Shopping in Barcelona

Barcelona’s cosmopolitan youth culture has inspired the creation of numerous vintage shops, cementing its reputation as one of the best cities in Europe for vintage shopping. And adding to its list of trendy vintage boutiques is Manifesto.

Sitting proudly amongst the other independent boutiques on one of El Raval’s chicest streets, Peu de la Creu, Manifesto offers a range of selected vintage clothes and pieces from independent designers. The vintage items are selected by the fashionistas at La Comune (@lacomunevintage) and Bogaavante (@boga_avante), who are in charge of searching far and wide for the most unique items to refill the secondhand space within the store.

Yet, Manifesto is more than just clothes: it also acts as a small art gallery and hosts monthly pop-up events. To find out what’s going on, check out their Instagram (@manifestobarcelona) for the latest news and updates.

Lamarck Vintage is a notably welcoming and friendly place that started life in the upper reaches of Torrent de l’Olla in Gràcia and has since moved down to Ferlandina in the Raval. It is run by Marc Capella Ferraz, a stylist who was born and raised in Sabadell and who decided to strike out on his own after several jobs as an employee.

“We pay attention to the quality and the uniqueness of the pieces,” Ferraz tells me of his store. “We don’t sell second-hand clothes that could easily be a fast fashion piece from the previous season. We offer quality, hand-picked pieces from the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s that will last and be in your rotation for a long while.”

“Our business model is based on a more eco-friendly way of seeing fashion and garments,” he adds. “We recover good pieces that still have plenty of life in them. Each year, thousands of tons of clothes are produced, exhausting natural resources and polluting our planet. Buying vintage clothes is one of the many ways in which we can align our way of thinking with our consumption habits.

“The shop is named after the French scientist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, who developed a pre-Darwinian theory of evolution that posited the idea that physical changes to a species occurred in a single generation and were then passed on directly to offspring. The spirit of the theory spoke to Ferraz on the environmental side of what he is doing and it became one of the backbones of his new store’s philosophy: that profound change can come quickly and that you can be the change you want to see.

Terranova is a publishing house turned bookstore and gallery space! New to the city, you can find this little treasure nestled away in Sant Antoni.

Yet, Terranova isn’t your typical bookstore. It sells a range of illustrated and nonfiction material covering topics as rich and diverse as art, cinema, fashion, photography, theory, counter culture and design, as well as some handpicked literary fiction books. What’s more, it keeps an extensive archive of rare books, artist’s books, photography books, comics and fanzines, in an ongoing effort to preserve and disseminate Spain’s marginal publishing heritage.

But that’s not all – there is a gallery space at the back of the bookshop dedicated to monographic exhibitions, most of them devoted to the presentation of their own small-run artist books and prints. They also devote a window display to a different artist every month. This is one place you could get lost in for hours – don’t forget to stop by and say hello!

Barcelona is well-known for its impressive collection of boutique stores and independent brands. The city’s burgeoning cosmopolitan youth culture has inspired the creation of numerous vintage shops, cementing Barcelona’s reputation as one of the best cities in Europe for vintage shopping.

Revolution Vintage sits towards the top of Carrer Verdi in Gracia and is one such example of the city’s finest vintage shops. This treasure trove of secondhand goods is perfect for Saturday afternoon thrifting. Offering everything from dresses to shoes, jewelry to bags, it’s the perfect place to find something special for your wardrobe. While some second hand stores can be widely expensive, this is one that is easy on the wallet, so you’ll definitely be able to find a bargain!

If you love vintage clothes and are an environmentally-conscious shopper, then Revolution Vintage is the perfect shop for you.

Looking for a place to buy Scandinavian Vintage Furniture in Barcelona? Look no further! Noak Room in the Poble Nou district offers a range of pieces that will bring a touch of Scandinavia to your home.

Noak Room was created by Sara Salas and Martin Noaksson, two crazy-about-decoration experts in Scandinavian design. The pair live halfway between Barcelona, the city where they opened the showroom in 2013, and Ed, a small town in western Sweden, where the pieces they acquire on their travels through Scandinavia are classified and prepared.

