The Museum of Design in Barcelona is renewing and expanding one of its most symbolic exhibitions dedicated to the art of dressing with the addition of 12 dresses by 7 new designers to become part of the museum’s collection. Thus the sample “The clothed body. Silhouettes and fashion (1550-2015)” of the curators Teresa Bastardes and Sílvia Ventosa will feature Lydia Delgado, Josep Abril, Teresa Helbig, Krizia Robustella, Miriam Ponsa, Txell Miras, Andrea Ayala, Carlotaoms, La Marthe, Ángel Vilda Celia Vela and Roser Marcé,among other Catalan designers. This re-inauguration took place last Thursday, June 1st and had the support of specialist designers and professionals in the sector.
The exhibition ‘The clothed body. Silhouettes and fashion (1550-2015)’ reviews the history of each era through the different ways of dressing, as governed by moral, social and aesthetic codes of the time. It is well known that fashion imposes canons of beauty and the silhouettes and volumes are modified: nature gives way to artifice. Throughout the last centuries dress has changed proportions and has modified the relation of a person with respect to space and other individuals.
This exhibition specifically reveals how dress modifies the appearance of the body through actions that alternately tend to constrain or liberate it, from the sixteenth century to the present.
Modifying the appearance of the body
The exhibition is structured in how each mode of dress modifies the appearance of the body. The garment:
1. Expands
The dress creates volume via internal structures or via stiff, full fabrics which separate it from the body. The designs widen the figure from the waist to the feet: farthingales, petticoats, crinolines and stowaways or they envelopand widen the silhouette: shawls and capes.
2. Reduces
The dress diminishes the natural forms of the body, especially the chest and waist. In this respect the aim is to constrain the torso with corsets, doublets, fasteners and belts.
3. Lengthens
The dress stretches the image so the body looks taller. The accessories are designed to lengthen the figure: high heels and platforms, hairstyles, hats and dresses with long tails.
4. Profiles
The dress follows the shapes of the body without modifying it. The complements help to mark the silhouette: stockings, gloves, swim-wear and t-shirts of knitwear and elastic fabrics.
5. Uncovers
The dress hints at the silhouette, shows legs and arms and reveals the skin. The garments reveal the figure: transparent fabrics, short dresses, sleeveless and low cut.
The traveling exhibition ‘David Bowie is‘ comes to Barcelona leaving behind a great expectation. This successful and innovative exhibition organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (V & A) can be visited since last Thursday at the Museum of Design in Barcelona. The only statewide centre to host this cultural event which has already received more than 1 and half million visits on their world tour after passing through countries like Canada, Australia, Brazil and Japan.
This is an extensive retrospective on David Bowie and includes a complete audiovisual experience thanks to the use of the most advanced multimedia technology. More than 300 objects are exhibited together: handwritten song lyrics, original costumes, fashion items, photographs, films, music videos, set designs, instruments owned by Bowie himself and album covers on a journey that looks at all stages of this musical icon and its various influences and contributions in the world of 20th century pop culture .
This exhibition consists of material collected over the last five decades by the ‘David Bowie Archive’ and takes a profound look at the music and individualism of the British artist who has inspired other artists by defying conventions and seeking freedom of expression in other disciplines such as fashion, design or contemporary culture where Bowie himself has left a mark on all of them.
Parallel Activities
In addition to the exhibition that will be open to the public until the 25th September, 2017, the city will host during these months several activities related to the famous British artist that encompass different areas of his overwhelming identity. In the musical field we highlight a symphony concert of the OBC taking place on the 13th July in L’Auditori where 65 musicians play on stage some of Bowie’s masterpieces such as ‘Lazarus’, ‘Blackstar’ or ‘Girl Loves Em’. In cinematographic terms, a series of films will be shown where the legendary artist has a prominent role exploring his interpretive facet. Finally, the ‘Bowie Talks’ confabs have also been organized at the UPF Barcelona School of Management. A series of lectures with the participation of prominent figures related to the artist, including the charismatic fashion designer Kansai Yamamoto, BBC documentary filmmaker Francis Whately and the official photographer of several of his world tours, Denis O’Regan, among others.
