FOLK & End Clothing Competition
| 18-10-2011 | Folk stockists, In The Press
Folk in London – Anthem
The newest Folk stockist, Anthem, has just opened in East London. We’ve been down to see it and were impressed by the interior and Folk’s in good company amongst brands such as Kapital, Waist Twice, Riding High and Vlas Blomme from Japan, Save Khaki from New York to Yves Andrieux from Paris and Nanok from Norway.
| 15-09-2011 | Folk stockists
FOLK GUIDE TO MUNICH PART 6
URBIKE
I’ve grown to realize, location doesn’t count for a whole lot in Maxvorstadt. Being situated on a main high street or a drab back street, high quality establishments are everywhere here and ‘Urbike’ is no exception.
Tucked away within Amalienpassage, just down the street from Folk, this custom bike store is just unfurling its wings. The space, more a showroom than a store, is a gleaming white room filled with bright custom painted bikes and parts. Run by Mr. Mike Gaser, a bike enthusiast, the store is incredibly young, being open just six weeks.
Mike’s sheer passion and pride in his work was clearly evident as he talked to Sebastian, a friend and more importantly a fluent German speaker. The raw parts, made in Taiwan and assembled in the Czech Republic, can either be picked in store at Urbike or online, via a really simple online shop.
In Munich, a city no stranger to cyclists, it seems Mike may have hit the nail on the head, offering a practical tool for inner city living but one that looks good too.
Urbike
Nymphenburgerstr. 70
80335
Munich
| 12-09-2011 | Lambs Conduit Street
FOLK GUIDE TO MUNICH PART 5
Schelling Salon
On the corner of Barerstraße and SchellingStraße, draped head to toe in the blue and white of the Bavarian flag sits the ‘Schelling Salon’. In a district fueled by young creative’s, whether it be business or at university, it’s easy to take historic hubs, such as this one, that are scattered around Maxvorstadt, for granted.
The billiard hall dates all the way back to 1872 when the original owners, Fridoline and Silvester Mehr founded the establishment. Despite the current ownership being in its 4th generation, Evelin Mehr, keeps the sam traditions alive within this heirloom. I have a suspicion not a lot would have changed. Low lighting and rows of billiard tables mixed with the scent of stale beer and salty snacks sets the scene in this truly unique bar.
My severe lack of German really hit home here, feeling as though I’d stepped into the past. However, despite the slightly reserved owner, Evelin Mehr, being slightly apprehensive of my eagerness to know about the establishment, she allowed me to take some photos. Many thanks go to Evelin.
Schelling-Salon
Schellingstr. 54
80799
Munich
| 07-09-2011 | Folk munich, Photography
Brian Sweeney Exhibition – Brick Lane
Photographer Brian Sweeney is having an exhibition at the Folk Store, 11 dray Walk, Truman brewery London, from Thursday 8th September for four weeks, with an opening launch on Thursday 8th from 7-9 pm at the same address.
The show is called were the antelopes sleep and its an ongoing project,its part of two projects “the great stadiums of europe” stadiums found around europe mainly lower league or non league,a hark back to days when football wasnt about airline companies sponsering teams ,overpriced tickets and overpaid players,more about the community aspect of the sport,the images are always empty,because in a sense they are architectural as well as social,as the architecture reflects in many cases the main industries of the places they are found in,through the materials they are built with, and accordingly a reflection of the communities themselves.
The antelopes sleeps are the places i find peaceful in between shooting these stadiums.
All the images have previously not been shown and are part of an evergrowing body of work.
www.sweeneypix.com – www.briansweeneyphotography.com – www.this.is/stadiums
| 06-09-2011 | Design corner, Photography
FOLK GUIDE TO MUNICH PART 4
Jo Van Der Loo Gallery
Reiterating my opinions regarding mindsets and personalities of the people here in Munich there stood Jo. Visiting the small, neatly pieced together ‘Jo Van Der Loo Gallery’ was a pretty welcoming experience. Despite being faced with a small bout of nerves each time I walk into a new establishment, due to my distinct lack of German, any worries were soon quelled as soon as I met this Gallery’s founder.
Jo Van Der Loo, the eponymous owner of the gallery greeted me with open arms. The 6 foot something; frizzy haired German was delighted to engage in conversation as I explained Folk’s newest journal series. Already familiar with the store and the brand, Jo was more than happy to tell me a little about the gallery and why he feels it’s so special.
Opening on March 5th 2011, Jo described the space as “A new space and position for contemporary photography in Munich” and the current exhibition highlighted that. Disinterested in oil paintings and traditional exhibition art, Jo’s true excitement came in modern mediums such as photography and video.
