fikri, best hairdresser amsterdam

Fikri's salon is set in a canal house with large windows, marble floors, two gigantic mirrors. Other than the floral arrangement there's no more decoration.During the last visit to my hairdresser Fikri, I asked him about his dreams. Fikri started to look around in the spacious, empty salon. Then he whispered ‘I hardly dare to think about it, let alone say it aloud. …. I actually dream of having an organic, vegetal hair and skin care product line’. So herewith I’m giving him a push to go for his dream, and publish it on the world wide web!

PS Fikri does not fill his agenda weeks in advance. So if you need a hair cut soon or on Sundays, then just give him a ring at T. 06.52649212. His salon is on Keizersgracht 389.

who is fikri
A hairdresser that is focused and conscious of what he’s doing. Morevoer, which products he is using.

what's your secret ingredient for your success?
Empathy - I 'use' it every day to understand my clients’ wishes.

how far are you with your own organic, vegetal hair and skin care line
I have three products for dry and/or thin hair. The shampoo is sulphate-free. I’m very against the use of chemicals. 

I’m now struggling with the packaging. I’m very proud that the laboratory where my products are made is eco-friendly; ie. they work on solar energy and have the same no animal-testing. With the packaging, it’s not easy to find ‘green’ glue, label and bottle that still look beautiful. 

who would you like to be your line’s ambassador
Someone with very bad hair and a sensitive scalp. That person will realize that improvement of using organic, vegetal products. It’s so much caring and nourishing for the hair and skin.

There's free wifi at the Fikri's salon in Amsterdam!natural beauty is….
Doutzen Kroes 

pure indulgence is…
Connecting with nature. The first time I had that was in Kauai, Hawaii. It’s so beautiful and serene there. I’ve named my parrot after that island. 

amsterdam is…
Fairylike 

what do you love about amsterdam
The canals, the calm cobbling water give you a sense of space. And in the summer, when people go boating, the ambiance is so joyous. 

Fikri as mayor of amsterdam…
would invest in more ‘green’ and cleaners. 

I found a tiny photo of Fikri Kala online. Finally, some organic amsterdam tips:

Marqt, I recommend the Speltbread, made from a wholesome type of wheat, and “Hollandse bloemen honing”, Dutch flower honey. 

Fish store Dirk Tel on Kloveniersburgwal.

Do you have a special offer for the Life in Amsterdam readers?
I'm currently very happy with the products themselves: they are organic, bad chemical free (i.e. sulphate free) and not tested on animals. However, I'm not happy with the current packaging. I can give all Life in Amsterdam readers 50% discount on the products to try it out. I welcome the readers' feedback. 

Shampoo / conditioner / styling gel: E15 each

You can purchase the products at the salon or send an e-mail to Fikri Kala: f.kala@me.com. 

I wanted to get a pixie cut (you know, the short hair cut of Audrey Hepburn in 'Sabrina'). However, I was so nervous, that Fikri suggested that we would do it in steps. See below the different stages of 'the making of Kira's pixie cut' over a period of 5 months.

 

best vintage & second-hand shops in amsterdam

For vintage and second-hand clothing, the Negen Straatjes meaning: the 9 little streets (crossing the canals on the west side of the city centre), is the area to be. My personal favourite second-hand shop is Jutka & Riska, which is a 10 minutes' bike ride away from the city centre. 

1. LAURA DOLS
Wolvenstraat 7, Negen Straatjes, Amsterdam Centre.
Mainly vintage '50s glamorous dresses: Prom Queen meets Drag Queen. Internationally known.

2. EPISODE
Berenstraat 1, Negen Straatjes, Amsterdam Centre.
"On trend" vintage store, streetwear/festival style. Or find yourself the perfect accessory to finalise your outfit!

3. ZIPPER 
Nieuwe Hoogstraat 10 (Dam) and Huidenstraat 7 (Negen Straatjes), Amsterdam Centre.
For about 30 years a well know low budget vintage store, all the vintage labels you are looking for. Streetwear and bags, scarfs, shoes.

Jutka & Riska Amsterdam.

4. JUTKA & RISKA
Bilderdijkstraat 194, Amsterdam West.
A unique concept with stores in Haarlem, Heemstede en Antwerp. Great mix between their own design, vintage clothing and new brands, such as Numph, Modstrom, Supertrash and a very wide range of accessories to match.