The pair are specialized in furniture and decorative objects of exclusively Scandinavian design and origin, mainly from the period between the 1940s and 1970s. Their showroom features pieces by renowned designers such as Ilmari Tapiovaara, Hans Wegner, Bruno Mathsson, Arne Jacobsen and many others.

This small-but-stylish perfume, soap, and candle shop in Raval is what happens when a cook-slash-interior designer and a journalist fall in love and make a go of a business together.

Les Topettes has everything you need to keep your home, your body, and your near and dear ones smelling better than a rose garden. There’s a lot to love here, which is why, despite the knowledgeable staff on hand, your biggest problem will be deciding what to take home. But if this perfumería’s wide selection leaves you and your nose unable to decide, Buffet Libre is ready to rescue you both.

Take home an assortment of six, 2.5-ml samples of your choice and commit to something full-size at a later date. Full disclosure: it’s all too easy to become a serial sampler. As for us, we’re in a long-term relationship with Lapiz, Les Topette’s woodsy, slightly citrusy signature scent. It’s the perfect unisex, eau-de-pencil cologne for creative types like writers, artists and architects

You’ll find a whole lot more than just slick streetwear and limited-edition footwear in this menswear boutique. Owner Xavier Burgell describes his retail concept as “a space that aims to appeal to manliness in its real essence.” The result is a curious mix of footwear from the likes of Cortica shoes, leather goods from Il Bussetto, Miansai jewelry, office items from Nomess Copenhagen, Mad et Len lamps and furniture from local design studio Octaevo.

Blaw’s inhouse brand Rebel Basics offers a collection of classic staples like crewneck sweaters and basic T-shirts. Accessories, grooming products and even gourmet food – all selected for their quality credentials – complement the denim, shirts, footwear and outerwear in bare brick interior spaces. This has clearly found a loyal following. Everything you need to kit out your man cave under one roof.

Isabel, Ángeles and Iván are the curators of a couple of sibling stores in the Born. At Chandal, they have assembled an array of articles, often retro in style if not age, whereas Impossible Project is the official Spanish supplier of film and cameras for everyone’s favorite format of instant photography.

Both stores offer indulgence for the kids of the ‘80s, hand-picking forgotten curiosities from that glorious era of bright plastic, naïve electronics and cute design. Originally springing up in the Raval, they now call the Born their home, and their loyal shoppers find them between the charming streets of Allada Vermell and Tantarantana, with entrances on both sides.

Their selection is ever expanding as Barcelonins and tourists alike return to hunt for independent design, limited-run magazines, homeware, décor and toys. Make sure you give them a follow to keep abreast of photo workshops and exhibitions.

La Veintinueve started life as a vintage, rock ‘n’ roll and pin-up style clothing store in 2010, but has since evolved into a fully-fledged footwear brand. The label’s founder designs the shoes, which are handmade in Spain by a master artisan who boasts over 40 years’ experience making luxury footwear.

They work together to ensure the right balance between aesthetic, durability and comfort. The ‘30s and ‘40s-inspired collection of colorful, chunky wedges, elegant slingbacks, sandals and peep-toe pumps offer their clientele bespoke products without the boutique price tags. Years of gathering feedback from their clients have been instrumental in creating a range of shoes that perfectly complements the style of dresses, bags, jewelry, hair accessories, sunglasses and wallets available at the brand’s two locations (Banys Nous 14 and Avinyó 29).

La Veintinueve also sell their shoes online and at boutiques around Europe, but if you’re in Barcelona you might as well buy straight from the designers. The shops also now carry men’s fashion as well as plus sizes.

The Outlet offers up designer brands at discount prices – what’s not to love? Since 2006, founder Jordi has been sourcing showroom stocks from this year plus previous seasons’ collections at discounts of 30% to 40%.

