of model and singer Dina are from Guinea-Bissau. In order for her skin to protect itself against the sun’s powerful rays, it produces a lot of melanin. The warm brown tones of her face came about as a result of this adaptation. The curly hair is a defense against the sun: the flat cross-section of the hair fiber allows it to bend into curls.

DINA CASSAMA

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ON A VISIT The Hosiery Mill

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A WO R L D O F CO LO R F UL YA R N S text: Tereza Gladišová | styling: Janka Murínová | photo: Lina Németh

WITH AUTUMN COMES A TIME FOR WARMER CLOTHING: COATS, SWEATERS, SCARVES, AND ABOVE ALL WARM SOCKS. THE SOFFA TEAM SET OFF AT THE END OF AUGUST TO VYSOČINA TO EXPLORE THE HOSIERY THAT CREATES KEMPINK BRAND SOCKS (AMONG OTHERS), WHICH WILL KEEP YOU WARM IN YOUR COLDEST MOMENTS. ENVELOP YOURSELF IN A WORLD OF COLORFUL YARN, FLUTTERING MACHINES, AND HANDS AT WORK! The young Czech brand Kempink was founded by designers Štěpánka Pivcová and Hanka Vaňátková with the goal of creating accessories for people who want to look stylish both in town and in the outdoors. The Kempink brand from the start focused on producing fundamental pieces of clothing such as socks, and so we joined the designers for a visit to the hosiery mill not far from Třebíč where their socks are created.

The mill was established at the impetus of the father of its current owner and continues to operate as a family business to this day. Four years after opening the first ‘garage‘ production floor the hosiery was moved to a larger space in one of the village buildings that could fit the equipment needed for the increasing customer demand. The hosiery includes various materials, sizes, types, and varieties of socks in its offering. Here you can find cotton, viscose, wool, lycra, bamboo, and polyester in the form of sport, winter, woven, and orthopedic socks, in almost any size! ►

RIGHT: Colored thread and measurements to check the proper length of cotton and lycra socks, one of many materials on offer from this company.

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The company boasts the best weaving machines that can produce a pair of socks in roughly 6 minutes and enables work with the softest materials. The overall manufacturing process is relatively complicated – first the thread is inserted into the machine, which is programmed and begins weaving with the hem, continues to the heel, and finishes at the toe. The socks are then moistened and immersed in a sack to absorb water, which facilitates the next step, in which the socks are placed on heated molds for shaping. At the end of the process the socks are paired up, packaged for sale, and labeled.

While in the Vladislav hosiery you mostly hear the drone of continuous machinery, from time to time you can even meet a few employees. But don’t let their small numbers fool you; manual work is incredibly important for the hosiery! During the course of machine production these ► RIGHT: All weaving machines are located in the main room – the production hall. Most of them are single-rollers that can sew the toe of a sock so that this phase no longer needs to be done by hand. All it takes is for the sock to be checked and sent to shaping. The machines can use several different types of thread and create patterns and lettering on the socks, working so fast that you can’t even track their movements, and every moment a sock falls out.

PREVIOUS TWO PAGES: Leftover weaving materials from the machines are everywhere. The old wooden holders underscore the element of family tradition in this hosiery - there are children’s, women’s, and men’s, which at one time formed the socks in the final phase of production. Nowadays socks are shaped on hot metal forms.

In thread storage we found not only several shelves of black thread, but also a pile of beautifully colored threads used mostly in winter, when socks are woven for spring and summer. So many colors could create dozens of beautiful combinations. Which would you choose?

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KEMPINK SOCKS, HERE STRETCHED ONTO THE MOST MODERN ELECTRIC SHAPERS, ARE FULL OF BEAUTIFUL COLORS AND PATTERNS. SOCKS DON’T HAVE TO BE BORING!

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skilled employees must check each sock at least seven times before finishing production and releasing them for sale. The sewing of the toe is examined to ensure that the socks hold the right shape and are free of any wayward threads. A great emphasis is placed on the skills of the local workers, and perhaps this is why the outcome is always so precise.

