Boho Prague Finally Embraces LUXURY
Change is definitely afoot in the ‘boho’ capital of East Europe. Although still known for its cheap beer, grunge bars, English-teaching expats, dogs a plenty, and dope-friendly atmosphere, the new Amsterdam is increasingly looking more to Moscow—and less to Berlin—as prices rise and a new wealthy class grown rich on the real estate boom tires of 24/7 slackerdom.
The exclusive La Scene restaurant/bar, which plans to become a Soho Club-like members establishment in the fall threw a fashion party last week to establish its ‘elitist’ credentials. Czech and Siberian models (from Petr Holanec’s PH Models) sashayed down a make-shift catwalk while real estate heads, fashionistas with their trophy pets, advertising execs, and others from the city’s growing monied classes sipped mojitos and gaped at the babes as they walked past. It could have been Moscow or Warsaw or Kiev—but it was Prague.
“The middle class market is saturated,” said someone over the music. “Luxury’s the new byword in Prague. Speculators are investing in boutique hotels, spas, swank restaurants and others.” It’s no surprise given the number of wealthy Russians that have made the city their home recently, in addition to other rich expats who treat Prague more as a hip base in Europe than a place to drink cheap beer and discuss Kafka.
Normally, we’d be on the side of the bohos, but spend a few nights among the ‘hip-hop-meets-hippy’ crowd that still dominates Prague nightlife at Palac Akropolis, Cross Club, and other venues, and you’d also be chafing for some Moscow-style glamor.
Tags: La Scene, Luxury, PH Models, Prague, Siberia
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