All information on schedules, activities and spaces can be found on the web that has been enabled for the expected exposure on the versatile figure of David Bowie:www.davidbowieis.es
(Images courtesy of Museu del Disseny de Barcelona)
Local design with its own production and workmanship is once again taking hold in the popular district of Gràcia in Barcelona. The new tenants are two companies very closely associated with Barcelona: Carlotaoms – twice a winner of the National Prize for Emerging Design in the 080 Barcelona Fashion competition .- and the footwear of Les Chausseurs by Lambert Perera, which is joining the designers Elisabet Carlota and Elisenda Oms to share in the same shop-space a professional project which is similar in essence and in its affinities.
Situated in no.11 Calle Planeta the new premises seek to reinforce the claims of Catalan design. “ We really wanted to have a sales-point and this will help us to get to know the tastes and needs of consumers directly by creating an enriching shopping experience”, says the designer Elisabet Carlota. This studio-shop houses the collections from all of Carlotaoms’s seasons, which are characterised by being of limited series, with numbered garments. Comfortable and conceptual designs, pure lines, light-weight fabrics, urban style and discreet prints are some of the keys to the identity of the brand. Hitherto clothes by Carlotaoms has been unisex, although the intention now is to opt exclusively for female clientele: “We are taking our inspiration from the current of Womenomics which emphasises the active rôle of women in the economy as a source of wealth, efficiency and equity”, Elisenda Oms explains.
What will not change is their creative and production strategy, Km 0, in which companies and work-shops in the vicinity of Barcelona participate, thus promoting the local textile industry. Currently the company distribute in Spain and it is present in Paris, Berlin and Seoul. Among its more immediate plans are the expansion to Japan and Canada and the opening of its online shop.
The looks of Carlotaoms are complemented by mens’ and womens’ shoes by Les Chausseurs, which share the same philosophy, based on design, quality and workmanship. Finally the new shop is also conceived of as a cultural area which periodically will serve to link other creative Barcelona talents from various artistic disciplines.
Staying in a hostel is not always synonymous with bunk-beds, shared toilets, food which leaves something to be desired and in general little space for intimacy. In Barcelona you can stay in luxury at competitive prices in places which right down to the last detail spoil those travellers who prefer this type of accommodation yet without sacrificing a smidgeon of comfort. What’s more, if they are aficionados of local customs and cuisine, then what more can they ask for?
One iconic place in the city- situated very close to our workshop – is Casa Gracia, which is considered the first luxury hostel for what it offers in terms of comfort, design, culture and food. It is a place which is integrated into the picturesque district of Gràcia and which stakes a claim for local district tourism as the best way of getting to know the essence of a city.
Casa Gracia has 145 different rooms available, from the most basic to the suites with balconies and patios which look out over the celebrated street Paseo de Gracia. The intention is to be able to welcome all manner of guests, from different countries of origin and with differing purchasing power, people who share the desire to mix with other travellers and to discover local life, far distant from the crowded areas and “beach flip-flops” tourism.
As we mentioned at the beginning, the most interesting facet of this tastefully decorated establishment is its gastro-cultural side, grouping together both tourists who are passing through and residents of Barcelona. It is a meeting- point for establishing conversations, sampling local-produce dishes, setting up informal meetings or simply sipping a large cup of coffee on one of the long sofas. Among the attractions available mention should be made of the bistro La Paisana, the cocktail-bar BIS, the private lounge for dinners Petit Bis or the multi-functional area De Tranquis. What’s more, this area also is a venue for book presentations, exhibitions and conferences open to the public ; recently the fashion dialogues Designer Fashion Experiences, in which we, as patrons, were participants, took place here.
If you are looking for a moment of relaxation, in the basement there is a small spa available to guests, whilst the lounge No Mas Té is an area given over to cultural events and yoga classes.