Browse men’s and women’s fashion by Italian brands like Dolce&Gabbana, Nolita and RA-RE, coats by Dutch designers Scotch & Soda or French pieces from Mamouchka. The US is well represented with excellent denim by PRPS and shades from Arnette and Ray-Ban. The shop supports Spanish names too; pick up a leather jacket by Mallorcan brand Patricia or quality dress shirts for men by Fiber.

The shop also carries the official Barça collection of jackets and bags by FC Barcelona, a great gift for any football fan.

Taking its name from the main character in Harper Lee’s classic work of fiction To Kill a Mockingbird, Boo is a boutique inspired by storytelling. Unlike their high street neighbors on Passeig de Gràcia, they source brands with imagination and personality.

On the racks, you’ll find labels with heritage. All of them selected under the same criteria – a commitment to quality, impeccable tailoring and timeless pieces that will weather seasonal fashion trends. Many of the brands they stock are still hard to find in Barcelona, and Boo even offers limited editions that are created especially for the store.

Besides clothing and accessories for men and women, there’s a curated collection of homeware, books and perfumes. When you walk in you’ll notice that the shop isn’t laden with product. You can tell that each item has been carefully chosen, making it easy to find a unique garment that will still look good in years to come.

Despite its name, the Panama hat has its origins in Ecuador. The iconic hat became popularized when Roosevelt wore one to the Panama Canal, from which it took its name.

Ecuadorian founder Melina opened Bornisimo to showcase these and other such artisan creations. In addition to Panama hats (recognized as UNESCO Cultural Heritage ), the concept shop carries handmade objects like craft pottery from Andalucía, Majorica pearls and Gas Bijoux jewelry from Saint-Tropez.

The space, beautifully laid out by Barcelona interior designer Miriam Barrio, supports local creators too, with wooden sunglasses from Catalan brands, ceramics by local artist Roger Krasznai and ISSI jewelry by Barcelona-based, American sculptor Frank Plant. It is an essential stop for any design lover.

We are fortunate to live in a city that requires sunglasses all year round. While the possibilities are endless when it comes to buying a new pair, this Barcelona-brand has introduced a fun approach to the coolest of fashion accessories.

Uniqbrow proposes changing your glasses to suit your mood. The idea is to have a collection of frames (made from a flexible, hypoallergenic material) and insert your lenses into the pair you fancy wearing. Uniqbrow will please those preferring a classic pair, with rectangular lines and neutral colors, or those wanting to make a fashion statement, with fun designs and vibrant tones.

Choose among four types of frames, a variety of high-quality lenses by Carl Zeiss Vision and colored highlights… all are interchangeable so you can mix and match to suit the moment. It’s also a brand with a conscience; they insist on producing 100% locally, despite the challenges of doing so.

Designer Silvia Garcia Presas has described “the lightness of summer” as a muse for her work and this much is evident upon entering her shop. A whitewashed sense of the Mediterranean mingles with a sun-blushed approach to high fashion.

The day we cruised the rails, they were filled with gauzy silks, feather-light cottons and flowing hemlines. Immaculately stitched, T-shirt dresses and wide-leg trousers were dipped in powdery block colors like aquamarine, coral and cobalt, which, we were told, were specially mixed, like paint. The award-winning Presas, who studied at the Royal College of Art in London and worked for Italian fashion houses before returning to her native Catalunya, goes by the mantra, “it’s a journey.”

The globetrotting continues at the Primitiu space where handcrafted treasures have been sourced from far-flung corners of the earth like Chiapas and the Atlas Mountains.

Bon Vent – Catalan for “good wind” – is a breath of fresh air amid the touristy knickknack shops of the Born. This small family-run boutique specializes in a wealth of hand-selected items for the home that reveal a deep commitment to local industry, tradition and craft.

From antique linens to a wealth of tableware, including porrons for wine, setrills for olive oil, silverware and hand-painted ceramics, Bon Vent offers a memorable tour of Barcelona’s past. In addition to these beautiful vintage-flea market finds, textile lovers will find beautiful handwoven wool blankets from Teixidors, while gift seekers will love their selection of smaller items like Marseille soaps, candles, hand-painted plates and decorative cards.

