If you want to get a real idea of what is Russia about, just go a bit to the surrealistic outskirts of Moscow and it will be your adventure for this day...

Red October is a former industrial area in central Moscow that's included a chocolate factory Red October, hence the name. Today it's one of the most flamboyant altough inconveniently located cultural quarters, full of art galleries, bars, fashion stores, a design school, night clubs and edtiorial offices of magazines. The photo (depicting a rather typical business redevelopment on the other shore of the Moskva River) was taken from a terrace that's part of the editorial office of Bolshoi Gorod magazine for which I have the privilege to photograph from time to time.

KM20 is a concept-store, restaurant and gallery in one opened right which was founded by Olga Karput in the historical part of Moscow in 2009. The store has now unveiled its latest evolution, with a new three story space packed with some of best brands. It is now over 2,500 square meters that high fashion brands and labels from young and promising designers co-exist: from Raf Simons and Helmut Lang, Vetements, Gosha Rubchinskiy, Dries Van Noten, Off-White to Cottweiler and Cav Empt and exclusive sneaker collaborations. There's something for everyone. New KM20 is not just a store. It is a place for a magical experience connected to everything modern that is happening with fashion. Objects, installations, furniture – all created specifically for the space in close collaboration with the best current creatives from all fields – this is what new KM20 is.

"GUM is not just a store where you can buy almost everything. It is a shopping block where there is a pharmacy, bank branch, and flower shop ... It is a monument of architecture. It is a comfortable lounge area with restaurants and cafes. It is an art gallery and venue for cultural events. It is an integral part of Russian history. It is a symbol of Moscow and it is the closest place to the Kremlin, where you can feel yourself in Europe." Text: Grigory Revzin.

Remy Kitchen Bakery is a restaurant and a bakery in one establishment. Head chef is Melbourne native Glen Ballis and in the menu he aims to reflect the cuisine of his homeland: it's a mix of Italian, French, Greek, Chinese and Japanese elements and all ingredients used are seasonal. Remyboasts a spacious open kitchen and the majority of the dishes are prepared on the Josper grill. The bakery offers a range of mouth-watering freshly baked pastries as well as a deli section, where guests can get something to take.