As is often the case, producing an apparently small and simple piece such as a sock is highly complicated. In the local family hosiery they nonetheless manage to produce everything from sport socks to fireproof socks for pilots or tiny socks for infants. The Kempink designers know well the difficulty of production as they study manufacturing processes so as to better meld their designs with manufacturing technology. In the future they plan to expand their offering to include sweaters and caps. You can learn more at: www.kemp.ink The option for producing socks are vast and sometimes it’s enough to start with a simple idea, as Štěpánka and Hanka showed us right in the courtyard of the hosiery when they created specially soaked and treated socks for SOFFA! ■

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WIN A SNEM BAG AND WALLET! Write us at info@soffamag.com (subject: SNEM) and tell us everything you think the proper bag should have and what it should look like. The most interesting response will win an original bag by SNEM (Sleepless Nights & Early Mornings), manufactured from recycled textiles.

For complete contest rules, go to www.soffamag.com.

MORE AT: SNEM.CH

S OCK S WITH A N O R I G I N A L PAT T ER N text: Tereza Gladišová | styling: Janka Murínová | photo: Lina Németh

HAVE YOU REALIZED THAT YOU DON’T HAVE ENOUGH NICE SOCKS AND YOU WOULD LOVE TO OWN SOME ORIGINAL PIECE? DON’T LOSE HOPE! ALONG WITH THE KEMPINK BRAND WE’VE PREPARED A GUIDE TO PRODUCING COLORFUL SOCKS THAT EXPRESS A GOOD MOOD EVEN IN THE CLOUDIEST AUTUMN DAYS. DIFFICULTY: moderate TIME: 25 min.

WHAT YOU NEED: white socks dye for cold dying color fixative hot water a deep bowl airbrush salt

Štěpánka and Hanka, the designers who stand behind the Kempink brand, are experts in socks! We came to them in particular to show us how to easily produce personalized socks. Get inspired by their skills or get yourself some finished Kempink socks at our shop at SHOP.SOFFAMAG.COM DIRECTIONS: Prepare the bowl and pour in the hot water. Add the dye to the water, add salt and fixative, and you can start dyeing! Under no circumstances forget the fixative, it is important that your colors not bleed.

You can soak your white socks into the dye in whole or only halfway. You can dye your socks from heel to toe, it’s up to you!

It’s important for the socks to thoroughly soak up the dye. Take them out after 20 minutes, and let them dry! ■

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YOU CAN MAKE SOCKS WITH RELATIVELY LITTLE. ALL YOU NEED IS A QUALITY DYE THAT WILL STAY FAST EVEN AFTER DRYING, AS WELL AS A FIXATIVE THAT WILL LIMIT THE RELEASE OF DYE WHEN WASHING. IF YOU MIX ALL THE INGREDIENTS PROPERLY, YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO AN AMAZING RESULT.

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HANKA AND ŠTĚPÁNKA SHOWED US HOW TO ACHIEVE AN OMBRÉ EFFECT. ALL YOU NEED IS TO SOAK YOUR SOCK IN DYE GRADUALLY AND AT SHORTER INTERVALS. YOU CAN USE THIS METHOD TO CREATE A BEAUTIFUL STRIPED PATTERN ON LONG KNEE SOCKS, FOR EXAMPLE.

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MULTICOLOR SOCKS

NEW AT SHOP

BY SOFFA DESIGNED BY KEMPINK SHOP.SOFFAMAG.COM

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SO F FA & PA R T N ER S Fashion with ZOOT

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BACK TO T H E F O R ES T article partner: ZOOT | text: Martin Sova | models: Studio Dechem styling: Zoltán Tóth | hair and makeup: Helena Burešová / Make-Up Institute Prague photo: Adéla Havelková

THE DAYS MAY STILL BE RELATIVELY WARM, BUT THERE’S OFTEN A CHILL LINGERING FROM THE MORNING AND A DRIZZLE FROM MOMENT TO MOMENT THROUGHOUT THE LAND. IT’S THE IDEAL TIME TO SET OFF INTO THE FOREST TO GATHER MUSHROOMS. THERE’S SOMETHING TRULY ATAVISTIC AND EVEN MEDITATIVE ABOUT IT. An autumn forest full of tasty mushrooms has a peculiar aroma. We’ll equip ourselves this time with more than just only a pen-knife and a wicker basket. Aside from the reserved dark green normally worn in the forest, we’ll dress in denim in motley autumn colors, blue-and-white dip-dye, or Scandinavian patterns. Flannel shirts, wool sweaters, hats.