5. AMSTERDAM WATCH COMPANY
Reestraat 3, Negen Straatjes, Amsterdam Centre.
High street brand watches, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Piaget, Chopard, IWC and all the brands you can think of. Small store and you have to ring the bell to enter.   

most personal health institute in amsterdam: evolve

The newest Personal Health Institute in Amsterdam is called Evolve. The name is appropriate as it is by far the most personal of all health clubs in town and it has a holistic approach to positive chance. Wow - that sounds heavy, but not to worry... everything is cool here. 

Besides personal training, the institute offers physiotherapy, nutritional consulting, beauty therapies, meditation and other relaxation classes/treatments (see the complete list below).

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frozen fountain

what: modern design furniture & home accessories.

look & feel: Set in an amsterdam canal house, the shop feels rather industrial. Quirky little items are on display at the canal side of the venue, including sexy chocolates and funky toothbrushes. The further you walk into the shop, the larger the design objects, ranging from lighting to furniture by the famous Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek. 

pricing: E25 gifts and E250+ chairs.

where: frozen fountain, prinsengracht 654, amsterdam centre.

Impressions of 'the back' of Frozen Fountain, Amsterdam design shop.

amsterdam holiday gifts

Tired of bringing home Delft’s blue miniatures as souvenirs? Then hop on your (rental) bike, discover stunning Amsterdam places where you can also fill your gift bag:

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moooi gallery

what: interior accessories and design books, yet mostly (artistic) furniture.

look & feel: ’Step into the centre of Moooi's heart and discover a universe containing extraordinary, playful realities in different scales and compositions. Take your time to discover and enjoy our inspiring stories, unexpected shapes & exciting style. So walk further, into our light... into our dreams…’

pricing: the small accesories are affordable, as are the design books. Furniture... that's a different story.

PS - the new (Hyatt) Andaz Hotel's interior is designed/furnished by Marcel Wanders, whose products are sold at Moooi. 

Also see Bucketlist #14 - Step into the centre of Moooi heart

where: Moooi Gallery, Westerstraat 187, Jordaan Amsterdam.

Impressions of Moooi Gallery Amsterdam.

hotel droog

what: interior accessories & furniture & art, fashion & cosmetics, food & drinks place, garden and one hotel room. 

look & feel: hotel droog is an experience for the aesthetically aware - it's best to experience the different 'rooms' yourself. I can best describe it as breathable & comprehensible beauty. 

pricing: online there are already 90 items under E20, but that Dutchtub that I love is E5k... My very favourite is the tree trunk bench - but first need a 'beach house' to place it in!

where: Hotel Droog, Staalstraat 7b, Amsterdam centre.

Impressions of Hotel Droog - a design experience.

lodsh

what: furniture and home accessories sourced from all over the globe, each piece with its own unique story attached.

look & feel: Lodsh represents “the flavours of India, the fishing villages of Indonesia, the cultural traditions of Asia, and the warmth of the Spanish patio, but also the rustic charm of Provence and the down-to-earth simplicity of Dutch life."

pricing: Lodsh is not the cheapest home accessory store, yet E20 for a candle holder with its own story (just ask the shop attendant) or E50 for a fruit bowl is not bad, is it?

where: Lodsh, van Baerlestraat 3 between Vondelpark and Museumplein, Amsterdam Oud Zuid.

Impressions of Lodsh - a global design store.

restored

what: unique garments, accessories, items for your interior - all made by young designers. 

look & feel: restored mostly focuses at bringing young designers’ products to the market. The ‘young and fresh’ look and feel is really present, while at the same time you feel an appreciation for ‘nature and balance’. The items sold are unique, yet uncomplicated and easy-to-appreciate

pricing: many small items (ie leather phone case) are available as of E30. 

where: Restored, Haarlemmerdijk 39, Amsterdam Jordaan. Open during regular shop hours (Mondays as of 13h, closed on Sundays).

Impressions of Restored - a shop representing international young designers.

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flinders

what: modern design shop meets coffee bar

look & feel: I'd describe Flinders as 'light'. The shop has many windows and is fresh and light as opposed to dark. In addition, it's very approachable for non-artsy people. So, they have a 'light' concept of design, as opposed to having complex views uncomprehensible to amateurs like myself. 

pricing: most affordable, many items are priced under E100, including great gifts for Christmas (<E25). 

where: Flinders Woonwinkel Amsterdam, Meester Treublaan 18, around the corner from Station Amstel, Amsterdam. Open Mon-Sat from 9h - 17h30.

