District Design
New York, LA, Paris – Sure, everyone knows these cities are the “it” destinations for design
and fashion. But there are fabulous finds in any city if you’re a chic and savvy girl (or guy) who knows
how and where to look. “DISTRICT DESIGN” is a recurring feature from Luxe & Lucid that highlights
great shopping in the US and beyond sourced by my most stylish friends and colleagues in-the-know.
District Design vol. 2
BARCELONA & MADRID
On the heels of its World Cup win over The Netherlands this past weekend, who better to
feature in District Design than Spain? You couldn't help falling in love with this country upon
viewing the spirit and excitement of its players and fans throughout the finals. Sarah, my oldest
friend from childhood – we started our education together in preschool – has had a lifelong love affair
with Europa Latina. She has lived there since college and married a Spaniard. She is probably more
Spanish than American at this point, but as someone who was raised in the U.S., she never loses her
enthusiasm for her adopted home. In Luxe & Lucid's second installment of District Design, Sarah
will share her favorite sources for fashion and home as a stylish ex-pat in the know. Viva España!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FURNISHINGS RESOURCE?
Two great, high-end resources for the home are ArteEspaña and Becara.
Both have retail locations in Madrid and Barcelona.
Table from ArteEspana and accessories from Becara.
WHAT WAS YOUR LAST STELLAR FIND?
Gold leaf mirrors for our dining room and a gold-flecked frame that instantly jazzed up a lackluster print.
Artwork at Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona c/o La Dolce Vita.
IS THERE A PREFERRED LINEN SHOP IN MADRID?
Yes! The best buy for your money is at Sandra Marquez. It’s a Portuguese chain and
Portuguese textiles are lovely. You can find quality linens – for bath, bed, tabletop – at
great prices. Her sheets have lovely detailing like scalloped edges and hand-embroidery.
They’re soft, don’t need much ironing and last. What more can you ask for?!
HOW DO YOU WORK YOUR FASHION LOOK INTO YOUR HOME?
I like gold accessories and my living room has quite a few little gold accents.
Interior by Estefanía Carrero featured in Spanish AD Nov ’09.
Check out this mag. Every issue blows my mind!
WHAT FASHION DESTINATION CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
That would have to be Zara. They are completely in touch with the pulse of current fashion
and churn out new looks every two weeks, so their store is new every time you walk in. Zara is
known for taking hot looks off the street/runway and getting them into stores in record time. They
mix up their styles and feature limited edition dresses and outfits that are really gorgeous. You can
find your standard work uniform or weekend outfits in a snap. Everything is well-priced, and while it’s
only good for a season or two, it’s great to get up-to-date pieces without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s
one-stop shopping for women (including shoes), men and kids. A great resource for moms on-the-go.
Styles from the Zara Lookbook.
WHAT’S THE BEST KEPT SHOPPING SECRET IN SPAIN?
Boutiques like Hazel for shoes and Bimba & Lola for ready-to-wear clothes and accessories.
Perhaps best of all? Zara’s new upscale shop called Uterque. Check it out – it’s gorgeous!
Shoes from Hazel.
Spirited and coloful clothes and accessories from Bimba & Lola.
Handbags from Uterqüe.
* LUXE & LUCID PICKS FOR BARCELONA & MADRID *
Sarah and I are part of a group of longtime girlfriends in Minnesota (a.k.a. “the nine”).
Our friendships span 30+ years and we get together annually so that we stay on top of the
many changes we all go through and to keep our relationships au courant. We pick a new
spot each year, and with our fortieth birthdays looming on the horizon (yikes!), we’ve decided
to do it up with a trip to Spain. Sarah will, of course, provide us with many to-do’s and must-
sees for our little adventure. But in true Tricia-style, I’ve started compiling a list of Luxe &
Lucid worthy pit-stops. See some of my recent finds below. And feel free to send me your
own recommendations. I would love to hear from you!
HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
– The Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona –
Designed by the incredibly talented Lázaro Rosa-Violán.
Patrons have included Joan Miró, Salman Rushdie and François Mitterand … must be good!
– Bar Marsella –
Some of my artistic heroes – Dalí, Hemingway, Gaudí and Picasso – used to frequent this
Barcelona bar. And they serve absinthe. A sexy, mysterious spirit I’ve been enjoying lately.
– The Hotel Ritz Madrid –
Dining on the Terrace with views across the garden of the Prado Museum.
MUSEUMS
- Museo del Prado –
Glorious garden, magnificent architecture and a stellar collection of works.
– The Museu Picasso, Barcelona –
The Wait (Margot), 1901.
- Museo Reina Sofia, Madrid –
Hombre con Pipa, 1925
Joan Miró
Guernica, 1937
Pablo Picasso's masterpiece
More to come as I troll blogs and poll my friends for the best resources España.
… and check out District Design vol. 1 from November 09.
Tricia xo
