Welcome to the Archives of Velvet Magazine! For those of you who might not know, Velvet was Prague's first city magazine and sadly published just a few issues. I, Jeffree from Think Magazine, designed the very last issue of Velvet, which was killed the day it was to go to press... and thus, I turned my attention to making Think. A lot of the contact, adresses and business information here is too old to be useful, but why not take a walk down memory lane and enjoy yourself?
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  By
Michele Legge
 pretty Asian boy in a rabbit skin vest was still prancing around the racks of retro clothes after spending 3700 Kc on a leather vest, varsity jacket, and enough fly-away-collared, psychedelic-print shirts to dress the cast of "Hair." "Tell me darling," he cooed, "is there anywhere else like this in Prague?"
There isn't.
Jilska 22 is a funkster's supermarket with seven of the most unique alternative shops in the Czech Republic under the same roof. The collection of stores is the brainchild of Dalibor Kubik, a man most comfortable on the banks of the mainstream. Past ventures include roles in publishing two Czech cultural magazines, Vokno and Zivel.
Tunel Shoes, at ground level, was the first Czech store to import Doc Martens and continues the lead with those chunky, round-toed, entirely solid shoes-not easy to find in the metallic colors offered here.
The retro clothes of Tricks and Stuff are the centerpieces of the first floor. Most items are gleaned from flea markets outside the Czech Republic and the wide selection justifies the prices. Look for folk dresses and lacy bodices in bright colors. The leather and vinyl collection includes Sixties-era jackets (with their trademark wide collars), vests, skirts, and shorts, in black, brown, orange, blue, and red.
Maximum Underground, the most popular alternative record shop in town, also made the move to Jilska from its old home across from The Roxy. These guys are alternative purists, so it you're looking for Cop Shoot Cop's latest, this is the place.
Nothing says "I'm cool" like a tattoo. So if you're in the market for another-and you really should have as many as you can afford-head on down to P.E.S. Tattoo and Piercing. Tattoo masters Pushbar and Dada are fully licensed and specialize in South Pacific tribal and Celtic designs. Take advantage of the more affordable Eastern rates and stock up before heading west. "It's like a postcard from Prague," Dada says. And remember, tattoos and body piercing are the best way to say "I hate you mom and dad."
Finally there is Pons, with its glass cabinet displays of Nepalese, Thai, and Indonesian silver jewellery.
The only problem with Jilska 22 is that it's too well hidden for its own good. But they are planning to install speakers to pump Fugazi and Bomb the Bass tunes outside, which is sure to attract the right sort of people.
Jilska 22, First floor, Jilska 22, Prague 1. Open everyday, 10Oam-7pm
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