REC.01: 3 day outlet sale in Igualada

Igualada is one of the industrial cities situated in the proximity of Barcelona. In the XIXth century it was one of the main textile producing centers and some well known fashion brands have their headquarters there. For three days -3, 4 and 5th of June- a special sale of factory outlets will take place. Well known brands will sell their designs of the past season, as well as catwalk models at discounted prices in temporary shops located in old industrial buildings in the Rec neigbourhood.

http://www.recstores.com
Get there with the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat a sort of light train with stop in Plaça Catalunya. Find out at the website.

Funky fans for summertime by Kukuxumusu

Although fans are rather associated with Southern Spain, they used to be very popular all over Spain for many years until the advent of the air-conditioning. In the summertime, our grandmothers used to carry them in their bags and those fans were decorated with handpainted flowers and designs.

Fans are a great way to get some fresh air in the hotest months while we sip a drink sitting in a terrace. That is why many of us still use them, although we look for more contemporary designs. The basque firm Kukuxumusu produces fans which are fun, very casual and not expensive.  

C/Argenteria 69 by Santa Maria del Mar (El Born)
Metro Jaume I (Yellow line)

La Galeria de Santa Maria Novella: skin care products from one of the world´s oldest pharmacies

Dominican monks began concocting herbal remedies in Santa Maria Novella (Florence) in the 13th century, in the time of Giotto and Dante. Later they prepared formulas for Catalina de Medici and it appears that the Eau de Cologne originated there, before it was made famous in Germany.

Being one of the world's oldest pharmacies, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella still sells traditional elixirs, along with more contemporary skin-care products, oils and perfumes. In Barcelona you can buy them in the charming concession shop located in the old town.  

Find out more at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/heaven-scent.html

C/ Espaseria, 4-8, El Born neighbourhood, not far from the church Santa Maria del Mar

Metro: Jaume I (yellow line)

http://www.lagaleriadesantamarianovella.com

La Roca Village: outlet shopping

An open air shopping center with 100 outlet boutiques of well known brands in a pleasant village setting, looking like a typical main street of the villages in the area. Better than shopping centers under a roof. Check available brands at their website: Lotusse, Piquadro, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Desigual, Custo, Boss, La Perla, Pepe Jeans and many more.

La Roca Village is a short 30-40 minute drive from Barcelona. Exit the autopista AP7 (A7) at junction 12, signposted "Cardedeu". Then follow signs for the "centre comercial".

For your GPS:
Latitud 41.60933
Longitud 2.34331

Direct Bus service: La  Roca Village Shopping Express
From Barcelona:
Plaça Catalunya, 10 (in front of Banco Español de Crédito) -10:00h, 16:00h and 18:00h

From La Roca Village:
Reception - Tourism Office - 15:00h, 17:00h and 21:00h***
**Except 24 JUNE & 11 September.
***FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY WIL BE AT 20:30H (UNTIL 23 june). TIMETABLE SUBJECT TO CHANGES.

Tickets sold on board and on-line at:
https://www.larocavillage.com/en_GB/plan-your-visit/getting-here/shopping-express

Watchcelona: watches made in Barcelona

Founded in 1991, Watchcelona produces a variety of well designed watches.Some are inspired in classical models, with big numbers and leather straps, rather minimalist. There is also a line of digital watches quite original and models decorated with works by artists such as Joan Miró and Chillida. Well known designers have collaborated with Watchcelona (Miquel Milà, Quim Larrea, Mariscal, América Sánchez...) which has also produced watches for Spanish fashion designers (Amaya Arzuaga, Roberto Verino, Lydia Delgado...).
They are working on a new website but the catalog displaying all models is available online. 

http://www.watchcelona.com/

On sale at Items d´Ho at the Diagonal, by one of the entrances to the shopping center L´Illa. Metro Maria Cristina (Green Line)
La Capel, the shop of the cooperative of the Association of Architects of Catalonia at the C/ Capellans, by the Cathedral. Metro Jaume I, Yellow Line or Liceu, Green Line.   