Paul Krazler is the artist whose photographs dominate the walls of the gallery at the moment. ‘Brut’, running from March 5th right up until June 26th Krazler’s pieces, a collection of photo’s showing Family members in a personal and albeit peculiar light, are a real eye opener offering intriguing viewing.
Words and Images: Sam Smith
| 31-08-2011 | Folk munich, Photography
Factory Visit
Over the past few seasons we have been working hard at developing our own trims, whether its buckles, buttons, pop studs, hand dipped cords or leather straps. We think it’s a very important part in what we do, what helps us make our clothes (hopefully) a little different from the rest. We recently paid a visit to one of our suppliers, just outside of Liverpool, who is a bit of a master craftsman at transforming our ideas into reality – see above for a few pics to give you a flavour of what he does.
| 31-08-2011 | Lambs Conduit Street
FOLK GUIDE TO MUNICH PART 3
Felix Antique
Balla Beni
Shades of red and brown are what hit you in the face as soon as you enter Felix Lorenz’ Antiquariat. My manor didn’t seem to be taken in the best regard as I proposed taking pictures of his heavily cluttered, heavily interesting business. However, despite a sense of unease and curiosity (something that I’d become very familiar with) from the owner, he let me take some photos.
Traipsing through antique bible’s and literature hid some genuine gems. It’s strange as you poke your nose around stores such as Felix’, the striking sense of nostalgia that you get and with Munich being a city full of such rich history this is amplified.
Felix was a nice guy, after the significantly stereotypical ‘German’ first impression he gave off, he was a nice chap. Having run the shop for 15 years, Felix seemed like a part of the stores aesthetic as he sat at his computer getting on with some work. As I asked tinkered around the store, flicking through stacks old photos, Felix persisted to ask my advice on spelling and grammar for product descriptions for his Ebay store.
Its not just the stores which catch your eye or the items that are carried but most of the time, it’s the people running the stores and investing that much time and effort into making a store what it is that is worth experiencing. I think it’s talking to these people that has mad me see that Maxvorstadt, is a highly creative and contrasting district of Munich.
| 26-08-2011 | Lambs Conduit Street
FOLK GUIDE TO MUNICH PART 2
Balla Beni
It seems Munich has a few must sees; The English Gardens, Allianz Arena, Marien Square … Balla Beni? This tiny ice cream parlor located at number 46 Theresienstraße appears to be a neighborhood favorite. On initial scouting of the area I walked past Balla Beni and assumed the long queue trailing around the block was simply due to the blistering heat that day. I was wrong.
When passing Balla Beni, you will see a queue of people waiting for their ice cream fix. The day and the weather are irrelevant. The showpiece of high quality ice cream speaks for itself, the texture and richness in flavor is unlike any ice cream I’ve previously tasted and the presentation in small wafer bowls works perfectly.
It’s testament to an eatery when locals recommend. Everybody I’ve spoken too regarding Balla’ have only good things to say. The praise doesn’t end with the ice cream, no, service is immaculate, with staff giving you the time of day to have a conversation and make sure your happy with your purchases.
All in all it’s got to be said the Balla Beni is the most impressive ice cream parlor I’ve been too, aside from that the staff and service were excellent. If ever you’re in the Maxvorstadt area of Munich, seek it out you will not be disappointed.
Balla Beni
Theresienstr. 46
80333
Munich
Words and images: Sam Smith
| 19-08-2011 | Folk munich
New Folk Store – Shepherd Market
Here she is…, after a few weeks of hard graft we’ve opened the doors of our fifth store in Mayfair.
The 800 sq ft store is on the site of the old Georgina Goodman unit on Shepherd Market and will sell Folk’s full range of menswear and shoes for both men and women.
Shepherd Market is in the heart of Mayfair, a bit like Lambs Conduit Street, is a bit of a hidden gem tucked away in between Curzon Street and Piccadilly. Its got an eclectic mix of independent shops and restaurants that give it a village vibe which is why we chose it.
The store design has similar elements to the existing stores with the use of wood cladding, marble heads from sculptor Paul Van Stone and rope hung lights. Clever little design touches such as tables and benches made from old pottery wareboards match the ethos and craftsmenship of the brand’s clothing and give the store a welcoming natural feel. A big thank you to Evan, Rachel and the lads for the fit, Gareth for the paintjob and Fleur at IYA for the design. We think its the best one yet.
Pop down and see Jon and Maisie when your in the neighbourhood.
Folk
12-14 Shepherd Street
London
W1J 7JF
| 12-08-2011 | Design corner, Photography