In recent years, retro fashion has exploded in many of Barcelona’s trendier districts and rich pickings are available at the excellent range of vintage and antiques stores.
One of the most exciting is the second-hand Aladdin’s cave, Meubles Ram, which has been recently recommended by both Conde Nast Traveller and The Guardian.
Situated not far from the Els Encants market, this haven for bric-a-brac lovers is piled high with retro furniture, handbags, wicker baskets, mirrors, 1960s advertising paraphernalia, 1970s leather sofas and theatrical costumes. Extravagant lampshades sit alongside ancient electronic equipment while lights swing from overhead beams. Meubles Ram was originally intended for the film and theatre industries but has soared in popularity among the general public. Find it at Calle Cartagena 164, +34 93 232 08 05
Another paradise for a la mode vintage lovers is Le Swing, situated in the super-trendy Born neighbourhood. With an excellent website and online store, Le Swing is bursting with vintage gems from the fashion world. Decadent glamour abounds here with designer outfits and shoes from every decade of the 20th Century. Fashion accessories including 80s sunglasses and vintage designer handbags are available at Le Swing’s sister store, Blow by Le Swing.
Carrer del Rec 16, +34 93 310 1449; Blow by Le Swing, Bonair 6, +34 93 302 3698
For a huge range of additional retro clothes boutiques, visit Barcelona’s Carrer Riera Baixa, the new centre of vintage chic. Try Holala for nineties gear and leather jackets or, for the sixties, choose Mies and Felj. At number 20 is LaiLo, which has a huge range of upmarket tailored products from all decades of the 20th Century either to buy or to hire. Carrer Riera Baixa is easily accessed from the Liceu metro station.
Our last stop for vintage fanatics must be La Fira Bar. Located near Hospital Clinic metro station, this celebrated bar recreates a circus atmosphere with a huge array of vintage objects saved from the Tibidabo funfair. Complete with distorting mirrors, roundabouts, old circus posters and rocking horses, this fairytale bar serves cocktails in old dodgem cars. Carrer Provenza 171, +34 93 978 1096.