Antiques shops along Carrer de la Palla and Banys Nous

In the old town, along the streets Palla and Banys Nous, not far from the cathedral, there are several antiques shops selling decorative objects, paintings, ceramics and furniture. There is also a bookshop selling old books and engravings.

Nearest metro: Jaume I (Yellow line) or Liceu (Green Line)

Now there is a Havaianas Store in Barcelona: let´s flip flop...

A few years ago I used to travel to Brazil for work and I discovered Havaianas, a leading brand in rubber flip flops made in Brazil known for their quality and colorful designs. In 2008 they landed in Europe and after being sold in multibrand stores, the first European Havaianas Store opened in Barcelona in March.

Centro Comecial Triangle at the Plaza Catalunya
Entrace Calle Pelayo
Metro Catalunya (Green Line)

Steam cases made of silicone: the key for a healthy diet

http://www.lekue.es/productos/foto_270_400.jpg

I discovered the new designs by Lékué -a Spanish company based in the proximity of Barcelona- some time ago and I found them fun and practical. The steam cases are wonderful to cook healthy but tasteful dishes. It is the modern version of the "papillote" cooking technique which consisted of baking food wrapped in aluminium foil or special cooking paper. It is great for fish and vegetables but you can cook anything in small portions. I reproduce the product description of the mini steam case from their website because it is very accurate. The mini is great for singles, or single servings, but there is a larger size.  

"The mini steam case optimizes steam cooking while intensifying flavours and maintaining nutrients. Because the mini steam case is small, various individual dishes can be prepared at the same time for a complete and balanced meal. The lids include compartments so food can be easily seasoned at the table. Up to 2 steam cases fit in the microwave and up to 6 in the oven. Available in 4 colours. You can use each colour for a specific application: white = fish; red = meats; black = vegetables; pink = desserts".

See how it works at Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGQhMwusK34

More information about the whole range of products and recipes
http://www.lekue.es/index.php

Servicio Estación
C/Aragón 270 - by Passeig de Gràcia
Metro Passeig de Gràcia, Green Line
Find out other points of sale at the website.
VVRATW3T7793

Candy glam rings by Escribà

Over 20 models of glamorous rings made of candy by Escribà, a family owned pastry in business since 1906 well known for its creativity and chocolates. An original present to surprise your sweetheart, family and friends. New models in preparation in collaboration with well known designers. 

http://www.escriba.es/candyglamrings/index2.html

Available at Escribà, Ramblas 83 (Mero Liceo, Green Line)   

ART: Metropolitan soul

Art is a Spanish brand launched in 1995. Its shoes reflect a young and carefree spirit, innovation and humour. They are perfect for a relaxed look for youngsters and young at heart.

http://www.the-art-company.com/ 
On sale at Tascón, a multi brand shoe shop with several points of sale in Barcelona, one of them at the Terminal 1 of the Airport
http://www.tascon.es/

Barcelona bags by Braccialini

The TUA line for summer 2010 of handbags by Braccialini –a very creative Italian company- is inspired in the Mediterranean. Models are colorful and are named after cities and countries. Under the name Barcelona they offer 5 versions of bags made of striped canvas, embellished with multiple patterned appliqués, flowers, hearts, colorful buttons and finishes in contrasting colors.

Braccialini handbags are available in Barcelona at
Fashion Cheap, C/ Muntaner 226
Due, C/ Sicilia, 226
http://shop.braccialini.com/tua/it/barcellona_tua.html
http://shop.braccialini.com/es/

Pretty Ballerinas: over 150 models to choose from

Pretty Ballerinas started as an online shop selling exclusively these pretty flat shoes which have become popular among celebrities and fashionistas worldwide. They are made in the island of Menorca by a company in business since 1918 and they reflect their expertise and craftsmanship, combined with moderrn design. Pretty Ballerinas produces over 150 models per season, colorful and fun, and there is always a model to match any look. The company has two other brands, Jaime Mascaró and Ursula Mascaró.

http://www.prettyballerinas.com/

Mascaró shop: Bori i Fontestà, 9 (not far from the Diagonal and L´Illa shopping center, no metro in the proximity).
They have recently opened a corner at el Corte Inglés Diagonal (department store). Metro Maria Cristina (Green Line).

