Carole Touati (lelook.eu)
Haute Couture shows came to an definite end last week in Paris but Barcelona was eagerly preparing for their 7th Edition of 080 Barcelona Fashion, showing collections for Autumn Winter 2011. The primarily Spanish designers and guests invited to attend were also joined this season by a select group of international press, guest judges and designers. As well as LesFlaneurs.com, this included the lovely Sonny (MykroMag), Kristina (Stylist) and Dominiqe (i:D Magazine) – pictured below – just to name a few.
Having arrived in the Catalan capital a couple of days early we were able to really take in all the extensive cultural sights, smells and tastes of the city – and by this, I am obviously referring to sun, sand and shopping! On the very first morning I stumbled upon a very cute vintage shop in ‘El Born’ called ‘LA LENTEJUELA’ (pictured below), which means ‘sequin’ in English. The clothes were all very reasonably priced and of course, I wanted everything. Unfortunately, due to a suitcase already overflowing with last-minute friperie purchases from Paris (CHINE-MACHINE, Paris 75018), I had to settle for a merely few floral silk shirts and a fine-knit Missoni-esque cardigan: Spring is coming soon after all…isn’t it…?
After satisfying our initial impulsive retail urges, it was inevitably onto conquering hunger and thirst. We were kindly introduced to an incredible quaint café (BAR PASAJES – C/ Sant Pere Més Alt, 31-33 – pictured above), carefully hidden away through an inconspicuous stone opening, down a dark narrow passageway, just off a tiny peaceful side street – you get the idea: without knowing it was there you would most probably have just walked on by. Thankfully, we were in the capable hands of a knowledgeable local flâneur, who assisted us every step of the way: from locating the establishment itself, to ordering several rounds of honest but delicious tapas accompanied by numerous glasses of traditional Spanish Vermouth. Combine this incredible food with an effortless atmosphere and good company; it’s easy to see why when stepping back out into the sunlight we all appeared more than satisfied with our afternoon’s accomplishments.
Sunday took much the same course, enjoying the clean sea air while promenading alongside the port, casually absorbing the city’s beautiful architecture and naturally, sampling as much of the incredible local cuisine as our stomachs could handle.
Monday: Showtime. Over the next 3 days we were presented with a mixture of menswear and womenswear, some designers thriving off that vibrant Spanish eccentricity that they are so famous for, while others opting for darker more subtle shapes and colour pallets.
Anyway, here is a run-down of our favourite designers and looks. Enjoy.
BRAIN AND BEAST
CARDONA BONACHE
Strong flashes of colour paired with more subdued natural tones. A favourite combination was the use of orange leather with soft sienna-brown knitwear.
CARDONA BONACHE
JUSTICIA RUANO
KARLOTALASPALAS
This menswear collection stood out against the other collections for its sensitivity both regarding colour and layering. The colour palette derives from the rusting of metals and contains some wonderful earthy tones ranging from deep oranges and browns to pale turquoises.
KARLOTALASPALAS
The bags were definitely a favourite.
KARLOTALASPALAS
MIQUEL SUAY
JUUN J AW11
A guest international designer, who had already debuted his AW11 menswear collection the previous week in Paris, put on another fantastic show in Barcelona. His impressive body of work and innovative tailoring received immense celebration throughout despite the unfamiliar surroundings and fresh audience.
JUUN J AW11
KRIZIA ROBUSTELLA
This designer was the winner of best Menswear and Womenswear for this edition of 080 Barcelona Fashion.
KRIZIA ROBUSTELLA
She describes her collection as “Sports Deluxe” and fully embraces the eccentric Spanish style. The show itself was fresh, fun and upbeat, and her collection displayed originality and a strong identity. It also culminated with hundreds of personalized condoms being launched from the balconies above into the laps of the unsuspecting audience, surely a finale to win over any jury…Hmmm.
KRIZIA ROBUSTELLA
TXELL MIRAS
For more photos from 080 Barcelona Fashion Week visit our facebook page here.
