SÖDER
MALM #17

June 24, 2010

ARTIST OF THE MONTH:
Slobodan Zivic

http://www.slobodanzivic.com/

MONKI
Whenever you see one of those fashionable Swedes strutting down Götgatan, chances are high that at least parts of their outfit comes from Monki.
Their flagship store is in fact located right in the heart of Götgatan, but also in most cities across the country, as well as in other parts of Scandinavia (sorry, America!)
Dresses, shorts, cardigans, t-shirts, jumpsuits, skirts –you name it, they’ve got it. What’s so great about them, apart from the fun patterns and exciting styles, is the high quality fabrics and the affordable prices.

Much like H&M’s way cooler cousin – edgier and with a healthier attitude towards the female body (with that we mean that a medium is actually a medium.) When The Swede Beat got a sneak peek at this A/W 2010 line, we were happy to see a comeback for feathers and crystals (!). Material-wise emphasis lies upon thicker woolen fabrics and light weight thin jersey – and don’t be afraid of combining them.
Make sure to put down a stop here on your to-do list when visiting Sweden.

Götgatan 21, Stockholm
http://monkiworld.com/
By ETS

MORSAN
Going to mom’s place is no longer reserved for Sunday dinners or doing laundry. Morsan (Mom) is rather a place for snacking any day of the week and treating yourself to a new pre-owned outfit. This maternal locale in Hornstull, the dream child of Ella Frenning, quadruples as a cafe, vintage clothing store, office space and meeting place. All food is made on site and a highlight on the menu is the sparkling apple beverage. There is a saying that goes “God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers”. We’re thinking that Mom is the type of establishment that would make the almight creator draw a sigh of relief and relax.

Tobaksspinnargatan 7, Stockholm
By EA

KONST-IG
Often one walks into Konst-ig bookstore with the intention to have a quick look before carrying on with the afternoon. Never quite happens
Cause when hanging out at this amazing place (actually Scandinavia’s largest independent bookseller) you come across all those books that you’ve never heard of before- but now simply MUST own. They specialize in art, design, architecture, fashion and photography and also carry a wide selection of artsy journals and magazines. One of The Swede Beat favorites is the non-commercial art book “This must be the place”, compiled by young Swedish artists. Check out TSB’s article here

Oh and just a reminder – these are rocky times for bookstores, especially for independent ones, and it’s beyond wonderful to see how Konst-ig is hanging in there. Though their struggle is depending on you!
Please don’t give in to the world wide web when it comes to this one. After all, browsing for books is a very physical act in per se.
http://www.konstig.se/
By ETS

MAT BIRA KVINNOR WEED
Food, Beer, Women and Weed in Swedish is the smashing summer hit by Marcus Price of Basutbudet and Carli Lof of Savage Skulls and was recently released by Brooklyn label Palms Out last month. The release is supreme blend of bumpy booty bass, mischevious whistles, rapid raps and Swedish crazyness including remixes by Kingdom, Double Dutch, Girl Unit and more. The video is one of a kind, a hilarious piece of work directed by Tim Erem.

The Swede Beat asked 2 questions to Marcus Price, a fellow Södermalm-er
What’s the song about? All the good things in life
What’s the video about? We are having a cooking show and making a very typical Swedish dish. You can feel that summer is in the air, so what doesn’t taste better than a luscious smörgåstårta (Sandwhich cake, google for references)
http://vimeo.com/11854807
By LK

TRÄDGÅRDEN
Trädgården (The Garden) is one of those magical spots it takes real visionaries and bureaucratic victories to accomplish. Hidden on the Southernmost shores of Södermalm, between a badminton stadium and outdoor swimming pools, with magnificent concrete pillars supporting a roof that double functions as a high way bridge, the Skanstullsbro, it would seem an unlikely venue for the best place to spend your summer evenings.
Yet, there it is, making the heart swell up in your chest to the beauty of the urban jungle, and of gratefulness to the entrepreneurs who made it happen.

Although hardly garden-like, the place blossoms with live bands, art openings, world cup screenings, boule, burgers, ping pong, pannacotta and peeps.
The combination of being hidden, yet large enough to remain inclusive creates an atmosphere of camaraderie rarely seen in the Stockholm night life. It is a place where weekends are five days long, and every night is an evening to remember.

Hammarby Slussväg 2
http://www.tradgarden.com/
By EA

Written by: The Swede Beat