And these two wandering among the trees? They are none other than architect Michaela Tomišková and glassworker Jakub Janďourek, also known as Studio Dechem, current holders of the Czech Grand Design Award, gathering inspiration for their next amazing collection.

To see more of our mushroom photo story, don’t miss the video at WWW.SOFFAMAG.COM/YOUTUBE ■ PREVIOUS PAGE AND LEFT: Jakub: Shirt, Blend, CZK 1 379; pants, Selected, CZK 1 299; shoes, Jack Jones, CZK 2 699; hat, Only, CZK 749 – all from ZOOT.cz; jacket, Jakub’s own wardrobe Míša: Shirt, Cheap Monday, CZK 1 249; pants, Only, CZK 829; shoes, Tamaris, CZK 2 799; hat, Pieces, CZK 749 – all from ZOOT.cz Our deepest thanks to Studio Dechem for participating in this photo story.

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ENTER THE PINES CAREFREE FROM THE CITY STREETS. JUST BEWARE AS YOU GATHER: SOME MUSHROOMS CAN BE DEADLIER THAN THE LOVE OF BEAUTIFUL CLOTHING. LEFT: Míša: Sweater, Bellfield, CZK 1 049; jeans, Noisy May, CZK 1 669; shoes, Tamaris, CZK 1 999; dress, Kling, CZK 1 649; hat, Only, CZK 749 – all from ZOOT.cz Jakub: Shirt, Bellfield, CZK 979; jeans, D-Struct, CZK 749; shoes, Timberland, CZK 5 399 – all from ZOOT.cz, socks, Jakub’s own wardrobe NEXT PAGE: Míša: Shirt, Only, CZK 579; jeans, Noisy May, CZK 1 669; shoes, Tamaris, CZK 2 799; parka, Only, CZK 2 229 – all from ZOOT.cz Jakub: Sweater, Blend, CZK 1 349; pants, Blend, CZK 1 099; shoes, Jack Jones, CZK 2 699; cap, Selected, CZK 349 – all from ZOOT.cz

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ONLY IN MOSS AND BRACKEN DOES THE INNOCENCE BROUGHT TO THE WILD WITH WHITE DELICACY TRULY STAND OUT. IT LENDS IT AN UNCONVENTIONAL SOFTNESS. Pink sweater, Only, CZK 399; poncho, Pieces, CZK 689, leggings, Madonna, CZK 279; gum boots, Be Only, CZK 899 – all from ZOOT.cz

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WITH HANDS FRAGRANT WITH SAP, WITH HANDS ROUGHENED LIKE THE BARK OF A TREE, WITH A CLEAR DESIRE TO TURN ONE’S BACK ON THE TOWN. LEFT AND THIS PAGE: Shirt, Blend, CZK 1 379; hat Only, CZK 749; shirt, Bellfield, CZK 979; jeans, D-Struct, CZK 749; cap, Bellfield, CZK 249 – all from ZOOT.cz

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parka LEVI’S, 2679 Kč backpack HERSCHEL, 3599 Kč

pillow KIKKERLAND, 499 Kč first aid box HELIO FERRETTI, 329 Kč cap ICON BRAND, 919 Kč watches KOMONO, 1889 Kč sunglasses KOMONO, 1289 Kč retro board game RIDLEY’S, 439 Kč cup SASS & BELLE, 239 Kč

plaid EUROMANT, 599 Kč

flannel shirt VANS, 1459 Kč t-shirt ZOOT ORIGINÁL, 449 Kč

shoes TIMBERLAND, 4799 Kč

cup SASS & BELLE, 239 Kč

socks TARROW, 149 Kč

WWW.ZOOT.CZ

WIN THE ACTIVITY BOOK FOR MASSAGING IMAGINATION This book needs you to become whole! Email us at info@soffamag.com (subject: edition lidu) with the following sentence completed: When I was a child I wanted to be... www.editionlidu.com’; for the complete contest rules, go to www.soffamag.com

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GA L L ERY O F H O M ES So many countries, so many customs

CO LO R F U L H O M ES text: Helena Stiessová | styling: SOFFA | photo: Shutterstock Flickr/ Maarten van der Bent, Luděk Hlaváč

