Coquette
Where? Past the endless queue at the Picasso Museum and beyond some charming cafes, Coquette's sexy window displays enliven a prime corner of up-and-coming neighbourhood El Born, or just 'Born' to those in the know, in the Catalan capital, Barcelona.
Who? The owner, Isabel Gonzalez Campelo, a sultry San Sebastian-born shoe designer, lured her stock trader husband from London to Spain's warmer climes. Unable to find somewhere hip to sell her bespoke creations, she opened Coquette and abandoned her fashion career to bring her favourite designers to the city's fashion racks.
The vibe: doors may not open until 11am, but shoppers are greeted with a sweet wake-up call in the form of delicious, bite-size candies made nearby. The sugar high is ideal for playing dress-up in the sparse, high-ceilinged space, which is lit by an imposing antique chandelier and dotted with the building's original 19th-century columns.
Fashion finds: stock up on Madrid's Hoss Homeless, a collection of streamlined, retro silhouettes, which donates a percentage of sales to the city's homeless. Parisian style makes an appearance with Tara Jarmon skirts, barely there pieces from See by Chloe and Bohemian, travel-savvy separates by Vanessa Bruno. Embroidered dresses from Brazilian newcomer Isabela Capeto make a statement paired with knee-high boots in supple yet sturdy leather by Duccio del Duca or flats from Spanish label Magrit. Finely crafted lambskin handbags by Vincent du Sartel reflect his training at Louis Vuitton and Loewe. For summer there are knit Brazilian bikinis by de Romi.
The crowd: sexy young things wearing this season's espadrilles congregate at Coquette, creating a laidback, house-party ambience. Don't be surprised if one of the owner's fashionable friends wanders in accessorised with the latest lap dog and invites everyone for tapas.
Extras: a second boutique, three times the size of the original, will open later this year in Turo Park, Barcelona's most exclusive enclave.
Coquette, is at Calle Rec 65, Barcelona, Spain.
tel: 34 93 319 2976.
