Walking in to the Pertegaz exhibit last month at Palau Robert, which played tribute to his long-standing career in the fashion world, was like walking into another time. Soft jazz music was playing; one room was framed by huge blown-up black and white photos of Barcelona in the 60’s: women walking in the “newest” fashion trends, cars passing, men crossing the streets in a downpour with umbrellas; this one reminded me of Degas’ paintings.

Two large rooms were lined by the designer’s creations from the early 60’s to the present. There were mostly dresses, but also hats, one designed as far back as 1947, stunning jewelry, and even shoes with rubies and turquoise. There were all styles of dresses from the classic cuts of the 60’s to the more geometrical shapes and patterns of the 70’s, the exaggerated shoulder pads of the 80’s, and the more modern cuts of the 90’s and today. Coats, suits, evening gowns, and wedding dresses: some long, some mini, in blacks, creams, reds, and greens with polka dots, sequins, beads, bows, feathers, and lace made out of wool, taffeta, silk, velvet, and chiffon: an extraordinary visual treat.