IN THIS ISSUE OF SOFFA WE DECIDED THAT INSTEAD OF LOOKING AT INTERIORS WE SHOULD RATHER SET OFF INTO THE WORLD, AND SO WE’VE PREPARED A GALLERY OF COLORFUL ACCOMODATIONS FROM THE FAR CORNERS OF THE WORLD. WHY ARE RED HOUSES SO COMMON IN SWEDEN, FOR EXAMPLE? HOW DOES THE AFRICAN NDEBELE TRIBE LIVE? COME FIND OUT! A home is a place where you live, but how it actually looks tells something about you. We use the materials and colors we have at hand, we have to consider the climate and even what our neighbors might think. History has left us dwellings of renaissance sgrafitto, and we will leave future generations colorful graffiti. What colors are worn by facades? What should we use to cover a roof? And what are we willing to do to keep our house from being drab? We looked at the places that are talked about, passionately captured in photos, or longed for as our next vacation destination. The world is full of diversity, and we love it. We can’t tell you what to use to cover your roof, but perhaps we you will be inspired by ecological Icelanders. Or maybe you’ll whip up a bucket of paint and get to work on plans you’ve had for a while. Even if it’s pigeon grey, we’ll wish you the best! ■

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THE BLUE DREAM OF JODHPUR India can perhaps best be described as an aid to the senses, a land of countless flavors, and colors. As multicolored as the saris worn by the women, still more diverse are the temples with their engraved detail - and yet we had our sights set on another well known location. The blue city of Jodhpur is breathtaking in its monochromatic glory. No one knows the exact reasons for its flood of turquoise.

One theory claims that it was designed to distinguish the homes of Brahmins from other castes, while another speculates that substances soaked in blue dye could repel resilient termites. The blue city is as fascinating as a plain and rough canvas speckled with minute figures in colorful clothing.

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LONG LIVE THE CREEPER No color can compete with the living and ever-changing outdoors. Homes overgrown with ivy or woodbine are like oases of calm in a jungle of brick and mortar. When a light breeze blows, the house ripples with joy and winks at you, inviting you to do the same.

Creeping plants can also serve homes in a practical aspect as well by protecting the plaster, reducing noise, and cooling the home in summer. Houses overgrown with greenery are homey and at the same time mysterious.

In fall the facades go red from the suction cups and in winter the tangled branches are laid bare.

The secret is then revealed in spring when the first new leaves begin to emerge.

THE GREEK ESSENCE OF WHITE The rocky cliffs of the Greek islands known as the Cyclades have gradually become overgrown with gleaming, turquoise-capped houses – and that’s how we know them and love them. The sun kisses these clustered white facades. It’s hard to believe that the most famous gem of this archipelago - Santorini - was once ablaze with color. A harsh government decree in the 70s demanded that the houses be whitewashed so as to honor the colors of the Greek flag like the other islands. There’s something to this color scheme; after all, white is known for its ability to reflect the rays of the sun. But who knows? Perhaps one day Santorini will burst into color again.

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SWEDISH LINGONBERRIES If we blindfolded you, spun you around three times, then made you guess what country you’re in, these red houses would still give it all away. Sweden maintains a single unified style and vermillion facades with white trim have been a fixture here since the 16th century. The so-called Falu red is mined and cultivated in central Sweden in copper-rich areas. It earned its popularity in part due to its low cost and in part to a composition well suited to wood structures. Red houses have left their characteristic imprint on the Swedish countryside whether inland or in fishing villages on the coast. And yet there’s nothing boring about it – as Karel Čapek once wrote, whatever imagination the Swedes saved on color they’ve spent on shapes.

Try and see if you can find two of the same house.

BURANO – A COLORFUL GEM NEAR VENICE The Venetian island of Murano won fame through its production of glass pearl beads and mosaics teeming with all kinds of color. Its sister island Burano itself looks like just such a colorful mosaic. Tourists can spy the colorful houses from their approaching boats, and a stroll through local streets will surely leave you breathless.

The island itself is renowned for hand lacework woven tirelessly by local grandmothers on their porches. Clotheslines hang above them with multicolored laundry on colorful facades. All of this comes together in a precious symbiosis, one that the local authorities strive to protect. Forget about white, long - live color blocking!

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THE AFRICAN GEOMETRY OF THE NDEBELE In the 18th century the South African Ndebele tribe created a unique style of decorating their homes.

