Streetlife: Carrer dels Canvis Nous
Back in the Middle Ages, this romantic stretch of El Born near the water was where Barcelona’s canvistes (money changers) did their business. Since then, the area has undergone many canvis (changes) of its own and now it’s home to fine leather shops and quirkiest businesses.
Musa Bajo el Arbol. No 1 C/ Consellers.
One look at their collection and the first word that comes to mind is “pop” — not just in terms of color, contrast and shape, but also in culture. The brand seeks to blend art and business with a style that stands out, one in which handmade purses, fanny packs, backpacks and even wallets become the “look” and not just mere accessories. Collaborations with the Fundació Joan Miró and Brain & Beast up the ante with pieces that mix media and have landed Musa in Elle Argentina. Follow them on Instagram at @musabajoelarbol for a peek at their latest offerings.
Dampai Barcelona. No 4.
Born to Spanish parents in Mexico, actress Isabel Piquer has been obsessed with purses since she was a kid. Over the years, her personal stash grew and grew, yet soon enough she became tired of the lack of originality she saw in the market. Until, that is, she discovered Dampaì by the Italian designer Simona Giovannetti. She instantly fell in love with the creative yet smart designs — “perfect for women today!” she says — which is why she’s brought the brand to her own boutique in El Born. The collection blends rubber, silicone, steel, recycled leather and bijoux for a statement-worthy look that pairs fashion and function.
Sevilla Smith. No 7.
It was originally in El Born that Faye Smith once wandered into a small workshop filled with fabulous footwear and convinced its owner, Niccolo, to teach her his craft. Fast forward and now Faye owns a line of custom leather shoes (and other products), which she produces herself as she splits her time between here in Barcelona, home in Philadelphia and traveling around the world. Whereas machine-lasted shoes break the leather fibers and wear out easily, her “handlasted” shoes are nailed at more than 75 points, allowing the leather to fully form to your foot for a beautiful shape and maximum comfort. It’s this tender loving care that explains the high price — that and the other half-dozen special features you can learn more about on her site.
El Flako Corn Flakes & Co. No 8.
Welcome to the new home of Barcelona’s first cereal café (previously located further up in El Born near Sant Pere Més Baix). Customers can create their own bowl from scratch, combining any of El Flako’s 100-plus cereals with 80-plus toppings and various flavored milks. For the indecisive, El Flako also has a menu of constantly changing combinations chosen by the staff to deliver maximum flavor. “We like to think of ourselves as cereal experts,” said employee Nicolás Castán while explaining the rigorous tasting process that goes into crafting each unique mix. They cater to the health-conscious too, with sugar and gluten-free options available, as well as plenty of fresh fruit add-ons.
Lou Lab – Bonnefant. No 15 C/ Agullers.
Louise and Xabi are the minds behind Lou Lab's brand of bags called Bonenfant, which are trimmed and adorned in French-Spanish tradition. Using the finest quality leather, they create handmade elegant, functional, durable and sustainable handbags, belts and other leather goods, while also working with local tanners. Propose your own products for the Lou Lab team to create by choosing from more than 500 skin strips and buckles for a custom bag or belt.