2x1 at Custo Barcelona until may 9th

Custo Barcelona announces a promotion 2x1 until May 9th. Until then, if you buy two items, you will pay for the most expensive one only. Promotion available in two shops: Pça del Pi, 2, near the Ramblas, and the outlet situated at La Roca Village (where you will find other outlets of well known brands, Spanish and international) situated half an hour away from Barcelona.

http://www.larocavillage.com/en_GB/cat/women

The best cruet in the world: a good souvenir from Barcelona

Spain is one of the largest producers of olive oil in the world, and it could be considered the backbone of our healthy Mediterranean diet.  Hence it is not surprising that the best ever cruet design is by Rafael Marquina, a catalan architect and sculptor, and it is been in the market since the early 60s.

It combines two characteristics of good lasting designs: beauty and function. In this case no dripping and no mess guaranteed. Your hands, table and table clothes will stay clean, as well as the cruet. It is probably one of the most famous Spanish industrial designs and there are many imitations around.  

The original model is the most beautiful, as it has the best proportions, is made of blown glass and comes in different sizes, smaller ones for the table and larger ones to be used in the kitchen. Expect to pay over 20 € for the smaller sizes.

The cloudy oil in my cruets comes straight from a cooperative from a village in Tarragona, south of Barcelona, and it is pure extra virgin olive oil. A toast of good bread with some extra virgin olive oil is the most delicious snack anytime.  

Cruets are on sale in houseware shops and department stores.

Mango Outlet: the look for less

Mango is urban fashion for women at affordable prices. With over 1200 shops in 91 countries, Mango is an international brand. However, you may not be aware that the headquarters are located not far from Barcelona. The so called Hangar Design Center is one of the largest in Europe. Look for bargains at their outlet located in the city center, not far from the Gran Via.

www.mango.com
c/ Girona 37

Mayol: good quality classical shoes

Mayol sells classical shoes for men of the best brands made in Spain (Yanko,     ). The line for ladies is rather classical too and, in the sumertime, includes some braided leather models which are very comfortable.

Rambla Catalunya, 29 
Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (Green Line)

Avarcas: the traditional shoe from Menorca which has become a summer favorite

The Avarcas sold in our days are an improved version of the traditional footwear used by peasants and fishermen of the island of Menorca. Made of thick leather with rubber soles they are sturdy as well as comfortable and fresh, and have become a summer favorite. You will find them in all sizes –men, ladies and children- and in different colors, sometimes decorated with small designs inspired in nature.

Expect to pay between 30 and 40 Euros for a pair of good quality avarcas. I prefer the Avarcas Pons, shown in the picture, produced by a family owned company from Ciutadella (Menorca) which are sold in many shoe shops. I also like the models sold in a small shop specializing in avarcas across the Cathedral at c/ Capellans, 2.

Before buying other brands check whether the instep and the inner sole are made of real leather, it should be thick without any lining, and be sure the soles are stitched and made of rubber (in the old times they were made of recycled tires and should look like a tire).

http://www.avarcapons.com/

Jofre: luxury multibrand boutiques

Jofre is a family owned company with several multibrand boutiques. They sell some of the best known international fashion brands: Prada, Miu Miu, Christian Dior, Chloe, Fendi, Gucci, Vera Wang, Aspesi and many more. Next to the Turó Park, an elegant residential area, at Bori i Fontestà with F. Pérez Cabrero, there is a cluster of shops: men, top brands for ladies, casual fashion for ladies, shoes & bags and children  

The web is very poor but you will find the list of shops in Barcelona and other locations http://www.jofre.es/

