Contemporary cultural is a melting pot of lifestyles, each expressed through its own characteristic fashion, music and activities. As any fan will tell you, vintage is more than dressing up in second hand clothes. Vintage is a celebration of timeless quality, a return to the originality that predates mass produced high street fashion, ecologically sound choices, all usually accompanied by a funky soundtrack.
Barcelona’s Vintage Scene
Retro City was one of the first vintage clothing shops to open in Barcelona, twelve years ago. After a brief stint in Gràcia they moved to the Raval.
Owner Paul Morot first came to Barcelona for the Primavera Sound festival, took one glance at what people were wearing, dug the vibe and decided to stay. “The vintage scene has become so much bigger now, and a lot more commercialized,” he shares.
More at home in the currents of the underground, he’s now moving his vintage stock to Lisbon to set up shop there and promote the Reverence Valada music festival.
Carrer Tallers – Barcelona Vintage Hotspots
This hip street that connects La Rambla with Plaça Universitat is back-to-back with alternative shops, and one of the natural homes of vintage.
Holala Ibiza is a treasure trove of Balearic vibes and bright colours. You’ll find plenty of Hawaiian shirts, big belts and summery floral prints. (Tallers 73)
As its name suggests, Vintage Kilo sell clothing and accessories by the kilo. Shirts,dresses and cotton skirts weigh in at around 5€-7€ each, and chunkier items such as shoes, military gear and jumpers are about 15€ each. (Tallers 31)
Retro City has an impressive selection of vintage boots, jackets and coats. It’s changing ownership, but its reputation as a vintage mecca looks set to continue. (Tallers 23)
Vintage Treasures in Carrer Riera Baixa
Also in the Raval, a retro theme permeates this entire street, with record shops, chill-out cafés and a hairdresser that specializes in throwback looks. On Saturdays the shops often spill out onto the street creating an open-air market.
Taller Antic is an authentically modern store. It’s a place to go to snap up some cool vintage jewellery, brooches, necklaces, frames, perfume bottles, household ornaments and anything else that’ll take you back in time. There is a shop in the district of El Born, near the Picasso museum, and another one outside Barcelona in the nearby town of Sitges, perfect for a day trip pitstop!
(El Born: Carrer de la Princesa, 14)
(Sitges: in front of the Cau Ferrat museum)
At Colette Barcelona, you can find handmade pieces of vintage jewellery and items made of lace for that feminine touch. The products are acquired from different parts of the world to add to the intrigue. This is a perfect shop if you’re looking for something a little different to add to an outfit.
(Carrer de les Panses, 5)
Vintage Markets in Barcelona
An increasing number of pop-up markets appear each month with their bubbly vendors, DJs and interventions, special promotions and a fun, relaxed atmosphere where you can shop to your heart’s content or simply hang out.
Two Market at Ovella Negra de Poblenou, C/ Zamora 78 . Entry is 1€ and everything can be bought for1€! Arrive early to snap up some incredible bargains.
Barcelona Vintage Market hosts over 200 stalls selling bric-a-brac and second hand items at the Estación de Francia. You’ll find everything from clothes, books and music to household objects, furniture and random junk
Flea Market Barcelona roll out several editions of their famous gathering at Plaza Blanquerna, behind the Maritime Museum in Drassanes.
Lost and Found is one of the biggest vintage dates in the Barcelona calendar.
And of course, there are always plenty of vintage finds at Barcelona’s biggest permanent flea market Els Encants Vells in Glòries.
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