Messing Around in Warsaw: Balagan’s 10 beloved spots
Balagan was born in Warsaw! To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we invite you to take a walk with the founders and designers of the brand – Hania and Agata – through their favorite corners of the city. These are the places that inspired and shaped them, and to which they continuously return.
Skaryszewski Park
Our first studio was located in Praga, right by Skaryszewski Park. We loved cycling through the park, passing the Wedel chocolate factory every day. During breaks from designing our first collections, we would relax on the grass and grab cream-filled pastries from a local bakery near Wiatraczna Roundabout. Skaryszewski Park is a true gem of Warsaw, a green oasis that delights in every season.
Warsaw Escarpment
From Praga, we head across the Vistula River to the Warsaw Escarpment. We stroll nostalgically through the area where we studied at the Faculty of Design. The escarpment is a perfect example of integrating greenery into the urban fabric, which we truly appreciate. Alina Scholtz, who designed the greenery here during the post-war reconstruction of Warsaw, did so with a vision of fresh air flowing from the Vistula River upwards. Her modern city vision and thoughtful urban strategy still seem relevant and friendly to residents today.
Źródełko
There’s no other place like it in Warsaw. Here is Źródełko, a sports bar famous among football fans, taxi drivers, and students from the Academy of Fine Arts. We spent a lot of time here between classes, quietly dreaming about starting our own brand. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the idea for Balagan was born here. This place surprises with its blend of Mediterranean influences (frescoes on the walls and pizza on the menu) with Warsaw’s local flavor (adjacent to the Legia stadium). Źródełko is also a great starting point for further adventures. We head up the stairs to our favorite Jazdów.
Jazdów
The Jazdów estate is another treasure on the map of Warsaw, allowing you to escape the city in an instant. Time flows differently here, and there’s always something to do. The estate was built in the 1940s as a temporary housing project for employees of the Bureau of Reconstruction of the Capital, but fortunately, it has survived to this day. We come here during the day to relax in hammocks and in the evenings for concerts and other cultural events held in the creative initiative-run houses.
Mysia 3
Our first store and still our flagship boutique! Mysia 3 is an intimate department store in the heart of Warsaw, where, besides us, a few other independent brands, a gallery, and a café can be found. We are growing and trying to be present in other cities across Poland as well. Boutiques are very important to us, as they allow us to meet you in person. Currently, we also have a second store in Warsaw at Elektrownia Powiśle, in Kraków at Galeria Kazimierz, and a recently opened boutique at Galeria Klif in Gdynia.
Bibenda
A visit to Bibenda is always a small celebration. Like us, the restaurant is also celebrating its 10th birthday. For years, we’ve enjoyed their delicious seasonal menu. We love Bibenda for its quality, simplicity in the best sense of the word, and relaxed atmosphere. Plus, it’s just three steps away from our store, which makes it easy to combine pleasures.
Centrum Łowicka
Mokotów is dear to us, and we value neighborhood relationships and the social role of culture. Centrum Łowicka is one of our favorite places in the district. It’s our local cultural center right next to our office. With its 1960s architecture, versatile program, beautiful garden, and compote in the café, it’s a real gem.
Crush
Privately, we love second-hand shops and vintage fashion. Crush is a vintage store in Mokotów with finds curated by Justyna Konczewska. Since the store’s inception, we’ve styled our photoshoots with clothes from Crush. Original, stylish, and of great quality. Our love for vintage fashion is reflected in our collections inspired by the wardrobes of mothers, grandmothers, and older friends.
Nowy Teatr
We adore Nowy Teatr for its versatility. We come here for excellent performances, to browse the bookstore, and to enjoy the café. We appreciate the architecture and well-designed public space. A nice touch is that our Dora heels feature in Krzysztof Warlikowski’s “Odyssey. A Story for Hollywood” Whenever you get the chance, take a look at Elizabeth Taylor on the stage.
Relaks
Relaks has been our favorite spot for delicious coffee for years. With our office within walking distance, Relaks is always on our way. Whether in the morning or evening, we always feel great here.