Several shops by the Turo Park, near the Diagonal with Francesc Macià
Bori i Fontestà 2, 4 and 6
F. Pérez Cabrero 7, 9 and 13
No metro nearby

The newest shop is at
Passeig de Gràcia 104
Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (Green line)

Handmade silver jewelry by Alejandra Escudero (Chile)

Alejandra has a small shop in downtown Santiago, Chile. Her designs combine silver with semiprecious stones. I particularly like the large rings with a rough finish (I have several of them). She has a one page website and she should improve it to better show her work.

http://www.alejandraescudero.com/

Fira del disc: the marketplace for vinyls collectors

The ninth edition of the fair for those passionate for music and vinyls will take place this weekend, 1st and 2nd of may, at the Estació del Nord, an old railway station. This is the place to buy, sell, share and browse in search for something unique. You will have to pay a small fee to visit the fair.  

http://www.firadeldiscbcn.com/
Carrer d'Alí Bei, 80
Metro Arc de Triomf (Red line)

Baby Version Rock

Baby Version Rock is the brand of Murielle Cohen, a French designer who had worked for the children collections of well known brands such as Petit Bateau or Façonnable. In her shop, situated next to the Plaça del Pi, you will find original designs for "cool" babies and young children. Murielle applies different finishings that often give clothes a washed or vintage look. If you think that babies should have a choice beyond blue and pink, visit this small but unique boutique. SORRY, IT APPEARS THEY HAVE CLOSED DOWN.

Galerias Maldà, next to the entrance on the Carrer del Pi
Nearest metro: Liceo (Green Line)

Altaïr: the bookshop for travelers

Named after the brightest star of the Aquila constellation, Altaïr is probably the largest travel bookshop in Europe. It is centrally located in Barcelona and there you will find a large selection of travel literature, nature guides, travel guides -Spanish and worldwide destinations, in Spanish and other languages-, maps, and travel gadgets. They also sell books about culture and anthropology, cooking and related topics. A visit to Altaïr is always a pleasure for travel lovers as it is more than a shop. They organise presentations and events and you can also check their board full of notices of people offering travel advice or in search for partners for their adventures.

Gran Via Corts Catalanes, 616
Entre c/ Balmes y Rambla de Catalunya
Metro Urgell (red line)
http://www.altair.es/

Castelló:the shop for music fans & collectors

Since 1928 Castelló has been "the" place to buy music in Barcelona.
They have two shops located near the Ramblas. One of them is specialised in classical music and orchestral music. The other sells all modern styles such as pop, rock, jazz, blus, metal, electronic...... You will also find second hand vinyls and merchandising. Castelló is a shop for music collectors and it is also the place to buy tickets for concerts.

C/Tallers, 3 and 7
Metro: Catalunya (Green Line)
http://castellodiscos.com/

Books & Roses are sold in the streets on Sant Jordi´s Day

Tomorrow is Sant Jordi (Saint Georges), the Patron Saint of Catalonia, and although it is not a holiday, it is a day for celebration in Barcelona.

It also the Book´s day, a tradition originated here which has been exported to other countries, including Japan. In 1996, the UNESCO declared the 23rd of April as the International Book´s Day. Most new titles are launched tomorrow, books are sold in the streets and well established writers will sign their books at the main bookshops. Streets will be packed with people and you will see many Catalan flags decorating stalls, buses, balconies or in window displays.

Additionally, it is the day of the rose in which gentlemen offer red roses to ladies. Roses are sold in the streets and many organisations take advantage of this day to raise some money by selling them. They are also offered by bookshops and other shops. Do you want to impress somebody with a virtual rose? This option is available from several websites of catalan organisations and media. This is the one of La Vanguardia, the main newspaper published  in Barcelona http://rosa.lavanguardia.es/.

The Palau de la Generalitat, the siege of the Catalan Government at the Plaça Sant Jaume, in the old town, will be open to the public. Behind the neoclassical façade you will be able to discover parts of the building dating back to the XVth century.