It actually came about as a silent protest against their defeat at the hands of the Boers in which the women painted discreet square lines on their white facades. It was their way of speaking out to the other members of their tribe and expressing their feelings without being understood by foreigners. The tradition was handed down from mother to daughter and lives on to this day. The original earthy tones have become more colorful over time, and these vivid geometrical motifs have acquired clear black borders.

Each generation adds something of their own perceptions to the tradition.

ICELANDIC HIDE-AND-SEEK The turf houses scattered throughout the plains of Iceland have a fairytale beauty about them, as if these bashful homes have just emerged from the grassy meadow like mushrooms after the rain. But these seemingly natural formations are purely man-made. They’ve been built in Iceland since the 11th century and now belong to the country’s cultural heritage. When you visit Iceland, take a visit to the village of Keldur, for example. Here you will feel the breath of history as retold in the ancient Icelandic sagas. Their respect for the earth and the practicality of their ancestors has inspired lovers of nature and led many northerners to procure peat rooves as well.

THE SOFT CHARM OF FOLK BAROQUE Around the pond in the commons of a South Bohemian village stand quiet and modest buildings that also happen to be recorded in the UNESCO register of heritage sites. Holašovice, like many other villages in the South of the Czech Republic, is home to a truly eye-catching sight. Farms built in the second half of the 19th century in the style called ‘folk Baroque‘ truly offer something domestic and comforting. The front of the houses are adorned with white stucco in a spiral formation, as well as pilasters and other ornamentation that charmingly protrudes from the colorful facades. The most common color is yellow, along with pastel shades of blue or pink and bright red. They are softly decorated gingerbread in the palm of a beautiful farmwife. An evening stroll through such a commons is an almost decadent pleasure for the soul.

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A CHECKERED GERMAN SHIRT Germany features an over 2,000 kilometer long route for lovers of half-timbered buildings. These wood structures typically augmented with white mortared masonry spread in the Middle Ages from the German regions to all of Europe, and as a result you can stretch your half-timbered tour all the way to France, England, the Netherlands and onward. These checkered beauties bring a touch of warmth to their cities. When you stand in the town square of Dornstetten with its bordered half-timber escutcheons, it feels like you’re in the middle of a congress of giant woodsmen. Or do these checkered facades remind you more of a grandmother’s apron?

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SCOTLAND, A SUPERPOWER OF FISH When it rains over the Scottish highlands, the entire countryside is transformed into a virtual sea. Sheep cluster together like bubbles of foam at the tips of waves while the Scottish homes recall fish. Their slate rooftops glisten with varying shades of black and grey. But these fish come alive in dry weather as well. Look closely and you will even detect beautiful tones of mother-of-pearl. These slate scales add charm and a soft dignity to Scottish rooftops. They also suffer a certain disadvantage, namely frequent visits by roofers – after all, these rooftops need to be repaired after every large storm, which in Scotland is hardly a rarity.

A CHECKERED GERMAN SHIRT Germany features an over 2,000 kilometer long route for lovers of half-timbered buildings. These wood structures typically augmented with white mortared masonry spread in the Middle Ages from the German regions to all of Europe, and as a result you can stretch your half-timbered tour all the way to France, England, the Netherlands and onward. These checkered beauties bring a touch of warmth to their cities. When you stand in the town square of Dornstetten with its bordered half-timber escutcheons, it feels like you’re in the middle of a congress of giant woodsmen. Or do these checkered facades remind you more of a grandmother’s apron?

PAINTED POTS IN TIÉBÉLÉ Residents of the village with the endearing name of Tiébélé in West Africa rank among the oldest ethnic groups in Burkina Faso. The local folk guard their culture from the modern world, and one of the traditions they have preserved since the 16th century are their beautifully painted homes. Their earthen walls, reminiscent of giant pots, may only be painted by women, who use colored clay to create symbols and geometric patterns that are then burnished with stones and preserved with a natural varnish. The community gathers and communes during the painting and restoration of the facades as if at a festival.

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22. – 27. 10.