Just like home, or even better…
Casa Gracia, Designers Fashion Experiences, gratacos, Lifestyle Barcelona
There are transformations that take you by surprise and in the new reconversion there appear spaces with a high cultural and artistic content which until now were unimaginable. This has been the case of the Wer-Haus project situated right in the centre of the Eixample in Barcelona-number 287 Calle Arago, between Pau Claris and Roger de Flor- where previously there was a busy parking-lot.
This loft-type concept store with reminiscences of the multi-functional spaces in New York, London, Berlin or Amsterdam is the work of three founding partners, the Frenchman Jean-Antoine Palagos and Nicola Rossi and the Catalan Marc Miró. They joined together in 2015 to give the impulse to a cultural project where male fashion, contemporary photography, the visual arts and gastronomy which is most typical to Barcelona are all fused together in the most exquisite fashion.
This design atmosphere is immediately evident upon entering. A wide corridor with high ceilings that serve as an art gallery, diaphanous spaces with elements of Nordic design such as the choice of wood and an abundant vegetation, plus details of industrial aesthetic such as iron beams, metallic lamps and a clear pre-eminence of white. All of this whilst preserving original elements such as wide doors and glass structures. The remodelling of the space is a design by the architect Richard Gran and Marta Peinado.
Wer-Haus is divided into two floors. The top floor houses a men’s fashion store with a sporty inspiration, such as Lamaire, Raf Simons, Sunspel, MISBHV and Études Studio. On the ground floor there is a multifunctional space furnished for meetings together with a small bar-restaurant run by Chema Martín Cabeza with a menu based on healthy and fresh local produce. On specific occasions, this exclusive concept store had also hosted occasional presentations and events linked to creativity and the editorial world, all in consonance with the desired target: an audience young in spirit with a love of culture and the arts.
Wer-Haus is without a doubt a space where one can relax and enjoy art, fashion and good food. All that right in the centre of Barcelona.
Jueves 08 septiembre 2016
How do we captivate the soul of an interior designer? In a concept store that reflects its spirit, style and personality. Ultimately, his essence.
Chilean born Jaime Beriestain has achieved it in a shop and a café that have consolidated themselves as emblems in Barcelona. Two warm cosmopolitan spaces that transmit their personal signature. Art, music, interior design, cuisine, flowers, books and aromas come together on these premises. Here, the renowned interior designer shares his passions with his visitors; anecdotes from his trips, conversations about art and music or simply the pleasure of having a drink together. Not for nothing he considers it like his own home. “Here I have on display everything that I would like to have in my own home, but don’t have space. I love welcoming people and everything that it involves: thinking of the menu, going to the market, preparing the table, choosing the tableware, the flowers, the music” assures Beriestain.
Since opening in 2013, Beriestain´s emblematic shop has become a mandatory visit in the City. This 500m2 multipurpose space is becoming increasingly popular and combines a café-restaurant, a cocktail bar, a concept store and a florist.
The Concept Store dedicated to home design encapsulates Jaime Beriestains’ electic tastes. There, we can find furniture and vintage objects together with other more contemporary ones under one harmonious and aesthetical space. There are also handmade objects, especially crockery and collections designed by him himself in rugs, cushions, stationery, document holders and bamboo furniture. “Each concept store shows the spirit of its creator. Mine is the extension of my wishes, everything that I like and that excites me” he explains.
In this multi space, we can also find the interior designers’ Café and Showroom that is located in a sophisticated surrounding that oozes culture. Works of art from his private collection hang on the wall and photographs of his favourite artists such as Peter Halley, Jason Martin or Biosco Sodi, amongst others. Being the good host and gourmet that he is, Berestain also offers his diners traditional cuisines specials, profound tastes that combine with first quality wines and beers. For those who love something sweet, Beriestain also includes an extensive menu of homemade desserts such as chocolate Spheres, the Jaime cake or his famous Cookies.
In short, Jaime Beriestain has come up with a versatile made to measure space, a second home to share his tastes with all the people of Barcelona and make them feel like they are at home. Gratacós completely recommends this place both for its aesthetics and ethics. Have you not visited it yet?