It will be a great spring day!!!

Monas de Pascua: artwork in chocolate

The Easter Cake in Catalonia can be an artwork made of chocolate. Godfathers offer it to their godsons or goddaughters on Easter Sunday. The word Mona, although is spelled as the female monkey, has an arab root and means present. In the old times Easter cakes used to be a ring shaped sweet bread decorated with whole boiled eggs.

Watch this video to see some Monas, including the 400kg woodpeker on display at the Escribà pastry shop at the Gran Via. Those crazy about shoes can get some high heel shoes made of chocolate.
http://www.antena3noticias.com/PortalA3N/cultura-espectaculos/Impresionantes-monas-Pascua-listas-para-regalar-Barcelona/10213459

Escribà is a century old family owned company and is well known for its cakes and chocolates, as well as caterings. Their website is quite original but not easy to navigate.
http://www.escriba.es/base_en.html

The tiles of Barcelona´s sidewalks on leather purses & wallets

The purses, wallets and keyrings decorated with the design of the tiles paving the sidewalks of Barcelona, which are  the symbol of the Modernism Route, are a good "souvenir" from our city. You can find them at Calpa, a shop selling handbags and luggage which was the first to have this idea and has registered its designs. They also sell purses and keyrings reproducing the hexagonal tiles designed by Gaudí for the Pedrera that you can also see on the sidewalks of the Passeig de Gràcia.  

Calpa
c/ Ferràn 53. There is also an entrance on the Carrer del Call.
Nearby the Plaça Sant Jaume, Metro: Liceo (Green Line) or Jaume I (Yellow line)
For more information about the Modernism Route www.rutadelmodernisme.com

Pinzat: recycled hand painted bags

Today, in Barcelona, we enjoyed a beautiful spring weather and I took a long walk through the city center. I discovered the work of a group of young artists from different countries who collaborate to make bags from recycled materials (PVC from banners and belt buckles from cars). Most bags are painted but they also produce bags with pieces cut and sewn as a collage. Each piece is unique but most of them have a strap that can be used around the waist or around a bike´s handle as well as a detachable purse. They are fun and made to last. Prices: €50-80.  

http://www.pinzat.org/

c/ Grunyi, 7, a small lane with c/Argenteria, not far from the Plaça Sant Jaume and Santa Maria del Mar. I also recommend the restaurant Senyor Parellada situated at c/Argenteria, where they serve traditional dishes at decent prices considering the setting and level of service.
Metro: Jaume I (Yellow line)

Mistral Bakery: Artisan bread since 1879

Today I walked past the Mistral Bakery and it brought me memories from my student years. Situated not far from the old building of the University of Barcelona, it produces a variety of artisan breads, including ecological bread. It is always packed with people as it is famous for its Coques de Pa -a typical flat bread with some caramelized sugar on the top- and the Ensaimades, a pastry original from the island of Mallorca, where it is been baked for centuries. The ensaimades, shaped as spirals, are made with flour, milk, eggs, sugar and pork lard (known as saïm in Mallorca). They are delicious when they are still warm. At this time of the year they also sell Bunyols (Lent Fritters).

Ronda Sant Antoni, 96 by the Plaça Universitat
Metro: Universitat (Red line)

The palms market at the Rambla Catalunya

Today I realized that tomorrow is Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos), a movable Christian feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter Sunday, just before the Holy Week (Semana Santa). Palms were on sale at a street market situated at the Rambla Catalunya with c/Diputació. The palms are leaves of palm trees which grow tied and protected from sunlight. Thus they don´t turn green and are very flexible. Palms for girls are not too big and are braided into different designs. The small braided palm leaves are worn on the lapel. Bay leaf branches are also used, mainly by adults. Although in Spain religion is losing ground, tomorrow you may encounter special ceremonies inside or outside most churches, which often include short processions. Many people still take their families to church on this date because for many of us, this tradition is part of our childhood memories.