Impressions of design shop cum coffee bar Flinders.

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raw materials

what: unusual home accessories, lighting, furniture. Also leather goods and fabrics (for a.o. curtains). 

look & feel: raw - unpolished beauty, sometimes recycled, sometimes plain old. 

pricing: most affordable, many items are priced under E100, including great gifts for Christmas (<E25). 

where: Raw materials, Rozengracht 229-233, Amsterdam centre. Open: regular shop hours.

Impressions of Raw Materials.

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New: Michael Kors Monobrand shop

Open since: 13 September 2012

What's in store: luxury fashion for women, ranging from leather goods to (bling) accessories and ready-to-wear clothing. 

Why I love it: great leather products at a fraction of the price compared to other big labels.

A personal story: I saw this stunning bag with a E900-price tag. The bag is simply perfect and occupied my mind for the past 4 weeks. Then I spotted a similar bag at Michael Kors: grey and superbig.

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friday next a interior design shop, studio and cafe

Friday next is a concept store where interior design meets fashion meets hospitality. 

What to expect: (Dutch) design products, home-made tarts and pies, free wifi and an interior design studio in the back.

Clientele: girlfriends having a coffee, office people having an informal meeting, passerby’s and a creative soul enjoying the free wifi. 

Recommended to: the esthetically aware and 'home food' lovers.

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best hairdresser in amsterdam

A good man is hard to find, a good hairdresser? next to impossible!

The problem with hairdressers is threefold: they love (1) cutting (2) colouring and (3) hearing their own voice till the end of day. The styles they produce may be artistic and beautiful (for four hours), what we generally want, is a haircut that looks good for a couple of weeks and without special lighting and real-time Photoshop. Not to worry, though, there are some hair dressers in Amsterdam that are in many ways a cut above the rest.

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take away: eetwinkel zwaan

Are you not exactly what people call a ‘cooking prince(ss)’? Or do have a passion for ‘great cuisine’ but lack the time? Then I hope you work at WTC as Eetwinkel Zwaan is your solution to tasteful quasi-home-made dinners.

The way it works at Zwaan is that they do the ‘m.e.p.’ as we call it in chef’s terms. M.e.p. stands for ‘mise-en-place’ indicating that the preparatory work has been done, the dish just needs to be finished. 

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Daffodil: worn once by the riches

Thirty years ago, when second-hand stores only offered ‘dumped’ army clothes, Ans Chevanche opened her shop of used quality fashion.

Located in the upmarket Willemspark area, it has taken a while before neighbours felt comfortable to enter the second-hand shop. Now, Ans counts generations of women amongst her clientele ‘first the young mother walks in with a baby girl and 18 years later the daughter comes to look for a prom dress’. 

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best facials in amsterdam

You may expect this article to be written for women... but let me start that facials make everyone feel and look good - regardless of gender and vanity level!

Proof of this statement: I managed to get my boyfriend (who has never used any skin care products in his life) to have a facial. And now... he's looking forward to his second treatment.

So herewith I baptize Ccil Beauty as the best facial salon for men, and allowing me to kiss someone with a skin as soft of that of Brad Pitt (supposedly).

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pop up shops in amsterdam

Life is like a box of chocolates… you never know what you are going to get. That’s surely the case at the Amsterdam pop up locations! I celebrate pop up shops as they allowing young designers and start ups to personally sell their products for a few days.

Check the agendas of these pop up shops and inform me of other popping addresses!

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Best specialty food shops in amsterdam

Updated on May 2, 2012 by Kira

So I am not sure which shops to list for this post, but I am sure that the Mangi Store on the Reguliersdwarsstraat should be one of them. And the Portuguese deli on the Haarlemmerstraat. Oh, and not forgot Japanses Meidi-Ya! Give me some time and I'll make the list complete.

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Dutch design souvenirs and gifts

Updated on May 2, 2012 by Kira

Living in Holland, we all realize that the country stands for more than ‘sex, drugs and Delft’s Blue’. Unfortunately, souvenir shop holders’ imagination seems to be limited to porcelain windmills and clogs, which doesn’t help to change Holland’s image.

And then you have Thinking of Holland: an upscale souvenir or Dutch design gift shop.

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