A cool concept store on Margit körút is the new treasure trove for Budapest’s aficionados of antiquated apparel and retro knickknacks. No-nonsense b a b a sells all sorts of old-fashioned merchandise from the iconic Nokia 9300 cell phone to select Hungarian design and temporary tattoos. Founded by Bettina Nem, this obscure outlet also proffers cassettes, T-shirts with Michael Jackson prints and a dressing gown found somewhere at the local Chinese market.
Halfway between the Mechwart liget and Széna tér stops of tram line 4-6, a daring design shop welcomes anyone who is looking for a wonderfully weird mix of merchandise. At b a b a, unorthodox accessories from the local virágéknál brand merge with textile bags by Budapest’s LÄRM club. All this is complemented by Western vintage ware such as bulky cell phones from the early 2000s and odd outer garments discovered at local thrift shops.
Founder of this eccentric establishment, Bettina Nem, only sells products that she would wear and use herself. Also known as the mother of the eco-friendly NEM brand and member of Budapest-based DJ duo NemKool, this bohemian urbanite grew up around a housing estate, where she often shopped for clothes from nearby second-hand stores. She knows her onions. Her lookbook includes high-top Reebok shoes from the ’90s, baggy sweaters by Feelinkita and colorful accessories by Pleasure is pretty.
In this organized mess, you will also find copies of the Practitioners, a bittersweet photobook by Hungarian artist Éva Szombat, out-of-fashion flip-flops, a heart-shaped digital watch and promotional keychains. Nem’s soaring imagination knows no bounds. Best of all, after a visit here, you won’t find anyone else wearing the same as you.