The drawings by Picasso decorating the façade of the building which is the siège of the Association of Architects of Catalonia, at the Plaça Catedral, reproduce, among other subjects, the traditions of palm sunday. 

Barcelona Bar: an exotic chocolate made in the USA

In the USA I came across a chocolate bar called Barcelona Bar and it got my attention. It is made with hickory smoked almonds, sea salt and deep milk chocolate and it has a unique taste. It is one of the exotic chocolate bars produced by Vosges Haut-Chocolat, a company funded by a young American lady with the concept "Travel the world through chocolate". Her name is Katrina and she followed her food studies traveling the world. She started  with Spain, where she worked with the Adrià brothers. Vosges produces many other interesting types of chocolate that come in beautiful presentations.   

http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/product/barcelona_exotic_candy_bar/exotic_candy_bars

Check Katrina´s Blog for recipes, stories and beautiful pictures. She has just posted a recipe mixing hot chorizo and melted chocolate!!!. Kind of weird for Spanish people. If you try it, let us know.
http://www.peaceloveandchocolate.com/

The Vosges boutique in New York is located in the SoHo (check the website for other sale points)
132 Spring Street (between Greene & Wooster)

Old books market at Mercat de Sant Antoni

This morning I visited the old books market which takes place every Sunday morning around the building of the Sant Antoni Market. They sell books, comics, magazines, DVDs and music. Although most titles are in Spanish it is worth a visit.

The market of Sant Antoni is an old building which is part of the network of municipal markets dating back to the XIX century. At present, it is closed for renovation. On weekdays you won´t find books but there are many small shops in the area and you will get to know the life of this popular neighbourhood away from the tourist crowds. 

It is located where the Eixample and Raval neighbourhoods meet and you can get there from the Ramblas walking through the narrow streets of the Raval. Close to the market, at Carrer Compte de Borrell 68, there is a small hotel with a nice restaurant called MARKET. It offers a stylish decoration and moderate prices.

Mercat de Sant Antoni is located at Ronda de Sant Pau with Ronda de Sant Antoni.
Metro: Sant Antoni, Line 2 (Purple). You can also walk there from the Metro Universidad (Red line)
www.markethotel.com.es

Harlequin Feltworks: unique pieces of wearable art (San Francisco, USA)

A post about scarves just before the winter is over. I discovered the work of Jenna Giles when I spotted her felt pieces in a street fair in San Francisco last summer. In a couple of minutes I got three of her unique and somewhat whimsical scarves, directly from the artist. Later I went through her website where she explains that she is based in San Francisco and began her own business, “Harlequin Feltworks”, in 2007. The way she describes what she does is very accurate: “unique pieces of wearable art”. Back home, here in Barcelona, everybody loves my scarves.     

See some pictures and check where to find Jenna´s work at http://www.harlequinfeltworks.com

RUFUS Skate Shop

Rufus is a small shop specialised in skating located in the Raval, not far from the MACBA, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona. They sell skates, shoes, clothes and accessories. It is the only shop in Barcelona where you can get Adidas skateboarding. Check the Rufusskateshop group in Facebook or the blog which includes several videos.

http://rufuskateshop.blogspot.com/
C/ Joaquin Costa, 9
Metro: Catalunya (Green Line) or Plaza Universidad (Red Line)  

Caspe 64 Premium Outlet

In this shop you will find fashion -for men and women- from the past collection of well known brands at discounted prices (40 to 60% off): D&G, Guru, G-Star, Guess, Replay, Mix Sixty, Diesel and more. They also have selection of fashion for children from 5 to 8 years.