Designblok

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17. year Prague Design and Fashion Week www.designblok.cz Designblok is supported by following institutions: městská část Praha 7, Velvyslanectví Nizozemského království, Vlámské zastoupení, CzechTourism, Česká centra, EUNIC, Francouzský institut v Praze, Polský institut v Praze, Rakouské kulturní fórum v Praze Official suppliers: AMBIENTE RESTAURACE, fusion hotel prague, Heineken, Parfumerie Douglas, SONBERK, TONI&GUY, Veuve Clicquot, XEROX Czech Republic Media partners: Architekt, Art+Antiques, CZECHDESIGN, Design&Home, Dolce vita, Dotyk, EARCH., elle.cz, ERA21, ELLE Decoration, Flash Art, H.O.M.i.E., iconiq.cz, lidovky.cz, Marianne Bydlení, MAUDhomme, Radio1, SOFFA, Travel Fever International media partners: Atrium, H.O.M.E., Designum, H.O.M.i.E. Support of exhibition Designblok Diploma Selection / Czech Section: T-Mobile Czech Republic Acknowledgements: CIDRERIE, SANPELLEGRINO, SIPRAL, WD Lux Partners:

Deloitte Výstaviště Praha Holešovice

Main media partners:

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BUY LESS, CHOOSE WELL ... that’s how Vendula Stoklásková, owner of 100CLASS concept store, quotes Vivienne Westwood when describing the concept of her shop in the historical section of Prague, where modern fashion meets design in exclusive collections developed by Czech designers. Come treat yourself to a unique piece of your own!

Leather bag, Elajediova; crystal glass collection, Suprodesign; chocolate, Rozbíjím se; a publication about Prague

by Ondřej Kavan; T-shirt by Hana Zárubová More at stoclass.com

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DI Y PRO J EC T S Wall decoration

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A N U NCO NV E N T I O N A L H EA DB OA R D text: Adéla Kudrnová | concept and styling: Lenka Hlaváčová photo: Lina Németh

LOOKING FOR A NEW BEDFRAME? GOT A NEW BEDROOM YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR OWN? WE'VE GOT A SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE SOLUTION. YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN HEADBOARD BY CUTTING SHAPES FROM PAPER USING OUR GEOMETRIC TEMPLATES. ALL YOU NEED IS TO PICK THE COLOR! DIFFICULTY: easy TIME: 90 min.

WHAT YOU NEED: our template (we used paper

by Fedrigoni) pencil utility knife or scissors ruler (ideally metal) cutting board or table mat washi tape (or glue)

DIRECTIONS: First, cut the template from the last page of this article. It's already the right size.

Grab a piece of thick colored paper and trace the template on the paper – we used paper by Fedrigoni. To achieve an interesting effect on the wall, we recommend choosing at least three different colors.

Ideally with a utility knife, use the ruler to cut the individual facets out of the template.

To make the overall decoration even more interesting, leave some of the facets uncut.

Stick the picture on the wall (with the traced side facing the wall) using washi tape. ■

Grey tartan; Tablo table, Normann Copenhagen; Chunk candle and Norm wire wastebasket, Menu; all Superstore DBK Grey tartan; geometric, black and white pillowcases; vase; glass jar; all H&M Home

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IF YOU STICK YOUR DECORATION TO THE WALL WITH WASHI TAPE YOU CAN REMOVE IT EASILY LATER WITHOUT DAMAGING THE PLASTER. Our deepest thanks to Fedrigoni for the paper we used to make the headboard.

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R E A DY TO C UT text: Adéla Kudrnová | styling: Lenka Hlaváčová

It's up to you how many facets you cut.

If you want to make your decoration even more daring, leave some of them uncut.

ORDER AND ENJOY!

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EDITORIAL STAFF

CONTRIBUTORS

Adéla Kudrnová I editor in chief adela@soffamag.com Lenka Hlaváčová I art director & designer lenka@soffamag.com Lina Németh I photographer lina@soffamag.com Adéla Havelková I photographer & graphic designer adela.h@soffamag.com Antonín Cífka I production manager antonin@soffamag.com Terézia Bělčáková I marketing & PR terezia@soffamag.com Tereza Gladišová I editor & distribution stockist@soffamag.com Sára Němečková I production assistant sara@soffamag.com

Lukáš Paderta I editor Martin Sova I editor Helena Stiessová I editor Alžběta Jungrová I photographer Veronika Jiroušková I stylist Janka Murínová I stylist Zoltán Tóth I fashion stylist Adéla Srbová I food stylist Jana Bušková I video Make-Up Institute Prague I make-up Bomton Studia I hair Easytalk.cz I English translation & revision and proofreading Albert Friess I English translation

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