The shop also features a small selection of clothing and shoes, including a line of their own sweaters designed and created with a local knitting workshop.

Bringing a youthful vibe, Be Concept Store feels like that kid on the block that moved away and came back cooler than ever.

It’s got all sorts of retro items like radio toasters and rotary dial phones, novelty gadgets like Instax Mini cameras and Marshall amps, and pop culture memorabilia like posters of Farrah Fawcett on a skateboard. Birkenstock, Vans, Saucony and Puma are all very international, but you’re reminded you’re in Barcelona by that little bar down at the back, leading to a loungey, well-lit terrace. Step out for a chat, some patatas fritas, local craft beer or a cortado. Maybe you’ll read a copy of Fuet Magazine too.

With concept stores easily imported from neighboring continents, it’s good to find one equipped with local nuance.

In an age dominated by social media and online marketing, the step from virtual to physical may seem a bit backward. But if you ask José Miguel Sevilla, owner of the e-shop turned concept store Nuovum, it makes plenty of sense.

The shop has a large wooden shelf shaped like a giant honeycomb that houses special editions from Barcelona-based “upcoming designers.” Try on geometric rings crafted by Alba Casares. Touch the raw wood of Woodamp lamps. Feel the quality of Stüke’s handcrafted garments.

Moreover, the store is located just in front of the lovely café and restaurant Caravelle, so for a bite after hunting for the latest in local designer fashion you only have to cross the street. And if you need more time to think about your purchase, just order online for next day home delivery.

Once a public laundromat, El Lavadero is now the workshop of Venezuelan jeweler Isabel Herrera. From delicate silver bracelets and rings to urban skull and mermaids tail earrings, Herrera creates handcrafted pieces, each made with love and care and truly one of a kind.

Her creations include a range of amulets inspired by devotional scapulars. Made in silver and gold, the amulets are marked with simple hearts, words such as “amor,” “paz” or “magia pura,” or a chosen message. Created in homage to her mother, these understated but charming pieces feel personal and are, like scapulars, a reminder of the important things in life.

Unique and full of personality, make this your next stop for gifts or something to mark that special occasion.

Long before “trashion” became trendy, this Barcelona brand was recycling posters into colorful bags and accessories. Founded in 1999, Demano – a play on words meaning both “I ask for” and “by hand” – was created to give a second life to advertising materials used to promote the city’s cultural events.

Under an agreement with City Hall, Demano recycles PVC posters, as well as other materials like umbrellas and even kites into bags, backpacks, bike bags, cases for mobiles and laptops, wallets and more – creating a stylish use for materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

Demano sells online and through their recently opened shop – a chance to pick up a unique and authentic piece of Barcelona history.

The Born is a buzzing neighborhood perfect for anyone wishing to be surrounded with creativity. My latest find is Mimi Scholer, an über-talented German jeweler who creates and sells her handcrafted work next to the Santa Caterina market.

As I walk into the shop – which is dog friendly and presided by her gorgeous dachs­hund Enzo – I realize I could easily drool over every single piece in her custom jewelry collec­tion. Her use of golden feathers is particularly inspired, specifically in the shape of a statement necklace that quickly catches my eye. She has some reversible fringed pieces, with several shades of colorful strings, morphing into boho chic earrings and bold pendants. I especially like how she combines irregularly shaped mate­rials, resulting in a sort of tribal jewelry.

Mimi Scholer’s work is sold around the world, but her boutique on Carrer de Sant Jacint is also her workshop. She creates her jewelry at the back of her establishment, and is capable of taking orders if you fancy something more exclusive. As with any brand that thrives from natural talent and inspired craftsmanship, Mimi Scholer’s catalog is unique, so beware of copycats that lack her quality and finesse. As I spoke about the business of creativity with her, we agreed that the saying, “you know you’ve made it when they copy you,” eventually becomes true.