Don´t forget to have a look at the façades of buildings in the area which are typical from the Eixample, and were built about 100 years ago by the rich industrials of the city.

http://www.caspe64outlet.com/
C/ Caspe, 64 (with C/Girona)

Espadrilles: an informal footwear for summertime with a long tradition

“La Manual Alpargatera” is a shop specializing in espadrilles (alpargatas in Spanish or espardenyes in Catalan) since the 1940s. There you will find the authentic traditional espadrilles as well as new designs at reasonable prices.
The traditional Catalan “espardenyes” are flat and have long ribbons that are to be tied around the ankles. In the past, they were used in the countryside and they are still worn by the Catalan police, the so-called “Mossos d´Esquadra”, as part of their gala uniform. You may see them on special occasions at the “Palau de La Generalitat”, the siege of the Catalan Government situated at the “Plaça Sant Jaume”, in the old city district.

The espadrille is a light shoe made with natural materials, vegetable fibers for the sole and cotton and linen for the instep. Some models are still hand sewn. They fit very nicely and, in summer, they feel extremely fresh and comfortable. A summer favorite is the basic espadrille, without ribbons, worn as flip-flops. They are cheap and come in many colors. Espadrilles for kids are cute and comfortable.

www.lamanualalpargatera.com
Calle Avinyó, 7
It is almost at the corner with C/ Ferràn, near the Plaça Sant Jaume, not far from the Ramblas. Nearby metro stations: Liceu (green line at the Ramblas) and Jaume I (yellow line).
The original title of a master work by Pablo Picasso known as Les demoiselles d’Avignon was Les Demoiselles d´Avinyó after this street of Barcelona.

Camper: shoes for an informal lifestyle

Camper shoes are produced by a Spanish company based in the island of Mallorca, whose origins go back to the end of the XIX century. The Camper brand was launched in the 70s and in 1981 they opened their first brand shop in Barcelona. The shoes are very unique, informal and comfortable, and the collection is organized under “concepts”. Some of them have been around for years and there is also a line for kids. Camper was the first to produce shoes inspired in sports shoes. Nowadays there are 200 Camper shops worldwide and points of sale in 70 countries.

Camper has worked with some of the best designers and publicists from Barcelona as well as well-known international designers. If you are interested in design check their website, it is very good and it shows images of their top shops. You may also be interested in their boutique hotel, Casa Camper, situated near the Ramblas.
 

http://www.camper.com/
Camper has several shops in Barcelona:
Muntaner, 248 (near the Diagonal)
Pau Casals, 5
Valencia 249, Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (Green line)
Passeig de Gràcia 100, Metro: Diagonal (Green line)

Rambla Catalunya, 122,Metro: Diagonal (Green line)
Plaça dels Angels, 4, Metro: Catalunya (Green line)
Pelai 13, shopping center El Triangle, Metro: Catalunya (Green line)
Shopping Center L´Illa at the Diagonal Avenue, Metro: Maria Cristina (Green Line)

Casa Camper Boutique Hotel
Elisabets, 11, it is close to the MACBA, the museum of contemporary arts of Barcelona, and not far from the Ramblas. http://www.casacamper.com/default-en.html

Bunyols de Quaresma (Lent fritters)

At this time of the year, you have the opportunity to taste the typical fritters sold in Lent, the period covering 40 days before Easter in the catholic calendar. They are made with flour, milk, sugar, eggs and then fried in oil. You will find them in bakeries and pastry shops –often on Fridays only-: “wind” fritters (bunyols de vent) are small hollow balls (sometimes stuffed with cream) while those shaped as small donuts have a thicker consistency, and include some aniseed and/or anisette in the recipe.

Flamenco shoes for girls

Red shoes with white dots and heels, which are typical of flamenco dancing, are available in small sizes and girls love them. Flamenco music and dance are typical from Andalucia, in Southern Spain, and although you can buy the shoes in Barcelona, they are not part of our everyday culture. That is why my 2,5 year old niece thinks of Minnie Mouse when she wears her shoes. When years ago I bought a pair for one of my Italian nieces, my sister told me that she could have sold a container full of shoes at her school.

