Independent Prague: 7 fashion and design hotspots you need to know

With Vogue Czechia and Slovakia about to burst onto the global fashion scene, there’s never been a better time to uncover some of Prague’s design talent. From the sidestreets of the Old Town to the capital’s creatively-charged suburbs, Prague is full of artists looking to make their mark: from fashion and accessories to unique homeware and souvenirs. The Calvert Journal talked to some of the capital’s best upcoming designers to compile a list of must-visit boutiques and hangouts showcasing the best of Czech style.

Life is Porno

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Slovak street culture brand Life is Porno has already established itself as one of the hottest design brands on the Prague scene. Located in the Holešovice Art District, the brand’s space, Forbidden spot, includes barbershops, a graffiti gallery and skate park, as well as a shop for Life is Porno gear. Make sure to pick up a hand-painted cap from the 365 Snapback project for a Prague souvenir guaranteed to turn heads.

Recycled with Love

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Hailed as one of Prague’s best vintage stores, Recycle with Love is hidden away in the capital’s rapidly-evolving Letna district. As well as a fully-curated, pre-loved range, the team reworks secondhand clothes to create new, on-trend collections. If you’re not sure how to rock the vintage look, then this is the perfect place to steal some inspiration. For the perfect indie Instagram follow, the store has an online editorial section.

Vnitroblock

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This is a space where some of Prague’s best up-and-coming young brands have joined forces to transform a suburban street in one of the city’s most fashionable new neighbourhoods into an Instagram-friendly creative hangout. Check out Czech streetwear store Footshop, drop into the indie cinema, have a look at the Dudes and Barbies gallery, or just knock back the obligatory hipster-style coffee.

Parazit

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Parazit specialises in limited edition collections created almost exclusively by the country’s upcoming fashion students. With a collection boasting loud and original pieces — and a range that includes retro, street wear, haute couture, and accessories — it’s the best place to find the next big thing before it breaks out into the mainstream.

Dyzajnoff

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Dyzajnoff is a new addition to Prague’s design scene, but its roots lie deep in one of the city’s creative institutions. The minimalist-style store on Ostrovni Street, not far from the National Theatre, is a permanent base for the Dyzajn Market: a gathering of independent artists and creators in the heart of Prague. The same designers are now using the space to showcase gifts, souvenirs, jewellery and clothes all year round — without the need to brave the capital’s occasional icy blasts. Keep an eye out for Dyzajnoff’s events, workshops and seasonal collections, or just grab a coffee while you browse.

Botas66

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BOTAS 66 is a modern revival of Czechoslovakia’s iconic sport shoe brand. Originally launched in 1966, the label became so entrenched in Czech culture that the name became a byword for sneakers everywhere. The shoes fell out of style with the collapse of the Iron Curtain, but were brought back in 2008 by designers Jan Kloss and Jakub Korouš. With classic, urban and running collections and range of candy-coloured shades, these unisex trainers are now a style staple. All of the shoes are manufactured in Czechia itself — and if you indulge, you’ll be leaving with a little bit of the country’s design history on your feet.

Kuraz

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Another gem tucked away in the Letna district, Kuraz is the gift shop you’ll actually want to visit before you leave Prague. The store’s team doesn’t just showcase young Czech and Slovak designers — they promote work from the local artist community within the capital itself. As well as the usual clothes, notebooks and accessories, check out local handmade cosmetics and toys for kids.