Last updated on October 22, 2019
The very best vintage shops and independent boutiques for debonaire dandies and fashion-forward quaintrelles in Barcelona.
Holala! (Raval) ~ Vintage Fashion and Furniture
Probably the most famous vintage shop in Barcelona, and definitely my favourite, the team at Holala! have over 40 years of experience in sourcing and retailing top quality vintage pieces from Europe, USA and also Japan.
With a slogan that says, “Unique clothing for unique people”, they stock everything from vintage clothing and accessories to antique furniture, skate and surf paraphernalia and video games. They even had an old Pac-man arcade game in-store last time I visited. Holala! has garnered an impressive list of A-list customers, and can boast big names such as Elton John and Kate Moss as customers.
Address: Carrer Valldonzella, 6, Raval, 08003
Nearest metro: Universitat (Red or Purple Line)
Le Clinique (Born) ~ Premium Vintage Eyewear
With its chunky wooden display units, minimalist lighting and colour pops of pistachio, this retro emporium feels more like a billionaire’s private fashion collection than a store. And indeed it is more than just a store.
When Ben and Manu followed their dream of opening a high-end vintage boutique, they did so with the intention of celebrating not only the pieces that they were selling, but also the history and lifestyle that surrounded them. When you meet them you can tell that this place is not just their work, but also their life and soul.
And although they currently stock everything from vintage clothing and classic footwear to chic collectables and timeless accessories, it’s their selection of high-end vintage eyewear that has propelled the store to “legendary” status. Pop in to say hello and leave with a whole new perspective.
Address: Carrer Mirallers, 7, Born, 08003
Nearest Metro: Jaume I (Yellow Line)
Lullaby Vintage Store (Raval) ~ European Chic
Joan and Africa fell in love. First with vintage fashion and then with each other. And when they both lost their jobs, they decided it was the perfect time to follow their dream of opening their own boutique. And thank the heavens that they did, because Lullaby has made high end vintage wear not only attainable, but also affordable.
Located on the legendary Riera Baixa “Vintage Street”, they stock both men and women’s fashion, as well as a particularly covetable collection of designer handbags and sunglasses sourced from iconic cities like Paris, Milan, Rome and the likes. But like so many life-changing shopping experiences, it’s Joan and Africa passion for helping their customers achieve their desired look that makes shopping at Lullaby such a joy.
Take a deep breath, say hello, and let them take care of the rest.
Address: Carrer de la Riera Baixa, 22, Raval, 08001
Nearest Metro: Liceu (Green line)
Blow by Le Swing (Born) ~ Iconic Brands, Luxe Vintage
More of an institution than a shop, Blow has been blazing up the city’s vintage fashion scene since its first day of trade. The emphasis is placed very much on the quality of the stock, with two floors of both secondhand and never worn goodness from iconic brands such as Pertegaz, Christian Dior, Hermès and Pucci.
Make no mistake, this is genuine luxe vintage and nothing but the very best makes it on to these racks. It’s also famed for its particularly juicy array of high-end Parisian jewellery and sultry selection of sunglasses, bags and shoes. But when all’s said and done, it’s the fashion forward staff that make it such a pleasure to shop here; even the most reserved of fashionistas can achieve a look of timeless sophistication with their help and guidance. You’ll never be the same again.
Address: Carrer del Rec 16, Born, 08003
Nearest Metro: Jaume I (Yellow Line)
Loisada (Born) ~ Sounds and Styles of the Past
Modern dandies and chic quaintrelles rejoice, because this heavy-weight vintage store stocks a superlative selection of both men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories.
But this is no run of the mill vintage boutique: owner Enrique Vivas is equally as passionate about music as he is about fashion and you’ll find the sweetest sounds from the 50s and 60s and 70s here, as well as relic turntables and genuine vintage sound systems. There’s even homeware and a smattering of random retro paraphernalia that will transform your home in ways Ikea could never dream of. In fact, a trip to Loisada (which by the way is the “Spanglish” name for New York’s iconic Lower East Side neighbourhood) is more a voyage of discovery than a shopping experience. Ready for an adventure?
Address: Carrer de Flassaders, 42, Born, 08003
Nearest Metro: Jaume I (Yellow line)
Ladyloquita (Gracia) ~ Local Designers
Small but sensationally formed, Ladyloquita promotes local fashion designers, such as Judith Bel and Paola Sommella, and offers vintage fashionistas the chance to purchase gorgeous “made in Barcelona” garments without blowing the entire holiday budget.
Limited collections offer everything your heart could possibly desire, from skinny jeans and strappy tops to elegant summer dresses for balmy nights out by the beach. What’s more, the retro-chic jewellery, handbags and shoes will also have you questioning what you might possibly be able to abandon to make space in your suitcase.
And with its elegant setting – the building dates back to 1866 – complete with low beamed ceilings and colourful ceramic flooring, this is a thoroughbred Gràcia shopping experience.
Address: Travessera de Gràcia, 126, Gracia, 08012
Nearest Metro: Fontana (Green line)
Apres Ski (Born) ~ Luxury Bags and Upcycled Jewellery
For those with a taste for the more decadent things in life, it would be a sin to miss this scintillating showroom and retail space. The result of an alliance between luxury bag designer Carlolina Iriarte of Iriarte Iriarte and nature-inspired jewellery artist Lucia Vergara of Après Ski, this is your one stop shop for “made in Barcelona” souvenirs you can really shout about.
Lucia Vergara crafts her jewellery pieces from vintage materials, allowing flora and fauna, geometry and the cosmos to influence her whimsical and often eccentric designs. Carolina Iriarte handcrafts her satin and goatskin-lined bags in her two local studios using antique tools and vegetable-tanned Spanish leather to create timeless pieces that get only better with age. An undeniable display of enlightened design and craftsmanship, this is Born shopping at its best. If only I were a woman.