The most ancient flamenco shop in Barcelona is owned by the daughter of a great former flamenco dancer whose name is Flora Albaicín. She still has a well known dance academy in Barcelona.

http://www.tiendaflamenco.com/
Canuda, 3 (not far from the Ramblas)
Metro: Catalunya (Green Line)

Curtidos Pinós: cords to make your own costume jewelry

Curtidos Pinós –a traditional company originally selling leather for shoe making and repair, as well as products for professional shoe cleaning- offers a wide selection of cords in different colors to make costume jewelry: leather, rubber, cotton, round cords, waxed cotton, linen thread, braided leather and PVC. They also sell accessories for pendants and bracelets. It is a beautiful small shop. Visit it and unlash the artist inside you…..

Hospital, 79 (not far from the Ramblas)
Metro: Liceu (Green Line)
http://www.cordon-cuero-barcelona.com/en/index.htm

Bow Tie: British style for men

A new boutique in Barcelona of this high-end British brand. Selection of shoes, ties and other accessories for men in a decor recreating a British club. They sell slippers, the shoes that British nobility used to wear at home which have become fashionable in the streets.

C/ Rosselló 230 between the Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla Catalunya.

Nearest Metro: Diagonal, Green line.

Vinçon: a design icon in Barcelona

Vinçon sells contemporary design products for the home (furniture, lamps, kitchenware) as well as many other carefully selected objects and gadgets coming from all over the world. It also has an exhibition hall, La Sala Vinçon, dedicated to graphic and industrial design. A visit to Vinçon is a complete experience:

Window dressing is always surprising, for decades they have shown creativity and innovative ideas.

http://www.vincon.com/web/en/infogeneral/escaparates.htm

Architecture. Vinçon is located in a listed Modernist building with a beautiful façade. Visit the furniture section on the first floor and you will get to know what a PRINCIPAL (main) apartment was a century ago. At a time with no elevators, first floors were considered the best. Therefore, the rich industrials who promoted whole buildings in the Eixample reserved that floor for them thus becoming the Principal, because, in addition, it used to be the largest. Usually, there was a single apartmet at the principal, while there were two or more on the upper floors.

http://www.vincon.com/web/en/infogeneral/arquitectura.htm

Shopping bags. The paper bags from Vinçon could be a collector´s item, as they are designed by well known graphic artists

http://www.vincon.com/web/en/infogeneral/diseno_grafico.htm

Vinçon is located at Passeig de Gràcia, 96

Metro: Diagonal, Green Line

Furoshiki: the art of gift wrapping in Japan

http://s1.hubimg.com/u/78004_f520.jpg

Thinking of presents, it came to my mind the sort of foulards with colorful prints that I bought in Japan many years ago, which were intended for gift wrapping. I found a blog that explains this exquisite art. You may like to practice it …..

“When it comes to Japanese gifts, it's not the inside that really counts. Gift-wrapping, called tsutsumi, is the most important part of the gift-giving it seems. How you wrap and tie the package is considered especially symbolic and carries a lot of expression about how you feel towards the person and the gesture of giving them a gift.

The wrapping around the gift is seen as being part of the entire gift experience. Japanese gifts are aesthetic and beautiful on the outside, with the same full expression of the culture's love of balance, nature, novelty and simplicity."

One type of wrapping that is uniquely Japanese is the furoshiki.
Keep reading and watch videos at: http://hubpages.com/hub/art-of-japanese-gift-wrap

Zwilling Concept Shop: German inox

Zwilling is a German company, in business since 1731, producing top quality cutlery, kitchen gadgets, flatware, scissors and beauty tools. The Gemini star sign in the company logo is one of the oldest trademarks in the world.

Their products are sold worldwide but if you don´t have a distributor nearby at home, and you, your family or good friends like cooking, you can get some gadgets here. They also have a nice selection of manicure sets.

Zwilling is not cheap but they offer quality. A good idea for a cheap but original -and beautiful- present is the inox “soap” for the kitchen shown in the picture. It removes food smells from your hands without any chemicals. The Concept Shop is near the Cathedral and the Plaça del Pi, in the Gothic quarter.

Carrer del Pi, 16 (Metro: Liceu, Green Line)www.zwilling.es