Santa Eulalia: Espíritu de mujer

One doesn’t expect to see a fashion exhibit in a store on Paseo de Gracia, but that’s exactly what’s happening at Barcelona’s long-standing store, Santa Eulalia, from the 10th of March to the 15th of April. The exhibit’s impetus is the inauguration of a new luxury prêt-a-porter section for women featuring renowned international designers such as Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Lanvin, Etro, Narciso Rodriguez, Jimmy Choo, and Versace.

The store windows invite you in with a lovely collection of Balenciaga and Lanvin pieces displayed on a bed of red rose petals. Once inside, however, you may get a bit confused since it’s the men’s section, but as you walk up the beautifully carved wooden staircase into the women’s section, the exhibit begins: Santa Eulalia: The Spirit of Woman: an Anthology of Haute Couture: 1926 to 1999. It exudes simplicity and elegance at its best, reflecting the store’s consistent style and grace, and highlights key moments of creativity and splendor in Barcelona’s haute couture when some of Europe’s most elegant women traveled here to have dresses custom-made by famous designers: Pedro Formosa, Juan Serra, Jorge Olesti and Pedro Morales, making Eulalia a symbol of “modern living” for the Spanish bourgeoisie.

The main hallway features a chronology of Santa Eulalia’s history from its inception, and although a small exhibit, it’s so tastefully done that it’s definitely worth a visit. Dresses in organdy, silk, and lace from the 60’s, stunning velvet capes, amazingly elegant and sensual black cocktail dresses in silk, crepe, and taffeta in different styles and from different eras but that any women today would be thrilled to wear. There are also fabulous long evening dresses with precious stones and crystals, an electric blue taffeta and organdy dress, another light pink strapless dress with silver brocade, not to mention a striking pale blue robe with pearls and precious stones around the cuffs… but how could anyone have worn it around the house? A small dressing room is also re-created to look like a designer’s studio complete with sketches, needles, magazines, and a working garment.

Another area highlights a lovely collection of photos dating back to the 30’s, depicting the store as it once was; famous Catalan bourgeoisie weddings featuring the store’s magnificent gowns, and top models of past eras. In the background, soft jazz music is intertwined with a series of radio clips and an excellent video featuring the store’s most important historical moments.

More information:

Santa Eulalia: Espíritu de mujer
Paseo de Gracia 93
Barcelona

March 10 - April 15, 2006

Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 20:30h, Free entrance

This item submitted by: Marta Wendlinger, One 2 One Fashion