Address: Carrer Vigatans, 11, Born, 08003
Nearest Metro: Jaume I (Yellow Line)
Oscar H Grand ~ Men’s Bespoke Tailoring and Prêt-à-Porter Collections
Slip out of your slacks and prepare to be measured, fitted and style into shape by Mr. Grand and his masterful associates. Yes, I’m talking to you, you debonair devil, you – it’s time for made-to-measure tailoring and sumptuous fabrics so slick you’ll never want to wear anything else.
And don’t worry if you’re not in town for long enough to get fitted for the full works – tailored suits take between 3 and 8 weeks to perfect – you can still cut a dash in plush shirts, trousers, jackets and raincoats from the prêt-à-porter collection. And if, like me, you require a little assistance in the styling department, fret not, for Oscar distinguishes himself by offering first-class personalised customer service, just like they did back in the good ol’ days. You won’t recognise yourself.
Address: Carrer de la Barra de Ferro, 7, Born, 08003
Nearest Metro: Jaume I (Yellow Line)
Zoen (Gotico) ~ Luxury Leather Bags, Belts and Wallets
When I invest my hard-earned cash into a luxury product, I want to know exactly where it came from and who made it. Admittedly, this is rarely possible in today’s throw-away society, but as long as there are companies like Zoen around, one need not lose hope.
Drop by this old-worldly atelier and retail space and you’ll find designers and artisans Rafael Falcon and Lorena Perez cutting, patching and sewing their luxury leather items right before your very eyes. With stunning designs for both men and women, their purses, wallets, belts and luxury luggage pieces are not only crafted to look pretty, but also to withstand the rigours of time. So if you’re looking for a souvenir that will keep you (and your successors) smiling for a lifetime, be sure to pay a visit.
Address: Carrer de Sant Domènec del Call, 15, Gotico, 08002
Nearest Metro: Liceu (Green line)
Cuervo Cobblerblack Bird (Gracia) ~ Luxury Handmade Shoes
This traditional atelier is a quiet and modest little space that transports its visitors back to the days when craftsmen were celebrated like rockstars. Master shoemakers muse away whilst you peruse the handsome selection of classic footwear, with buttery soft materials, timeless designs and precision stitching come together to create elegant shoes for both men and women. It really is a sight to behold and a breath of fresh air in today’s mass production fashion world. Even if you’re only window shopping, this is a rewarding religious experience for shoe worshippers.
Address: Carrer de Sèneca, 2, Gracia, 08006
Nearest Metro: Diagonal (Blue or green line)
Lydia Delgado (Gracia) ~ Ballerina Boutique
Perhaps it was her early days as a ballerina that helped Lydia Delgado cultivate such finesse, precision and perfection in her later life as a fashion designer. And with her timeless Parisian-chic couture gracing catwalks across Europe for the last two decades, you’d be forgiven for thinking that things couldn’t get much better for Lydia Delgado.
Indeed, she seems to have the midas touch. But the truth is, she’s never been more fortunate than she is right now. Joining forces with her daughter Miranda Makaroff, whose feminine designs include finely knit sweaters, pleated skirts and sleeveless dresses, this exquisite Gràcia boutique continues its reign as one of the hottest boutiques in Europe.
Address: Carrer de Sèneca, 28, Gracia 08006
Nearest Metro: Diagonal (Blue or green line)
Boo ~ Classic European Brands for Men and Women
A range of European brands for both men and women, including La Paz from Portugal, Med Winds from Spain, Norse Projects from Denmark, and YMC from the UK. And these are all sterling brands, brands with interesting stories behind them. Brands you need in your life.
Address: Carrer Bonavista, 2, Gracia 08012 Barcelona
Nearest Metro: Diagonal (Blue or green line)
GreenLifeStyle (Gracia) ~ Handpicked Sustainable Items from European Designers
I’ve wanted to save the world for as long as I can remember. I even remember stickers on my school bag encouraging people to boycott a certain fuel company and wearing hemp clothes that felt like they were made of wire wool.
But it seems the world of eco-friendly fashion has moved on quite a bit since the days of my teenage angst, which, as MJ would have said, is good news “for you and for me and the entire human race”.
Owner Carolina handpicks ethical, sustainable and environmentally friendly items from European designers that use sumptuous materials such as alpaca, merino wool and cashmere, all of which are sourced and produced ethically and traded fairly. Shop here and help heal the world.
Address: Carrer del Torrent de l’Olla, 95, Gracia, 08012
Nearest Metro: Fontana (Green line)
The Avant (Eixample) ~ Clothing and More Perfected with Plush Fabrics
Drawing on a cherry-picked selection of quality silk, cotton, alpaca and mohair, Barcelona designer Silvia Garcia Presas creates distinctive yet timeless pieces that are so comfortable you could sleep in them. Elegant streetwear, sophisticated evening attire and chunky knitwear — it’s all here.
As a master seamstress with a meticulous eye for detail, Presas is renowned for dyeing her designs in her own colour baths, resulting in incredibly bold and vibrant tones. Apart from the spectacular clothing collection, there’s also a room hidden out back stocked with equally as beautiful housewares that she finds on her jaunts across the globe. From ceramics and cushions to natural cosmetics and jewellery, these objects, both functional and decorative, can transform the most mundane of activities into joy-inducing acts.
Address: Carrer d’Enric Granados, 106, Eixample, 08008
Nearest Metro: Diagonal (Blue or green line)
I’m very proud to say that I wrote this for The HUNT Guides’ Barcelona edition – buy it now at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com and get even more of my exclusive insider recommendations.
